Lesotho

Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho and formerly known as Basutoland, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is surrounded by South Africa and is the largest of only three sovereign enclaves in the world. Lesotho is located in the Maloti Mountains and has the highest peak in southern Africa. The country covers an area of over 30,000 km² and has a population of about 2.3 million people. Its capital and largest city is Maseru.

Lesotho was formed in 1824 by King Moshoeshoe I. Due to pressures from Dutch settlers, the King made an agreement with the United Kingdom to become a protectorate in 1868 and later a crown colony in 1884. The country achieved independence in 1966. After a period of military rule, constitutional government was restored in 1993. King Moshoeshoe II was exiled in 1990 but returned in 1992 and was reinstated in 1995. He passed away in 1996, and his son, Letsie III, became king and still rules today.

The Sotho ethnic group, also known as Basotho, makes up most of the population. Their native language, Sesotho, is an official language along with English, IsiXhosa, and SiPhuthi. Lesotho is a member of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth of Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community.

History

Main article: History of Lesotho

Basutoland started as a group led by King Moshoeshoe I in 1822. Moshoeshoe brought his people together to stay safe. He worked with others to learn new skills and make friends.

Later, others tried to take the land. Moshoeshoe made agreements to protect his people. In 1868, he asked the British for help, and Basutoland became a place where Britain helped but did not fully control.

In 1966, Basutoland became independent and changed its name to the Kingdom of Lesotho. Leaders changed many times after that. In 1970, an election did not go as planned.

In 2025, Lesotho had big money problems when the United States changed trading rules. Many factories closed, and many people lost their jobs. The government had to take special steps to help the country.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Lesotho

Lesotho is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The prime minister, currently Sam Matekane, is the head of government and has executive authority. The King of Lesotho, Letsie III, is the head of state and serves a ceremonial role.

The Revolution for Prosperity leads a coalition government in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament. The upper house, the Senate, has 22 principal chiefs and 11 appointees of the king.

The constitution provides for an independent judicial system, with the High Court, the Court of Appeal, Magistrate's Courts, and traditional courts. The constitution protects some civil liberties, including freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of the press, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of religion.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Lesotho

Lesotho is a member of regional groups like the SADC and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). It is active in the United Nations (UN), the AU, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Commonwealth, and other international groups.

Lesotho has ties with the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and other Western states. It has relations with China, Taiwan, and the State of Palestine. It was a public opponent of apartheid in South Africa.

Defence and law enforcement

The Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) works to keep peace and protect Lesotho. The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) keeps order and prevents crime. The LMPS has special units for different types of crime.

The Lesotho National Security Service (LNSS) protects national security. It reports directly to the Government.

Law

The Constitution of Lesotho sets the rules for the country. Lesotho has a mixed legal system with both general laws and customary law. Customary law comes from the traditions of the Basotho people.

Districts

Main article: Districts of Lesotho

Lesotho is divided into 10 districts. Each district has its own capital, called a camptown. The districts are:

• Berea
• Butha-Buthe
• Leribe
• Mafeteng
• Maseru
• Mohale's Hoek
• Mokhotlong
• Qacha's Nek
• Quthing
• Thaba-Tseka

The districts are divided into 80 constituencies, which have 129 local community councils.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Lesotho

Lesotho is a small country in Southern Africa. It is completely surrounded by South Africa. It covers an area of 30,355 km². Lesotho is special because it is the only country in the world that is entirely above 1,000 metres in height. This makes its lowest point the highest of any country on Earth. Most of Lesotho is made up of mountains. Over 80% of the land sits above 1,800 metres.

Main article: Climate of Lesotho

Because of its height, Lesotho has cooler temperatures than other places at the same distance from the equator. The country gets most of its rain during the summer months, often in thunderstorms. Summers can get warm, but winters can be very cold. In the highlands, snow is common. The amount of rain can vary a lot from place to place and year to year.

Main article: Wildlife of Lesotho

See also: Category:Environment of Lesotho

Lesotho is home to many different birds, reptiles, and mammals. The country's plants are adapted to its mountainous environment. There are special gardens where many important plants are kept safe.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Lesotho

Lesotho's economy depends on farming, raising animals, making goods, and mining. Many people work on farms or with animals, which is important for their money. The country also makes clothes and other products, and it has mines with valuable stones.

Lesotho sells its products to other countries, especially the United States, where many big stores buy things made there. This has created many jobs, but it can be hard to keep those jobs because of competition from other places. The country also earns money from selling water and valuable stones, which helps its economy. However, changes in the world economy can make it harder for Lesotho to grow and keep people working.

Demographics

See also: Demographics of Lesotho

Lesotho has about 2.3 million people. Most people live in villages, and only a few live in cities. Most people are between 15 and 64 years old.

Ethnic groups and languages

Main article: Languages of Lesotho

Most people in Lesotho are Basotho, a group that speaks a Bantu language. Almost all people are Basotho. Only a small number are from other groups like Europeans, Asians, and Xhosa.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Lesotho

Most people in Lesotho believe in Christianity. Many are Catholics, and others are Protestants, Pentecostals, or Anglicans. A smaller number follow other religions or none at all.

Education and literacy

Main article: Education in Lesotho

Lesotho has good reading skills for many people, especially women. The government works to make school free for young children. Some people also use the internet to learn more.

Health

Main article: Health in Lesotho

Lesotho faces health challenges. The country works to support people with disabilities in getting education, healthcare, and jobs.

Violence against women

Main article: Women in Lesotho

Lesotho works to support equal rights for women and men. The country continues to improve how it supports women’s rights and safety.

Sport and culture

See also: Music of Lesotho and List of African writers by country § Lesotho

The cuisine of Lesotho mixes African traditions with British influences. The national dish is Motoho, a fermented sorghum porridge. Common foods include pap, or 'mealies', a cornmeal porridge served with vegetable sauces. People enjoy tea and locally made beer.

Lesotho's traditional clothing features the Basotho blanket. The main maker of these blankets is Aranda.

British influence can still be seen in old trading posts from long ago in villages like Roma and Malealea. Beautiful San rock art can be found in the mountains.

The Morija Arts & Cultural Festival happens every year in Morija.

The Basotho pony helps with travel and farming.

The most popular sport in Lesotho is football.

Film and media

Ryan Coogler, the director of Black Panther, said his vision of Wakanda was inspired by Lesotho. Because of the film, Basotho blankets became more well-known around the world.

In November 2020, This Is Not a Burial, It's a Resurrection became the first film from Lesotho to be entered for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.