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Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a mountainous, landlocked country completely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa.
It was first called Basutoland, but was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. The Basotho National Party ruled until 1970, then a “de facto” government ruled until 1986 when a military coup forced the leader, Dr. Leabua Jonathan, out of office.
Executive powers were then granted to the ceremonial monarch, King Moshoeshoe II. However, in 1987, the King was exiled after he prepared a document indicating how he wanted additional executive powers. His son, Letsie III, became King.
In 1993, democratic government returned and Moshoeshoe II returned from exile as a regular citizen.
In 1994, King Letsie III entered into negotiations to reinstate his father as the head of state. Letsie III abdicated the throne in favor of his father in 1995, but in January 1996, assumed the throne again after Moshoeshoe II died in an automobile accident.
In 1998 the electoral structure of the country was reviewed. That resulted in a new electoral system, one that ensured that the opposition would be represented in the National Assembly. Successful elections were held under this new system in May 2002.
Lesotho now has a parliamentary form of government, with the Prime Minister as head and with executive authority. The king no longer possesses any executive authority, and is prohibited from participating in political initiatives and serves primarily in a ceremonial capacity.
Lesotho’s main economy is based on the exportation of diamonds along with water sold to South Africa. Regardless, nearly 40% of the population live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day. |
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- Official Name Kingdom of Lesotho
- Population 2,016,823
- Capital City Maseru (pop. 227,880)
- Currency Loti
- Currency Converter
- Languages English (official), Sesotho, Zulu, others
- Religions Christian, traditional beliefs
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- Land Area 30,350 sq km (11,718 sq miles)
- Highest Point, and highest point in southern Africa Thabana Ntlenyana, 5,199 m (11,424 ft)
- Lowest Point Junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers, 1,400 m (4,593.2 ft)
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Lesotho is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,400 m (4,593 ft) in elevation. In fact, 80% of the country lies above 1,800 m (5,906 ft). Its lowest point of 1,400 m (4,593 ft) is thus the highest (lowest point) in the world.
As for geographic regions in Lesotho, the only real lowlands are in the southwest along the Caledon River. The balance of Lesotho is a series of foothills and plateaus fronting mountains, central, east and north.
Significant rivers include the Calendon, Makhaleng, Malibamatso, Matsoku and Orange (or Senqu).
The Orange River at about 1,300 mi (2,100 km) in length is one of the longest rivers in Africa. It rises in the Lesotho Highlands as the Sinqu River. In South Africa it flows west, passing the southern edge of the Kalahari Desert and winds through the Namib Desert before draining into the Atlantic Ocean. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 29° 00'S , 28° 00'E
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Lesotho’s beautiful and formidable terrain is created by the sheer walls of the Drakensberg and Maluti mountains, so hiking and walking trails are very popular.
Pony trekking is now a must-do activity while visiting the country. The hardy and sure-footed Basotho ponies can take visitors into areas not accessible by road.
Additional activities for travelers include overland adventure tours, horseback riding, skiing at Oxbow, Maletsunyane Falls and Sehlabathebe National Park.
There are no trains to or in Lesotho, so your best bet would be bus or private vehicle. Before setting out, seek advice from the locals or at the police station with regard to dirt or gravel road conditions.
Like many African countries, tourist accommodations are always under development and Lesotho is no different. Maseru, the capital city, has many international-quality hotels and the city is a great starting point for any Lesotho adventure.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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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.
As for precipitation, most of the rain falls as summer thunderstorms (October through April). Winter months (May through September) are relatively dry.
Snow is common in the deserts and low valleys in winter, and the higher peaks can experience snowfall year-round.
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A twisting mountain road, Lesotho...
A group of singers, Lesotho...
The Drakensberg Mountains, Lesotho...
Sehlabathebe National Park, Lesotho... |
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