Overview of Lesotho

Profile

Lesotho is a mountainous nation where the entire territory exceeds 1,400m in elevation, called the "roof of southern Africa." Rich water resources are utilized, with giant dams exporting water and electricity, along with the textile industry supporting the economy. Official languages are Sesotho and English, and while it boasts a high literacy rate, it faces health challenges from persistently high HIV/AIDS infection rates. Under the constitutional monarchy with King Letsie III, elections are held under a parliamentary system. The largest trading partner in Africa is the neighboring Republic of South Africa, and the currency loti is equivalent to the rand. Natural activities such as trekking in the highlands and one of Africa's premier ski resorts are attracting attention.

Official name: Kingdom of Lesotho
Common name: Lesotho
Numeric code: 426
Alpha-3 code: LSO
Alpha-2 code: LS
Population: Approximately 2.3 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 73 people/km2
Primary languages: Sesotho, English
Major religions: Christianity (Protestant and Catholic)
National anthem: Lesotho Fatše La Bo-ntat'a Rona (Lesotho, Land of Our Fathers)
Calling code: +266
Internet TLD: .ls

History

The Basotho Kingdom unified by Moshoeshoe I became a British protectorate in 1868 and gained independence on October 4, 1966, becoming the Kingdom of Lesotho.

In the early 19th century, Moshoeshoe I united the Basotho fleeing the Mfecane upheaval and formed a kingdom based at Thaba Bosiu. After conflicts with the Boers, it became the British protectorate "Basutoland" in 1868, leaving only the mountainous region. Demands for autonomy grew from the early 1900s, leading to independence in 1966. Subsequently, military coups and coalition collapses led to political instability, but democratization progressed from the 1990s. After mediation by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the electoral system was reorganized, and now a relatively stable parliamentary system is maintained.

Geography & climate

The territory consists of the Drakensberg and Maloti mountain ranges forming highlands. Deep valleys and green grasslands extend, with concentrated river headwaters.

Highland temperate climate (summer rain, winter dry)

Area: Africa / 30355 km²
Capital: Maseru
Largest city: Maseru
Coastal status: No
Bordering countries: Republic of South Africa

Natural resources

Water resources, Diamonds, Wool, Mohair, Wind power, Solar power, Alpine medicinal herbs, Tourism scenery, Clean air, Vast highland grasslands, Stone, River fish, Deep valleys, Abundant sunlight

Politics

Government: Constitutional Monarchy (Parliamentary system)

Economy

Currency: Loti (LSL)

GDP (nominal): 2.43 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 7.54 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Sesotho, English

Time zone: South Africa Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Basotho (Sotho), Zulu minority, San minority, Asian minority, European minority

Life expectancy

Approximately 55 years (2021)

Literacy rate

79.4% (2019)

National sports

Soccer, Long-distance running, Horse riding (pony sports), Rugby, Skiing, Cricket