lesotho map and information page

Description

Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence from the UK in 1966. The Basuto National Party ruled for the first two decades. King MOSHOESHOE was exiled in 1990, but returned to Lesotho in 1992 and reinstated in 1995.

Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after 7 years of military rule. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody intervention by South African and Botswanan military forces under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community.

Constitutional reforms have since restored political stability; peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002.

Facts and Figures

Official Name Kingdom of Lesotho

Capital City Maseru

Languages English (official), Sesotho, Zulu, others

Official Currency Loti

Religions Christian, traditional beliefs

Population 2,022,331

Land Area 30,350 sq km (11,718 sq miles)

Time and Date in Maseru

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Maps

Large (color) map here

African Continent (printable) here

African Continent by WorldAtlas, here

African Outline Map here

Lesotho Outline Map here

Lesotho Map, CIA version here

Lesotho Maps, University of Texas here

Recommended Links

Lesotho (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation and more here

Climate Lesotho's climate contrasts with the hot conditions found in many of the African countries. Summers are warm, but because of the high altitude and the country's position south of the equator, winters are cold. At times, temperatures even drop below zero.