Lesotho Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Lesotho, state of southern Africa; 30 355 km², 2.1 million residents (2019).Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa and was created as a British protectorate named Basutoland in 1868. The capital is Maseru (330,800 residents, 2016).

Country facts

Muso o Lesotho (sotho)
Kingdom of Lesotho (English) /
Kingdom of Lesotho
Country abbreviation: LS
Area: 30 355 km²
Population (2019): 2.1 million residents
Capital: Maseru
Main languages: Sotho, English
State: Monarchy
Head of State: Letsie III (King)
Head of Government: Tom Thabane
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 1,324
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 1,380
Currency unit: 1 lot = 100 licensees
Currency code: LSL
Country number (telephony): 266
Internet Domain Name: ls
Time difference compared to Sweden: +1
National Day: October 4 (Independence Day, 1966)

Nature

Land use: agricultural land (10%), other (90%)
Highest mountain: Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m asl)

Population

Population density (2019): 69 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): birth rate 27 ‰, death rate 15 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (33%), 15-64 (62%), 65- (5%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 50 years, women 56 years
Infant mortality (2019): 53 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 3 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.520 (place 159 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 28%
Most populous city (2016): Maseru (330,800 residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (6%), industry (39%), service (55%)
Exports (2017): USD 1,028 million
Main export products: clothing, wool, livestock
Main exporting countries: South Africa, USA
Imports (2017): US $ 1 820 million
Main import products: food, building materials, vehicles
Main importing countries: South Africa, China, Taiwan
Rail networks: none in operation.

Geography

Location and Borders

Lesotho is a landlocked country situated in the southern part of Africa. It is completely surrounded by South Africa, making it one of the only three independent states in the world entirely surrounded by another country, the others being Vatican City and San Marino. Lesotho covers an area of about 30,355 square kilometers (11,720 square miles), making it one of the smallest countries in Africa. Despite its small size, it is the only country in the world that is entirely situated above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) above sea level, which gives it a unique geographical profile.

Lesotho is located in the southern hemisphere and is positioned in such a way that it experiences similar climatic and topographical influences as its larger neighbor, South Africa. The country is bordered by the South African provinces of Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape. Lesotho’s mountainous terrain means that many areas of the country are isolated from one another, with only a few major roads connecting the different regions. The geographical location has also shaped the country’s historical and cultural identity, especially as it has often been caught between regional powers and international colonial interests.

Physical Features

Lesotho’s most notable physical feature is its mountainous terrain, which makes up nearly the entire country. The country is often referred to as the “Kingdom in the Sky” due to its elevation. The Drakensberg Mountains, which form part of the Great Escarpment, dominate the western border, and they are characterized by rugged peaks, deep valleys, and sharp cliffs. The highest point in Lesotho is Thabana Ntlenyana, which rises to 3,482 meters (11,423 feet) above sea level. This makes Lesotho the only country in the world that is entirely situated above 1,000 meters, giving it a unique alpine landscape.

In addition to its mountains, Lesotho has several rivers and streams that flow through its valleys, contributing to the country’s rich biodiversity and supporting agriculture in the fertile lowland areas. The Orange River forms part of the western boundary with South Africa, and several tributaries of the river pass through the country, providing vital water resources. The country’s physical geography makes transportation challenging, particularly in rural areas, where roads are often poor or non-existent.

Lesotho’s terrain is a key factor in the livelihoods of its people, who depend heavily on subsistence farming and pastoralism. The harsh mountain landscape, while beautiful, presents many challenges for agriculture and infrastructure development, limiting the country’s economic potential.

Climate

Lesotho experiences a temperate climate, but due to its high altitude, temperatures can vary widely between regions and seasons. The country has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, particularly in the mountainous areas. Summer temperatures can range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), while winter temperatures can drop below freezing, particularly in the higher altitudes.

The summer months, from November to March, are characterized by afternoon thunderstorms that bring much of the country’s annual rainfall, which ranges from 600 millimeters (23.6 inches) to 1,400 millimeters (55 inches) per year, depending on the region. The southern and lowland areas generally experience less rainfall, while the mountains receive heavier precipitation, particularly during the summer. Snow is common in the higher altitudes, especially in the winter months, and it significantly impacts agriculture, transportation, and daily life in the mountains.

The cold winter temperatures also make Lesotho a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, particularly in areas such as Afriski, located in the northern part of the country. The unique climate conditions play a critical role in shaping the agricultural cycle and the livelihood of the people, as crops and livestock must be adapted to the varying temperatures and seasonal weather patterns.

Natural Resources

Lesotho has several natural resources, though the country remains one of the most economically disadvantaged in the world. The country’s mineral resources include diamonds, which are an important export commodity. Lesotho is one of the world’s top producers of high-quality diamonds, and the country’s mining industry has become a key driver of its economy. The diamond mines, such as the Letšeng mine, are among the highest in the world in terms of quality, making the sector an important source of foreign revenue.

In addition to diamonds, Lesotho has some reserves of water, which are an essential resource, particularly given the country’s reliance on hydroelectric power. The country has a potential for the development of hydroelectric energy, with several dams built to supply electricity to Lesotho and its neighboring countries. These hydroelectric projects, such as the Katse Dam and the Muela Dam, are crucial for Lesotho’s power generation, both for domestic consumption and for export to South Africa.

The country also has significant pastoral land and fertile soil in the lowland areas, which support agriculture, particularly livestock farming, including cattle, sheep, and goats. Despite the country’s natural resources, Lesotho’s economic development is hampered by limited industrial capacity, reliance on agriculture, and the difficulties presented by its geography.

People

Population and Ethnic Composition

Lesotho has a population of approximately 2.1 million people. The population is predominantly of Basotho ethnicity, who speak the Sesotho language as their mother tongue. The Basotho people are a Bantu ethnic group that has historically inhabited the southern African highlands. The cultural and ethnic identity of the Basotho is rooted in the country’s history, particularly the formation of the Basotho Kingdom under King Moshoeshoe I in the 19th century.

The majority of the population in Lesotho lives in rural areas, and the country has a relatively low urbanization rate. The capital city, Maseru, is the largest urban center and economic hub in Lesotho, but it is home to only a small portion of the overall population. Other major towns include Teyateyaneng, Mafeteng, and Mohale’s Hoek, but they are all significantly smaller than Maseru.

Lesotho is a homogenous country in terms of ethnicity, with the vast majority of the population identifying as Basotho. There are small minority groups, including people of European and Asian descent, but these communities make up a very small percentage of the population.

Language

The official languages of Lesotho are Sesotho and English. Sesotho, also known as Southern Sotho, is spoken by the majority of the population and serves as the primary language of daily communication, education, and cultural expression. Sesotho is part of the Bantu language family and is closely related to other Southern Bantu languages spoken in the region.

English is the second official language and is used in government, business, and education. English has become the language of instruction in schools and is widely spoken in urban areas, especially in government offices and professional settings. However, it is not as widely spoken as Sesotho in rural communities.

In addition to Sesotho and English, some minority groups in Lesotho speak other languages, such as Afrikaans, particularly among the small group of South African immigrants. However, these languages are not as commonly spoken, and their presence is limited compared to the dominance of Sesotho and English.

Religion

Christianity is the dominant religion in Lesotho, with the vast majority of the population adhering to either Roman Catholicism or Protestantism. Christianity was introduced to Lesotho in the 19th century by missionaries, particularly from the French Catholic Church and the British Anglican Church. Today, the Catholic Church remains a major religious institution in the country, with a significant portion of the population identifying as Catholic.

Protestantism is also widespread, particularly among the Basotho people. The Evangelical Church of Lesotho, along with several other Protestant denominations, has a significant following. Many Basotho people practice a mixture of Christianity and traditional African beliefs, incorporating indigenous practices alongside Christian teachings.

Traditional African religions are practiced by a small portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. These religions often involve the worship of ancestors, spirits, and nature, and rituals are an important part of the cultural life of the Basotho people. However, Christianity has become the predominant religion, and the majority of the population identifies as either Catholic or Protestant.

Social Structure

Lesotho’s social structure is shaped by its agricultural, rural-based economy and its traditions as a Bantu society. The extended family is a central social unit in Basotho culture, and traditional family ties play a vital role in social organization. Elders are highly respected, and decision-making within families and communities is often done by senior members.

In rural areas, where most of the population lives, agriculture and pastoralism are the main livelihoods, and social life is centered around farming activities. Traditional ceremonies and festivals, including weddings, funerals, and initiation rites, form the backbone of social life, helping to maintain cultural continuity and strengthen social bonds within communities.

The impact of modernization and urbanization is increasingly evident in the larger towns and cities, where younger generations are more likely to pursue education and employment in non-agricultural sectors. However, despite the influence of urbanization, rural communities and traditional social structures continue to play a significant role in Basotho society.

Economy

Key Industries

Lesotho has a developing economy that is largely reliant on agriculture, mining, and textiles. The country’s agricultural sector is vital to the livelihoods of the majority of the population, particularly in rural areas. The farming industry produces crops such as maize, wheat, barley, and vegetables, while livestock farming, particularly sheep, cattle, and goats, is an important part of rural life.

Mining also plays a critical role in the economy, with Lesotho being known for its high-quality diamonds. The country is one of the top producers of diamonds in the world by value, with mining companies extracting both gem-quality and industrial diamonds. In addition to diamonds, Lesotho has deposits of other minerals, including coal and sand, but diamond mining remains the most significant contributor to the country’s export revenues.

The textile industry, particularly garment manufacturing, is another important sector. Lesotho has benefited from trade agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with the United States, which allows it to export textiles and apparel duty-free. This has led to the establishment of several textile factories, creating jobs for thousands of people, particularly women.

Agriculture and Livestock

Agriculture is a key sector in the economy of Lesotho, contributing significantly to employment and rural livelihoods. The country’s climate and geography make it suitable for growing a variety of crops, with maize, wheat, barley, and potatoes being the staple crops. Lesotho also produces fruits, including apples and grapes, particularly in the lowland areas.

Livestock farming is integral to Lesotho’s agricultural sector, with sheep farming being the most significant livestock activity. Sheep are raised for wool, meat, and hides, and wool production plays a key role in the country’s export industry. Other livestock raised include cattle, goats, and poultry.

Despite its importance, the agricultural sector faces significant challenges, including drought, soil erosion, and limited access to modern farming techniques. Climate change, in particular, has exacerbated issues related to food security and agricultural productivity, as erratic rainfall and extreme weather events affect crop yields.

Economic Challenges

Lesotho’s economy faces several challenges, including poverty, high unemployment, and dependence on remittances from migrant workers. The country’s rural economy is heavily reliant on subsistence farming, which leaves many people vulnerable to fluctuations in weather patterns and global commodity prices. Despite the potential in sectors like mining and textiles, Lesotho remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line.

Political instability and corruption also hinder economic development, and the country’s small size and landlocked nature limit its access to international markets. The lack of infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, further exacerbates these economic challenges. However, the country has been working to diversify its economy and improve its governance, seeking international aid and investment to foster long-term growth.

Government

Political System

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy, with a parliamentary system of government. The king, currently King Letsie III, is the head of state, but his role is largely ceremonial. The country’s political system is a constitutional democracy, with a parliament consisting of two chambers: the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly is made up of 120 members, elected by popular vote for a five-year term, while the Senate is made up of 33 members, some of whom are appointed by the king and others who are elected by the National Assembly.

The Prime Minister, who is appointed by the king from the largest party in the National Assembly, serves as the head of government and holds executive powers. The government is responsible for implementing laws, managing public services, and overseeing economic development. Lesotho’s political system is marked by its use of proportional representation, which aims to ensure that all political groups have a fair representation in government.

Legal System

Lesotho’s legal system is based on a combination of Roman-Dutch law and customary law, with the Constitution providing the foundation for the country’s legal framework. The judiciary is independent, and the highest court in the land is the Court of Appeal. The court system also includes High Courts, Magistrate’s Courts, and customary courts, which handle disputes related to traditional practices and community matters.

Lesotho’s legal system faces challenges, particularly in terms of access to justice and the need for reform. There have been concerns about corruption and inefficiency within the judiciary, and while progress has been made in strengthening legal institutions, the legal system still struggles with backlogs and limited resources.

Foreign Policy

Lesotho’s foreign policy is focused on maintaining strong relationships with its neighboring countries, particularly South Africa, with which it shares extensive historical, cultural, and economic ties. Lesotho is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), and it has participated in various regional initiatives aimed at promoting stability, development, and cooperation in Southern Africa.

Lesotho also maintains strong diplomatic relations with countries outside the region, particularly with the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. The country is reliant on foreign aid and international partnerships for development and economic growth, and it has been involved in several peacekeeping efforts within the region. However, the challenges of political instability, poverty, and dependence on external aid continue to shape Lesotho’s foreign policy priorities.