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Lesotho
🏙️ Capital city:
Maseru
📈 Country population:
2.3 million
🗺️ Country area:
30,355 km²
Core Facts / Infobox
Present this as a clean two-column table containing accurate and verified national facts. Include only fields with real data.
| Official Name | Kingdom of Lesotho |
| Common Name | Lesotho |
| Political Status | Sovereign constitutional monarchy |
| ISO Codes | LS, LSO, 426 |
| Internet TLD | .ls |
| Calling Code | +266 |
| Capital City | Maseru |
| Largest City | Maseru |
| Coordinates | 29.61° S, 28.23° E |
| Time Zone | UTC+2 (South Africa Standard Time) |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~2.3 million |
| Area | 30,355 km² |
| Population Density | ~76 per km² |
| Languages | Sesotho, English (official) |
| Currency | Lesotho Loti (LSL); South African Rand (ZAR) |
| Driving Side | Left |
| GDP (Nominal) | ~USD 2.7 billion |
| GDP Per Capita | ~USD 1,200 |
| HDI | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | ~56 years |
| Continent & Subregion | Africa — Southern Africa |
| National Day | Independence Day (4 October) |
| National Anthem | Lesotho Fatše La Bontata Rona |
Geography & Environment
- Landlocked country completely surrounded by South Africa.
- Known as the “Kingdom in the Sky” due to its high elevation.
- Only country with all land above 1,000 meters elevation.
- Mountainous terrain with rivers and highland plateaus.
- Climate: temperate with cold winters and snowfall in mountains.
Demographics
- Population: ~2.3 million.
- Predominantly Basotho ethnic group.
- Urban population concentrated in Maseru.
- Religions: Christianity (majority), traditional beliefs.
History
- Founded in the 19th century by King Moshoeshoe I.
- Became a British protectorate known as Basutoland.
- Gained independence in 1966.
- History marked by periods of political instability.
- Currently a constitutional monarchy.
Government & Politics
- Political system: Constitutional monarchy.
- Head of State: King.
- Head of Government: Prime Minister.
- Legislature: bicameral Parliament.
- Administrative divisions: districts.
Economy
- Lower-middle-income economy.
- Key sectors: textiles, water exports, agriculture, services.
- Main exports: clothing, diamonds, water.
- Strengths: access to South African market.
- Weaknesses: unemployment, health challenges.
Culture & Society
- Strong national identity and monarchy.
- Traditional dress includes the Basotho blanket.
- Music, dance, and oral poetry central to culture.
Food & Cuisine
- Staple foods: maize, sorghum, beans.
- Traditional dishes: pap, moroho, nyama.
- Simple, hearty meals common.
Education & Institutions
- High literacy relative to regional average.
- Major institution: National University of Lesotho.
Tourism
- Growing eco- and adventure tourism sector.
- Attractions include Maletsunyane Falls and Sehlabathebe National Park.
- Popular for hiking, pony trekking, and skiing.
Practical Information
- Emergency number: 123.
- Plug type: M; Voltage: 220V.
- Road travel common; mountainous terrain.
Sports, Entertainment & Notable People
- Popular sports: football, athletics.
- Traditional games and music remain important.
- Notable figures: Moshoeshoe I, Letsie III.
Neighboring Countries of Lesotho
Lesotho is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa and is completely surrounded by
South Africa.
It shares its entire 909 km (565 mi) border with South Africa, making it one of the few countries in the world entirely enclosed by another country.
Famous For
- Mountainous terrain.
- Basotho blankets.
- Water exports to South Africa.
- Being entirely surrounded by one country.
Sources
- World Bank
- United Nations (UN Data)
- IMF
- CIA World Factbook
- Bureau of Statistics (Lesotho)