Facts About Lesotho

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Officially the Kingdom of Lesotho is a landlocked country entirely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is spans over an area of 30,355 sq km which makes it the world’s141st largest country. It has an estimated population of almost 2,067,000 residents (2009 estimates).
Geographically, ruggedly mountainous and landlocked Lesotho lies at about 29°30′ south latitude and 28°30′ east longitude. The country has three distinctive geographic zones i.e. the lowlands, following the southern banks of the Caledon River, and in the Senqu river valley; the highlands formed by the Drakensberg and Maloti Mountain Ranges in the east and central parts of the country; and the foothills that form a divide between the lowlands and the highlands. The lowest elevation in the country is at the junction of the Makhaleng and Orange rivers which at 1,400 metres is the highest lowest point of any country.  Over 80% of Lesotho lies above 1,800m which makes it the only independent country in the world that lies entirely above 1,000m in elevation. Its highest point is the peak of Mount Thabana Ntlenyana at 3,482m.
Government: Lesotho features a constitutional monarchy with the current constitution adopted on 2 April 1993. The monarchy is hereditary (King Letsie III) and does not hold any executive legislative powers. Administratively, it has ten districts. The country practises a legal system based on English common law and Roman Dutch law. The executive branch has a king as chief of state and since 1996 King Letsie III has filled this position. The legislative branch is composed of a bicameral parliament with a senate appointed by the ruling party and an assembly chosen by popular vote.
Capital City: Maseru (Also largest city)
Economy: The major industries in the country light manufacturing industries which include tire rethreading, tapestry weaving, diamond processing, and production of textiles, electric lighting, candles, ceramics, explosives, furniture, and fertilizers. Lesotho has trade relations with South Africa (major), Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and North America. Imports include corn, clothing, automobiles, petroleum products, construction materials, machinery, and medicines. Exports include clothing, furniture, footwear, and wool products.
Other Facts:
Independence: Lesotho gained independence from Britain on October 4, 1966.
People and Culture: The people of Lesotho are called Basotho (many) and Mosotho (one). 99 percent of the country’s population are of the Basotho origin. Culture in Lesotho is principally based on the traditions, village fabrics and cultural festivals. The Morija Cultural Festival is the most popular event in Lesotho.
Languages: Phuthi, Sesotho, Xhosa and Zulu. Sesotho is the mostly widely spoken dialect. English is the official language of the country.
National Flag: The current national flag of Lesotho, adopted on October 4, 2006, features a horizontal blue, white, and green tricolour with a black mokorotlo (a Basotho hat) in the centre. The design, introduced to honour the 40th anniversary of independence, is reportedly intended to reflect a peaceful orientation for the country.
National Colours: Blue, White and Green
Coat Of Arms: The coat of arms of Lesotho was adopted on 4 October 1966 following independence. Pictured is a crocodile on a Basotho shield. This is the symbol of the dynasty of Lesotho’s largest ethnicity, the Sotho. Behind the shield there are two crossed weapons from the 19th century. To the left and right of the shield are supporters of the shield, two Basotho horses. In the foreground there is a golden ribbon with the national motto.
National Anthem: Lesotho Fatse La Bontata Rona
Motto: “Khotso, Pula, Nala” – (Peace, Rain and Prosperity)
Currency: Lesotho Loti
Time Zone: SAST (UTC+2)
Dialing code: +266
The more you explore about the country, the more will you dig out the facts and the exploration will just continue as you delve into state wise specialties. No matter whether you are tourists from within the country or overseas, you will find abundance of hotels in Lesotho especially in Maseru, the capital.