As a cultural and geopolitical expert with a focus on global development and international relations, I often engage in discussions that involve the classification of countries based on their economic and social development. The term "third world country" is a historical and somewhat outdated concept that originated during the Cold War to describe countries that were not aligned with either the capitalist First World (the United States and its allies) or the communist Second World (the Soviet Union and its allies). It has since evolved to be used colloquially to refer to countries with lower levels of economic development and human development indicators.

Swaziland, now known as Eswatini, is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa. It has undergone significant changes in recent years, including a name change to distinguish itself from Switzerland and to reflect its cultural heritage. Eswatini is indeed a developing country with a small economy, which is evident from its GDP per capita of $9,714, placing it in the lower-middle income category according to the World Bank's classification.

However, the classification of a country as a "third world" is not a term used by international organizations or in formal economic discourse today. Instead, there are more nuanced and specific ways to describe a country's level of development. For instance, the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) measures countries based on life expectancy, education, and income, providing a more comprehensive view of a nation's development status.

Eswatini, as a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations, actively participates in regional and global initiatives aimed at improving its development indicators. This membership indicates a commitment to international cooperation and development, which is a key aspect of modernizing economies and improving the well-being of citizens.

It is also important to consider the social and political context of a country when discussing its development. Eswatini has made strides in areas such as healthcare and education, but it also faces challenges like high rates of HIV/AIDS and political unrest. These factors can significantly impact a country's development trajectory.

In conclusion, while Eswatini may have characteristics that were once associated with the term "third world country," it is more accurate and constructive to discuss its development status in terms of its current economic indicators, social progress, and international engagement. The term "third world" is not a classification used by international bodies today and does not reflect the complexity and potential for growth that exists within developing nations like Eswatini.

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Swaziland is a developing country with a small economy. With a GDP per capita of $9,714, it is classified as a country with a lower-middle income. ... Swaziland is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.read more >>