Lesotho

The Kingdom of Lesotho is a landlocked constitutional monarchy situated in southern Africa, entirely encircled by South Africa. Often referred to as the “Kingdom in the Sky”, Lesotho is the only country in the world that lies entirely above 1,400 metres in elevation, with more than 80% of its territory exceeding 1,800 metres. Its rugged topography and cultural cohesion distinguish it as a unique highland enclave on the African continent. Despite limited natural resources and strong economic reliance on South Africa, Lesotho has preserved its sovereignty, vibrant Basotho identity, and enduring traditions under a stable constitutional monarchy.

Historical Background

The modern nation of Lesotho traces its origins to the early nineteenth century, when Paramount Chief Moshoeshoe I unified various Sotho-speaking clans into a single polity known as Basutoland in 1822. This consolidation took place during the period of widespread regional upheaval known as the Difaqane or Mfecane, marked by conflicts and migrations across southern Africa.
Under Moshoeshoe’s leadership, Basutoland resisted encroachments from neighbouring groups and European settlers. Persistent conflicts with the Boers of the Orange Free State led Moshoeshoe to seek British protection. Consequently, Basutoland became a British protectorate in 1868, and in 1884 it was formally designated a British crown colony. British administration retained the authority of traditional chieftaincy structures, helping preserve the Basotho’s distinct political and cultural identity.
Lesotho achieved independence from the United Kingdom on 4 October 1966, emerging as the Kingdom of Lesotho under a constitutional monarchy. The post-independence period was dominated by the Basotho National Party (BNP), led by Chief Leabua Jonathan. However, political disputes, coups, and military rule disrupted democratic governance between 1970 and 1993.
Following the restoration of constitutional rule in 1993, the nation endured cycles of instability, including the 1998 electoral crisis that prompted intervention by South African and Botswanan troops under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mandate. Between 2002 and 2017, shifting coalitions and power alternations between leaders Pakalitha Mosisili and Thomas Thabane marked political life. Thabane’s resignation in 2020 amid criminal allegations paved the way for technocrat Moseketsi Majoro, followed by Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, a businessman who founded the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) party and assumed office as Prime Minister in 2022.
Lesotho today operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with King Letsie III as ceremonial head of state, symbolising unity and continuity.

Geography and Environment

Lesotho spans an area of 30,355 square kilometres, comparable in size to the U.S. state of Maryland. The country is completely surrounded by South Africa, making it one of only three enclaved nations worldwide.
The terrain is predominantly mountainous, with the Drakensberg and Maloti ranges dominating the landscape. The highest point, Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m), is the tallest mountain in southern Africa. The average elevation is around 2,161 m, giving rise to a temperate highland climate characterised by cool, dry winters and warm, wet summers.
Lesotho’s major natural resource is water. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), initiated in cooperation with South Africa, channels water to South Africa’s industrial regions while generating hydroelectric power domestically. Other resources include diamonds, building stone, and limited arable land. However, environmental degradation from soil erosion, overgrazing, and deforestation continues to challenge sustainable development.

People and Society

Lesotho’s population in 2024 was estimated at 2.23 million, with a median age of 23.9 years and a growth rate of 0.76% per year. The population is overwhelmingly Basotho (99.7%), unified by a shared language and culture. Sesotho and English are the official languages, with minority use of Phuthi, Xhosa, and Zulu.
Religious affiliation is predominantly Christian, comprising Protestants (47.8%), Roman Catholics (39.3%), and smaller denominations (9.1%). The urban population remains limited at 30.4%, centred mainly in Maseru, the capital and largest city, with about 202,000 inhabitants.
Life expectancy averages 60.2 years, significantly affected by the high HIV/AIDS prevalence, among the world’s highest. Infant mortality is estimated at 45.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, and the fertility rate is 2.85 children per woman. Literacy stands at 86.2%, with women (91.8%) notably outperforming men (80.2%). Poverty remains widespread, with 49.7% of the population living below the national poverty line. Remittances, largely from Basotho migrant labourers in South African mines, constitute approximately 22% of GDP, forming a crucial safety net for many households.

Government and Politics

Lesotho is governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The King, currently Letsie III (since 1996), serves as ceremonial head of state, while executive authority lies with the Prime Minister, Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane (since October 2022).
The bicameral Parliament comprises a National Assembly of 122 members (elected for five years through a mixed proportional system) and a Senate of 33 members, mostly appointed from traditional leadership. The judiciary operates independently, based on English common law and Roman-Dutch principles.
Lesotho’s political trajectory has gradually stabilised following decades of turbulence. The 2022 elections, which brought the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) to power, marked a shift toward technocratic governance. The monarchy retains symbolic importance, with the College of Chiefs maintaining advisory roles in national and cultural affairs.

Economy

Lesotho’s economy is small and closely integrated with South Africa through trade, labour markets, and a shared currency system. The Lesotho loti (LSL) is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand (ZAR), reflecting strong monetary ties.

• GDP (PPP, 2024): $6.17 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $2,600
• Growth rate: 2.8%
• Inflation: 6.1%
• Unemployment: 16.2% (youth 24.2%)

Sectoral composition (2024):

• Agriculture: 6.5% – dominated by subsistence farming of maize, wheat, and vegetables, alongside livestock rearing.
• Industry: 31% – including textile manufacturing, diamond mining, and construction.
• Services: 48% – driven by trade, government activity, and tourism.

Lesotho’s exports totalled $983 million (2024), led by diamonds, textiles, and wool, with key destinations being South Africa, Belgium, and the United States. Imports, largely from South Africa, amounted to $2.08 billion, dominated by petroleum, vehicles, and machinery.
Membership in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) provides substantial revenue, accounting for a significant share of government income. Key economic vulnerabilities include overdependence on remittances, limited diversification, and climate-induced agricultural stress. Nevertheless, strengths lie in hydropower development, diamond mining, and proximity to South Africa’s market infrastructure.

Energy and Infrastructure

Electricity access reaches approximately 50% of the population—84% in urban areas and 38% in rural regions. Installed generation capacity is around 104 MW, of which 99.6% derives from hydroelectric sources. Renewable energy development is expanding through solar and mini-hydro initiatives under the Highlands Water Project.
Lesotho is a net importer of electricity from South Africa but possesses strong potential for energy self-sufficiency. Road infrastructure remains limited by mountainous terrain, although regional connectivity projects are improving transport and trade.

Defence and Security

The Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), numbering about 2,000 active personnel, maintains internal security and supports disaster relief operations. Military service is voluntary for men and women aged 18–30. Defence expenditure is approximately 1.5% of GDP (2024).
Lesotho’s external security is effectively underpinned by SADC mechanisms, particularly South Africa’s strategic role in maintaining regional stability. The LDF originated from a colonial police paramilitary force and has since evolved into a professional, compact defence unit.

Culture and Identity

Lesotho’s Basotho culture is distinguished by community solidarity, oral tradition, and distinctive dress. The Basotho blanket—a thick, patterned wool garment—serves as a national symbol, alongside the mokorotlo, a conical woven hat depicted on the national flag.
The flag’s blue, white, and green stripes represent rain and sky, peace, and prosperity, while the black mokorotlo symbolises unity and heritage. The national anthem, “Lesotho Fatše La Bo Ntat’a Rona” (Lesotho, Land of Our Fathers), embodies reverence for ancestral unity and independence.