Lesotho

File:National anthem of Lesotho, performed by the U.S. Navy Band.wav

King Moshoeshoe of the Basotho with his ministers

1959 Basutoland National Council stamps

Lesotho mountain village (5285775857)

Chinese Lesotho project Lesotho Parliament II

Map of lesotho

Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa. It is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho covers an area of over 30,000 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 2 million people. The country is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The current monarch is King Letsie III, who ascended to the throne in 1996. Lesotho's economy is based on agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, and mining, particularly of diamonds.

History

Lesotho was originally inhabited by the San people, as evidenced by rock paintings found in the mountains throughout the area. In the 19th century, the Basotho nation was formed under the leadership of King Moshoeshoe I, who united several Sotho-speaking groups. The country came under British protection in the late 19th century and was known as Basutoland before gaining independence from the United Kingdom on 4 October 1966. Since independence, Lesotho has experienced periods of political instability, including military coups and political violence.

Geography

Lesotho is known for its mountainous terrain, with the Maloti Mountains and the Drakensberg range running through the country. The highest peak is Thabana Ntlenyana, which stands at 3,482 meters above sea level. Lesotho's climate varies from cool and temperate in the highlands to more temperate in the lowlands. The country experiences a rainy season from October to April and a dry season from May to September.

Economy

Lesotho's economy is relatively small, with agriculture employing the majority of the population. Subsistence farming and animal husbandry are the main livelihoods. The country is also known for its textile industry and water exports to South Africa, facilitated by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Diamond mining is another significant sector, with Lesotho producing some of the world's largest and highest quality diamonds.

Culture

Lesotho's culture is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Basotho people. The Basotho hat, a conical woven hat with a distinctive topknot, is a national symbol. Music and dance are important cultural expressions, with traditional instruments such as the lesiba and the setolo-tolo playing a central role. The Morija Arts & Cultural Festival is a significant annual event showcasing the country's arts and culture.

Government and Politics

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The King serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Parliament of Lesotho is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly. Political instability has been a challenge, with several changes in government through both elections and military interventions.

Education and Health

Education in Lesotho is compulsory up to the age of 13. The country has made significant strides in increasing literacy rates and improving educational infrastructure. However, challenges remain, including high dropout rates and a shortage of resources. Health issues in Lesotho include a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which significantly impacts the population's life expectancy and economic productivity.

Challenges

Lesotho faces several challenges, including political instability, economic dependency on South Africa, high rates of poverty, and one of the world's highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. Efforts to address these issues are ongoing, with support from international organizations and the government's initiatives.