
Lesotho
Lesotho officially the Kingdom of Lesotho is a landlocked country and enclave entirely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. Formerly Basutoland, it is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Official Name: Kingdom of Lesotho
Short Form: Lesotho
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.)
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: 90% Christian, including Roman Catholic (majority), Lesotho Evangelical, Anglican, other denominations.
Languages: Sesotho and English (Official). Zulu, Xhosa (Others).
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.
Currency: In 1980, Lesotho introduced its own currency: Loti (plural Maloti). It is equivalent to the South African Rand.
Source: www.nationsonline.org/Africa; www.bbc.com/ Lesotho Profile; other.