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___ LesothoDestination Lesotho, a virtual travel guide to Lesotho. This page aims to give you a broad overview of Lesotho's art, culture, people, environment, geography, history, economy and government.Beside a country profile with facts and figures, the page contains links to sources which provide you with all the information you need to know about this South African nation, e.g.: official web sites of Lesotho, addresses of Basotho and foreign embassies, country guides with travel and tourism information on accommodation, tourist attractions, events and more like weather information, maps, statistics and local newspapers from Lesotho. |
Kingdom of Lesotho |
Country Profile |
Flag of Lesotho |
Official Name: Kingdom of Lesotho short form: Lesotho former: Basutoland ISO Country Code: ls Actual Time: Wed-Oct-2 11:30 Local Time = UTC +2h Country Calling Code: +266 Capital City: Maseru (1997 pop. est. 386 000) Other Cities: Teyateyaneng (pop. est. 240 754), Leribe (300 160), Mafeteng (211 970), Mohale's Hoek (184 034). Government: Type: Modified constitutional monarchy. Independence: 4 October 1966. (from 1868 until independence Lesotho was placed under British protection.) Geography: Location: South Africa Area: 30,355 sq. km. (11 718 sq. mi.). Terrain: High veld, plateau and mountains. Climate: Temperate; summers hot, winters cool to cold; humidity generally low and evenings cool year round. Rainy season in summer, winters dry. Southern hemisphere seasons are reversed. People: Nationality: Noun--Mosotho (sing.); Basotho (pl.) Adjective--Basotho. Population: 2.2 million (2010, UN estimate) Ethnic groups: Basotho 99.7%; Europeans 1,600; Asians 3,000. Religions: 80% Christian, including Roman Catholic (majority), Lesotho Evangelical, Anglican, other denominations. Languages: Official--Sesotho and English. Others--Zulu, Xhosa. Literacy: (1998) 70%. Natural resources: Water, agricultural and grazing land, some diamonds and other minerals. Lesotho is an exporter of excess labor. Agriculture products: Corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley; livestock. Industries: Food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts; construction; tourism. Exports partners: USA 97.6%, Canada 1.5%, France 0.5% (2003) Imports partners: Hong Kong 36.6%, Taiwan 36.2%, China 12%, Germany 9.9% (2003) Currency: In 1980, Lesotho introduced its own currency: Loti (plural Maloti). It is equivalent to the South African Rand. |
Background: Lesotho is a democratic, sovereign and independent country with the unique characteristic of being totally surrounded by its neighbour, the Republic of South Africa. The country formerly known as Basutoland was renamed to the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence from the UK in 1966. In 1993 after 23 years of military rule, a new constitution was implemented leaving the King without any executive authority and proscribing him from engaging in political affairs. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody South African military intervention. Constitutional reforms have since restored political stability; peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002. However Lesotho is one of three remaining monarchies in Africa. (Source: CIA - The World Factbook) border countries: South Africa related countries: United Kingdom |
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Note: External links will open in a new browser window. Official Sites of LesothoLesotho GovernmentThe Official Lesotho Government Website. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Official website of the ministry. Diplomatic Missions Permanent Mission of Lesotho to the United Nations in Geneva Permanent Mission of Lesotho to the United Nations, New York Lesotho's representations to the UN. The Embassy of The Kingdom of Lesotho in Washington Lesotho's Embassy in the USA. Lesotho High Commission in London Lesotho's first diplomatic mission abroad. Embassies of Lesotho Address list of Embassies of Lesotho abroad. Foreign missions and International Organisations in Lesotho Address list of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations Weather Lesotho Meteorological Services Weather in Lesotho. Maps Map of Lesotho Political map of Lesotho. Google Earth Lesotho Searchable map and satellite view of Lesotho. Google Earth Maseru Searchable map and satellite view of Lesotho's capital city. Political Map of Africa The 54 countries of Africa. Map of Africa A Relief Map of Africa. |
NewsLENA-Lesotho News AgencyOfficial Lesotho News. Public Eye News from Lesotho. Mail & Guardian Leading newspaper from South Africa, covers all Africa with current information. |
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Arts & CultureLeribe Craft CenterOne of the oldest weaving establishments in Lesotho. Morija Arts & Cultural Festival Celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Lesotho. |
Business & EconomyCentral Bank of LesothoOfficial site of Lesotho's Central Bank. Lesotho National Development Corporation Implementing the country's industrial development policies. Lesotho Highlands Development Authority Responible for Lesotho's part of Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Lesotho Highlands Water Project The LHWP captures, stores and releases water into the Vaal River system supplying the industrial heartland of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) in the Gauteng Province. |
Destination Lesotho - Travel and Tour GuidesVisit LesothoTourism, travel accommodation and investment information. Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation Travel and tourism information. Malealea Lodge Accommodation and Pony Trekking in Malealea. |
Travel and Tour Consumer Information |
EducationInstitute of Southern African StudiesThe Institute of Southern African Studies is located at the University of Lesotho. National University of Lesotho Official website, provides information about the National University and its faculties. |
Environment - Environmental organizations LesothoDepartment of Environment - LesothoOfficial website of the Department of Environment formely known as the National Environment Secretariat (NES). It was established in April 1994 and is currently under the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture. The Department of Environment is a lead agency for environmental management and promotes socio-economic and environmental sustainable development. Lesotho Council of NGO's Established with the objective of providing supportive services to the Lesotho's NGO Community, the site also lists NGOs working in Lesotho. |
HistoryHistory of the BasothoThe emergence of Basotho as a nation. |
SearchiLesothoLesotho directory. Additional Information on LesothoAfrica South of the Sahara: Lesotho (by Karen Fung)BBC News Country Profile: Lesotho Lesotho Information by newafrica.com Open Directory Project: Lesotho Wikipedia: Lesotho The World Factbook -- Lesotho |
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Other Countries of Southern Africa: Botswana | Lesotho | Namibia | South Africa | Swaziland Maps of other Countries of Southern Africa: Botswana Map | Namibia Map | South Africa Map | Swaziland Map Searchable Maps of other Countries of Southern Africa: Botswana Interactive Map | Lesotho Interactive Map | Namibia Interactive Map | South Africa Interactive Map | Swaziland Interactive Map Major Cities in Southern Africa: Bloemfontein | Cape Town | Durban | Gaborone | Johannesburg | Maseru | Mbabane | Nelspruit | Polokwane Port Elizabeth | Pretoria | Rustenburg | Windhoek |
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