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Lesotho
Africa
A landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho is mountainous and known as the "Kingdom in the Sky."
2,300,000
Population
30,355
Area (km²)
Maseru
Capital
30
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
30 Events
September 17, 2025 - The IMF releases its full 2025 Article IV report, urging diversification beyond government-led growth to combat structural challenges.
September 16, 2025 - 1,600 villagers in Mokhotlong file a complaint with the African Development Bank over damages and forced relocations from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
September 01, 2025 - Veteran dancer Tlholohelo Nthejane announces retirement after two decades, marking a cultural milestone.
August 13, 2025 - The government gazettes the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution Act, the first of three reforms to address security, judiciary, and media issues.
July 28, 2025 - Uncertainty over paused US tariffs leads to massive layoffs in the textile industry, worsening economic woes.
July 10, 2025 - The government declares a two-year national state of disaster over unemployment spikes linked to the tariffs.
July 09, 2025 - Lesotho faces heightened economic pressure from the new US tariffs, exacerbating job losses in exports.
July 07, 2025 - The IMF completes its Article IV mission, noting persistent low growth, high unemployment, and poverty despite fiscal surpluses from SACU revenues.
June 21, 2025 - A bus from Maputsoe to Maseru crashes into a multi-vehicle pile-up, killing 11 and injuring 12.
June 03, 2025 - BBC reports on an alleged crime kingpin who escaped custody while awaiting trial, highlighting ongoing security challenges.
May 28, 2025 - The US-funded Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises in the Poultry Sector (STEPS) project shuts down after supporting local agribusiness.
April 16, 2025 - The National University of Lesotho hosts World Health Day commemorations, focusing on health equity and community engagement.
April 02, 2025 - The United States imposes a 50% tariff on Lesotho imports—the highest among affected countries—due to its trade surplus, severely impacting the textile sector.
March 01, 2025 - Headline inflation drops to 4.2% from 5.2% in September 2024, aided by lower fuel and food prices and a stronger South African rand.
December 31, 2024 - Throughout the year: "Operation Hard Fist" launches against rising gun violence, but faces criticism for human rights abuses; economy grows 2.3%, supported by SACU revenues and water royalties, though apparel exports decline.
November 14, 2024 - Lesotho is granted full membership status by World Rugby, enhancing its international sports profile.
November 13, 2024 - The 6th SADC Groundwater Management Conference convenes in Maseru, addressing regional water technology and governance.
November 09, 2024 - Lesotho Pride 2024 event takes place in Maseru, promoting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
July 26, 2024 - At the Paris Summer Olympics, marathoner Tebello Ramakongoana sets a national record and finishes 7th; taekwondo athlete Michelle Tau is eliminated in the first round.
July 24, 2024 - Popular singer-songwriter Malome Vector dies in a car accident, mourning a key figure in Lesotho's music scene.
June 26, 2024 - The IMF's Article IV mission concludes, projecting 2.7% growth for FY24/25 driven by construction from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II, with inflation easing to 7.1% in April from a January peak of 8.2%.
May 01, 2024 - The government invokes the Internal Security Act, bans 12 Famo music groups linked to deadly gang rivalries, and deploys the Lesotho Defence Force to curb violence.
March 01, 2024 - The Office of the Ombudsperson releases findings that at least 300 detainees at Maseru Correctional Centre were tortured by correctional services officers, prompting calls for accountability.
February 18, 2024 - Maseru hosts the first Annual General Meeting of the African Association of Accountants General, focusing on public financial management and governance over five days.
February 02, 2024 - Lesotho participates in the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, with one swimmer but wins no medals.
December 31, 2023 - Throughout the year: Human rights concerns escalate with reports of arbitrary killings, torture, and degrading treatment by security forces; the economy contracts amid global pressures, with inflation at around 5.9%.
December 01, 2023 - The Office of the Prime Minister dismisses a principal secretary in the Ministry of Trade for alleged fraud related to COVID-19 funds; the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Offences raids another official's home, signaling anti-corruption efforts.
October 25, 2023 - Prime Minister Sam Matekane launches the Sebabatso youth empowerment initiative to address high youth unemployment and economic hardships.
July 20, 2023 - The IMF concludes its Article IV consultation, highlighting ongoing economic challenges post-pandemic, including low growth projected at 0.9–1.8% for the year, driven by slowing manufacturing and agriculture.
March 29, 2023 - Parliament debates a motion to claim portions of South Africa, including the Free State province, reigniting historical territorial disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesotho
100 Questions
Lesotho is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, entirely surrounded by South Africa.
The capital is Maseru, located on the Caledon River.
Around 2.3 million people as of 2025 estimates.
Sesotho and English are official; Zulu and Xhosa are also spoken.
Temperate, with cool summers and cold winters due to its high altitude.
The loti (LSL), pegged to the South African rand, which also circulates.
Blue, white, and green stripes with a black Basotho hat (mokorotlo) in the center.
Maseru, Teyateyaneng, Mafeteng, Hlotse, and Mohale’s Hoek.
On October 4, 1966, from Britain.
Chief Leabua Jonathan.
Sam Matekane (as of 2025).
A parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
King Letsie III (as of 2025).
Mostly Basotho, with small Zulu and other groups.
Christianity (mainly Roman Catholic and Protestant).
Around $3.2 billion in 2025 estimates.
About $1,400.
Around 80%.
About 56 years, impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Around 3.1 children per woman.
About 58%.
Textiles, diamonds, wool, mohair, and water.
Food, fuel, machinery, and manufactured goods.
Diamonds, water, sand, clay, and stone.
It is the only country in the world entirely above 1,000 meters elevation.
Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m), the highest in Southern Africa.
Maize porridge (papa), sorghum, beans, and vegetables.
A fermented sorghum porridge, eaten as a staple.
A popular local beer, named after the Maloti Mountains.
Traditional beer, maize beer, tea, and soft drinks.
Football, athletics, boxing, and horse racing.
Likuena (“The Crocodiles”).
Yes, first in 2021.
Not yet.
Yes, mainly in athletics and boxing.
Basotho traditional music, gospel, Afro-jazz, and reggae.
The lesiba (wind instrument), drums, and accordions.
A traditional style using concertinas, accordions, and poetry.
Famo dance, mokhibo (female dance), and mohobelo (male dance).
The Basotho blanket, worn for warmth and identity.
They are central in farming, markets, and families, though face inequalities.
Around 78%.
Around 82%.
High, with limited formal jobs.
Around 70%.
Maize, sorghum, beans, and wheat.
Sheep, goats, cattle, and horses.
A scheme exporting water to South Africa and generating hydroelectricity.
National University of Lesotho and Limkokwing University.
Under pressure, especially due to HIV/AIDS prevalence.
HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and respiratory diseases.
One of the world’s highest, affecting over 20% of adults.
High, though improving.
Also high, but slowly declining.
“Lesotho Fatše La Bo-Ntat’a Rona” (“Lesotho, Land of Our Fathers”).
“Khotso, Pula, Nala” (“Peace, Rain, Prosperity”).
The crocodile.
The Maloti double-collared sunbird.
The spiral aloe.
A mountain range covering most of Lesotho.
A high-altitude road linking Lesotho to South Africa.
Eland, jackals, birds of prey, and mountain species.
Sehlabathebe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A park with unique alpine flora, rock art, and landscapes.
Over 90%, higher than adults.
Around $1,400 annually.
Declining steadily.
Around 30%, with most still rural.
Farming, herding, and small-scale trade dominate.
Hydropower and imports from South Africa.
High in solar, wind, and hydro.
Dependence on South Africa for trade and jobs.
Frequent instability and coalition politics.
Key partner, employer of Basotho workers, and trade lifeline.
Active member, though politically fragile.
Contributor to peacekeeping missions.
Large community in South Africa, sending back remittances.
Very important, making up about 20% of GDP.
Moderate, linked to South Africa’s economy.
Moderate, highest in fertile valleys.
A cultural symbol, worn daily and at ceremonies.
Weaving, pottery, beadwork, and basketry.
A conical hat, symbol of Lesotho, appearing on the flag.
Influential in local governance and traditions.
A unifying symbol and cultural authority.
Central to social life, education, and traditions.
Independence Day (Oct 4), Morija Arts Festival, and King’s Birthday.
A celebration of art, music, and Basotho heritage.
Around 4% difference.
Around 7 years.
Lower than in rural areas.
Fighting HIV/AIDS and TB.
Improving rural access and reducing dropout rates.
Around 5 people per household.
Slowing, due to declining fertility.
Mountain landscapes and cultural heritage.
Tourists explore mountains on Basotho ponies.
Textiles, diamonds, and water exports.
Challenging, but promising with stability and investment in renewable energy.
It is a unique high-altitude kingdom with rich culture and strategic ties to South Africa.