Lesotho

Lesotho (formerly Basutoland)

area:	30,350sq km (11,718sq mi)
population:	2,456,500
capital (population):	Maseru (169,200)
government:	Constitutional monarchy
ethnic groups:	Sotho 99%
languages:	Sesotho and English (both official)
religions:	Christianity 93% (Roman Catholic 44%), traditional beliefs 6%
currency:	Loti = 100 lisente

Enclave kingdom within the Republic of South Africa; the capital is Maseru.

Land and Climate

The scenic Drakensberg Range forms Lesotho's ne border with KwaZulu-Natal, and includes its highest peak, Thabana Ntlenyana, at 3482m (11,424ft). Most people live in the w lowlands, site of Maseru, or in the s valley of the River Orange, which rises in ne Lesotho and flows through South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. The King holds all land in Lesotho, in trust for the Sotho nation. Altitude greatly affects Lesotho's climate; 66% of the land lies above 1500m (4921ft). Maseru has warm summers and cold winters. Rainfall averages c.700mm (28in). Grassland covers much of Lesotho.

History and Politics

The early 19th-century tribal wars dispersed the Sotho. In the 1820s, Moshoeshoe I formed a Sotho kingdom in present-day Lesotho. Moshoeshoe I was forced to yield to the British, and in 1868 the area became a protectorate. In 1871, it became part of the British Cape Colony, but after British failure to disarm the Sotho, the area fell under direct rule. In 1966, Sotho opposition to incorporation into the Union of South Africa saw the creation of the independent Kingdom of Lesotho. Moshoeshoe II, great-grandson of Moshoeshoe I, became king. In 1970, Leabua Jonathan suspended the constitution and banned opposition parties. Civil conflict between the government and Basuto Congress Party (BCP) forces characterized the next 16 years. In 1986, a military coup led to the reinstatement of Moshoeshoe II. In 1990, he was deposed and replaced by his son, Letsie III. The BCP won the 1992 multiparty elections, and the military council dissolved. In 1994, Letsie III attempted to overthrow the government. In 1995, Moshoeshoe II returned to the throne. His death (1996) saw the restoration of Letsie III. In 1997, a majority of BCP politicians formed a new governing party, the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD). Accusations of fraud in 1998 elections led to violent protests and an army mutiny. In September 1998, South African forces restored order and fresh elections took place in 2000.

Economy

Lesotho is a low-income, less-developed country (2000 GDP per capita, US$2400). It lacks natural resources, except diamonds. Agriculture, mainly at subsistence level, is the main activity. Major crops include maize and sorghum. Tourism is developing. Large numbers of the population work in South Africa.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.lesotho.gov.ls