Lesotho

March 12, 1868 (Thursday) – Declared British protectorate (Basutoland)

October 4, 1966 (Tuesday) – Gains independence from the United Kingdom; becomes Kingdom of Lesotho

January 20, 1986 (Monday) – Military coup ousts PM Leabua Jonathan

March 14, 1993 (Sunday) – Return to civilian rule; new constitution takes effect

September 22, 1998 (Tuesday) – Post-election violence, South African troops intervene

November 18, 2003 (Tuesday) – Severe drought affects large parts of the country

January 12–15, 2011 (Wednesday–Saturday) – Flooding displaces thousands; crop damage widespread

August 30, 2014 (Saturday) – Attempted military coup; PM Thomas Thabane flees temporarily

February 4–5, 2016 (Thursday–Friday) – Tropical Cyclone Dineo remnants cause storms and flooding

October 7, 2022 (Friday) – Revolution for Prosperity party wins elections, Sam Matekane becomes PM

January 18, 2023 (Wednesday) – Severe hailstorm in Maseru and Berea damages crops, infrastructure

May 11, 2024 (Saturday) – Snowstorm in Maloti Mountains leaves remote communities isolated

Continent: Africa
Location: Southern Africa, landlocked within South Africa
Capital: Maseru
Language: Sesotho (official), English (official)
Currency: Lesotho Loti (LSL), also accepts South African Rand (ZAR)
Population: ~2.3 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST, UTC+2)*

Borders: Entirely surrounded by South Africa
Landscape: High plateau, rugged mountains, valleys
Major Rivers: Orange River, Caledon River, Senqu River
Major Mountains: Drakensberg Mountains, Maloti Mountains, Thabana Ntlenyana
Deserts: None
Lakes: Katse Dam, Mohale Dam (man-made reservoirs)
Volcanoes: Extinct volcanic formations in highlands
Highest Point: Thabana Ntlenyana – 3,482 m (11,423 ft) (highest point in Southern Africa)
Lowest Point: Junction of Orange and Makhaleng Rivers – 1,400 m (4,593 ft)
Climate: Temperate; hot summers, cold winters with snow in highlands
Geological Features: Highlands plateau, basaltic rock formations, alpine valleys

Ethnic Groups: Basotho (over 99%)
Religion: Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant), traditional beliefs
Urban Population: ~31% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~5.8% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Mountainous terrain, Basotho blanket, pony trekking
Cuisine: Papa (maize porridge), moroho (greens), stews
Arts: Traditional crafts, music, oral storytelling
Sports: Football, long-distance running, horse racing

Economy Type: Lower-middle-income, agriculture and remittances-based
GDP: Approx. $2.4 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Textiles, agriculture, water exports, construction
Key Exports: Garments, water (to South Africa), wool, mohair, diamonds
Unemployment Rate: ~32.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Highlands (farming, water projects), lowlands (commerce, industry)

Government Type: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Letsie III (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Sam Matekane (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral Parliament (Senate and National Assembly)
Constitution: Effective since April 2, 1993

Maseru: Royal Palace, craft markets, cathedral
Malealea: Pony trekking, village stays
Sani Pass: Scenic mountain pass, Sani Top Chalet (Africa’s highest pub)
Thaba Bosiu: Historical fortress site of the Basotho nation
Katse Dam: Major engineering landmark
Sehlabathebe National Park: Rock art, sandstone formations, hiking