Country in Focus


LESOTHO ALSO REFERRED TO AS "KINGDOM IN THE SKY"
   
 BASIC FACTS
  • Official Name: Kingdom of Lesotho
  • Capital: Maseru
  • Population: ~2.3 million (2024 est.)
  • Official Languages: Sesotho, English
  • Currency: Lesotho Loti (LSL), pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR)
  • Government: Constitutional Monarchy with a Parliamentary system
  • Monarch: King Letsie III
  • Prime Minister: Sam Matekane (as of 2024)

Geography

  • Location: Completely landlocked and entirely surrounded by South Africa.
  • Landscape: Dominated by mountains—Lesotho is the only country in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation.
  • Climate: Temperate with hot summers and cold winters; snowfall is common in the highlands.

History & Independence

  • Formerly known as Basutoland under British colonial rule.
  • Gained independence from the United Kingdom on October 4, 1966.
  • Maintains a unique identity despite geographic and economic dependence on South Africa.

Economy

  • Key sectors: Agriculture, textiles, remittances from migrant workers (mostly in South Africa), and water exports (Lesotho Highlands Water Project).
  • Challenges: High unemployment, poverty, and reliance on external aid.
  • Opportunities: Hydropower, tourism, and regional trade.

Culture

  • Traditional Dress: The Basotho blanket is iconic and widely worn.
  • Music & Dance: Rich in traditional music and dances such as mokhibo and ndlamu.
  • Religion: Predominantly Christian, especially Roman Catholic.

Key Issues

  • Health: High HIV/AIDS prevalence, though treatment access has improved.
  • Education: High literacy rate for Sub-Saharan Africa, especially among women.
  • Politics: History of coalition governments and political instability, but recent years have seen efforts at reform and stabilization.

Did You Know?

  • Lesotho's Katse Dam is one of Africa’s highest, part of a major water transfer scheme supplying water to South Africa.
  • It's a popular destination for eco-tourism, hiking, pony trekking, and skiing in winter.

                                                                    Mide🖤

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BOOK REVIEW "The psychology of money"

Image
"The psychology of money"by Morgan Housel        The book is a captivating exploration of the complex relationship between our minds and money. Housel brings to limelight the psychological biases and behaviors that influence our financial decisions, offering insights that are both practical and profound. He discusses how our emotions, instincts, and past experiences shape our attitudes towards money, often leading to irrational choices and unexpected outcomes.      One key theme in the book is the importance of understanding the difference between being rich and being wealthy. Housel argues that true wealth is not just about having a large bank account, but rather about achieving financial security and freedom. He emphasizes the value of investing in experiences, relationships, and personal growth, rather than just accumulating material possessions.       Another highlight is Housel's exploration of the concept of risk and uncertainty in...
Read more

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

Image
                NEWS! NEWS! NEWS! Hello, welcome to News! News! News! INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS GOES THROUGH ACCREDITATION It is that time again when international relations as a course and department goes through accreditation. This is a process in which international relations is officially recognised and certified as meeting specific standards of quality and rigor by the authorized accrediting body. INTRODUCING OUR DEPARTMENT LIBRARY It is with pleasure that I announce the completion of our departmental library, a dedicated space designed to support learning, research and collaboration within our academic community. STUDENT FORUM The meeting kickstarted with the introduction of part 1 students, executives, Student Representative Council and Diplomatic Suite News Agency. The SRC election for part 1 took place after the introduction with six contestants from part 1 constituency namely  Adeyinbo Ifeoluwa Mary who won with a tot...
Read more

Diplomat of The Week

Image
  Henry Kissinger: A Titan of Diplomacy Henry Kissinger, the renowned American diplomat, politician, and geopolitical consultant, left an indelible mark on international relations. With a career spanning over five decades, Kissinger's diplomatic efforts have been recognized globally, earning him numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973. Born in Fürth, Germany, in 1923, Kissinger's family fled Nazi persecution, settling in New York City. He attended Harvard University, where he earned his Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees in government and international relations. Kissinger's academic background and early experiences laid the foundation for his future diplomatic endeavors. Kissinger's diplomatic career was marked by several notable positions, including National Security Adviser under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, and Secretary of State from 1973 to 1977. During his tenure, Kissinger played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreig...
Read more