🇱🇸 Lesotho
Kingdom of Lesotho
Basic Information
Capital
Maseru
Region
Africa
/ Southern Africa
Population
2,389,618
Area
30,355 km²
Currencies
Lesotho loti (L), South African rand (R)
Languages
English, Sotho
About Lesotho
Lesotho's history is deeply rooted in the formation of a unified Basotho nation under King Moshoeshoe I in the 19th century. Facing pressures from Dutch settlers and later British influence, Moshoeshoe I skillfully navigated a path towards protectorate status with the United Kingdom. This strategic alliance provided a degree of security against encroachment and allowed the Basotho people to maintain a degree of autonomy. The country formally became a British protectorate in 1868, a status that lasted until its independence in 1966. Following independence, Lesotho experienced periods of political instability, including military rule, before returning to a constitutional monarchy.
Codes & Identifiers
ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2
LSISO 3166-1 Alpha-3
LSOFlag Emoji
🇱🇸
Political Information
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchy
Independent
Yes
UN Member
Yes
Neighboring Countries
Additional Flags & Symbols
Historical