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The Kingdom of Lesotho is a country in southern Africa. Being an enclave it is entirely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa.
Mmuso wa Lesotho
(Kingdom of Lesotho)
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| National motto: Khotso, Pula, Nala; Peace, Rain, Prosperity</font>
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| Languages
| Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa
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| Capital and largest city
| Maseru
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| Capital's coordinates
| 29° 18′ S, 27° 28′ E
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| Monarch
| HM The King of Lesotho, Letsie III
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| Prime Minister
| Pakalitha Mosisili
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Area
- Total
- % water
| Ranked 137th
30,355 km²
Negligible
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Population
- Total (2004)
- Density
| Ranked 143rd
1,861,959
61.3/km²
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GDP (PPP)
- Total (Year)
- GDP/head
| Ranked 147th
$5.106 billion
$2,700
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| Currency
| Loti (L)
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| Time zone
| UTC +2
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| Establishment
| 1824
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| National anthem
| Lesotho Fatse La Bontat'a Rona
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| Internet TLD
| .ls
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| Calling Code
| 266
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History
Main article: History of Lesotho
Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence from the United Kingdom on October 4 1966. Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after 23 years of authoritarianism, which included seven years of military rule.
Language
The people from Lesotho speak the Sesotho language, in their Bantu derived, prefix-oriented language.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Lesotho
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Districts
Main Article: Districts of Lesotho
Lesotho is divided into 10 districts:-
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Geography
Main article: Geography of Lesotho
Economy
Main article: Economy of Lesotho
Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho's only important natural resource is water. Its economy is based on subsistence agriculture, livestock, and remittances from miners employed in South Africa. The number of such mine workers has declined steadily over the past several years. In 1996 their remittances added about 33% to GDP compared with the addition of roughly 67% in 1990. A small manufacturing base depends largely on farm products which support the milling, canning, leather, and jute industries. Agricultural products are exported primarily to South Africa. Proceeds from membership in a common customs union with South Africa form the majority of government revenue. Although drought has decreased agricultural activity over the past few years, completion of a major hydropower facility in January 1998 now permits the sale of water to South Africa, generating royalties that will be an important source of income for Lesotho. The pace of parastatal privatization has increased in recent years. Civil disorder in September 1998 destroyed 80% of the commercial infrastructure in Maseru and two other major towns. Most firms were not covered by insurance, and the rebuilding of small and medium business has been a significant challenge in terms of both economic growth and employment levels. Output dropped 10% in 1998 and recovered slowly in 1999. Lesotho has had an uneasy relationship with its expatriate population, particularly the Asian business community. There is a strong sense of xenophobia which has sometimes led to riots against foreigners. However, the vast majority of Lesotho's resources and jobs are directly or indirectly due to foreign investment and ownership in the country. The problem is exacerbated by political figures who encourage the uneducated populace to blame the outsiders for the nation's problems.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Lesotho
Culture
Main article: Culture of Lesotho
Miscellaneous topics
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