Where is Lesotho?
The Kingdom of Lesotho is an enclave surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. “Lesotho” roughly translates to ” the land of the people who speak Sesotho”. Its total area is 11,583 square miles, and it has an estimated population of 2.2 million in 2022 (estimate).
What is the capital of Lesotho?
Maseru is the capital of Lesotho. It is also the capital of the Maseru District. It borders South Africa. After the country became a British protectorate in 1869, the city was assigned as the capital. It retained its status as capital even after the independence of the kingdom in 1966.
What is the currency of Lesotho?
The currency of the Kingdom of Lesotho is the Lesotho Loti. Its ISO 4217 code is LSL. It is further divided into 100 lisente. Both South African rand and loti are accepted as legal tender within the kingdom. It is pegged to the rand on a 1:1 basis.
Which is the largest city in Lesotho?
The capital, Maseru is the largest city in the kingdom. It was founded by the British as a police camp in 1869. It is the only sizable city in the country and is located near the South African border, denoted by the Mohokare River. The city covers a total area of 53.3 square miles and has an estimated population of 227,880.
What is the official language of Lesotho?
English and Sesotho (or Sotho) are the official and administrative languages of the country.
What is the religion of Lesotho?
The constitution provides for freedom of religion. The largest religion in Lesotho is Christianity (90%). Roman Catholics represent 45% of the population, the same as the Protestants. The remaining 10% of the population are Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Bahais.
What is the literacy rate of Lesotho?
The literacy rate of Lesotho is 82%. Primary education is not free. It has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa.
Who is the political leader of Lesotho?
Lesotho government is a modified form of a constitutional monarchy. The prime minister is the head of the government. The monarch serves a ceremonial function and does not possess any executive authority. Executive power is exercised by the government while legislative power is vested in both the parliament and the government. The prime minister of the country is Moeketsi Majoro. He assumed office on May 20, 2020. Letsie III (born David Mohato Bereng Seeiso) is the reigning king of Lesotho.
What is the emblem of Lesotho?
The coat of arms depicts a Basotho shield with a picture of a crocodile on it. Behind the shield are two crossed weapons. The shield is supported by two Basutho horses. At the bottom, there is a ribbon with the national motto of Lesotho “Khotso, Pula, Nala” (Peace, Rain, Prosperity). It was adopted on October 4, 1966.
When is the national day of Lesotho celebrated?
The national day of Lesotho is celebrated on October 4. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom on October 4, 1966, under King Moshoeshoe.
What is the economy of Lesotho like?
Lesotho has no major natural resources other than diamonds and water. It sells water to South Africa and is self-sufficient for its electricity needs through hydroelectric schemes. Agriculture contributes about 14% to the GDP. The GDP of the country is 5.124 billion dollars. It receives economic aid from the United States of America, the World Bank, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Germany. It exports wool and mohair, food, and live animals to its export partners Hong Kong, China, India, South Korea, and Germany. It imports food, petroleum products, machinery, vehicles, and medicines from the United States of America and Canada.