Lesotho

Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence from the UK in 1966. The Basuto National Party ruled for the first two decades. King MOSHOESHOE was exiled in 1990, but returned to Lesotho in 1992 and reinstated in 1995. Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after 7 years of military rule. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody intervention by South African and Botswanan military forces under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community. Constitutional reforms have since restored political stability; peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 2,125,262

Nationality (Noun): Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)

Nationality (Adjective): Basotho

Official Language(s): Sesotho, English

Major Languages Spoken: English, Xhosa, Zulu, Swati, Sesotho

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Kingdom of Lesotho

Country Name (short form): Lesotho

Country Name (local long form): Kingdom of Lesotho

Country Name (local short form): Lesotho

Name of Capital: Maseru

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Lesotho: South Africa

Land Area: 30355 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Maryland

Total Land Boundry: 909 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

National Holiday: Independence Day, 4 October (1966)

International Phone Code: 266

Currency Code: loti (LSL); South African rand (ZAR)

Internet Country Code: .ls

US Embassy Location: 254 Kingsway, Maseru West (Consular Section)

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho