Lesothos

Lesothos is an informal term sometimes used to refer to the citizens of Lesotho, though the standard ethnonym for the people is Basotho. The name Lesotho itself comes from the Sesotho language and means “the land of the Sotho.” Lesotho is a high-altitude, landlocked kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. The country is characterized by mountainous terrain, including portions of the Maloti and Drakensberg ranges, and a climate that varies with elevation.

Demographically, Lesotho has a population of about 2 million people, with a majority identifying as Basotho. The official languages are Sesotho and English, with Sesotho used in daily life and English common in education, government, and business. The culture emphasizes communal traditions, music, dance, and distinctive dress, such as the Basotho blanket and the conical mokorotlo hat.

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy with a ceremonial king and a prime minister who heads government. The political system features a Parliament with a National Assembly and a Senate. Lesotho achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1966 and has since experienced periods of political instability and reform, alongside efforts to strengthen governance and development.

Economically, Lesotho is small and open, with sectors including mining (notably diamonds), textile manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The economy faces challenges such as poverty, high unemployment, and vulnerability to climate conditions, but it also benefits from regional trade and development programs.