Lesotho

Country Lesotho
Capital Maseru
Continent Africa
Currency Lesotho loti(LSL)
Languages Sesotho & English

Information

Introduction

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 was reinstated in 1995. Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after seven 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 Botswana military forces under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community. Subsequent constitutional reforms restored relative political stability. Peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002, but the National Assembly elections of February 2007 were hotly contested and aggrieved parties continue to dispute how the electoral law was applied to award proportional seats in the Assembly.

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References

Lesotho - Wikipedia
Lesotho - CIA World Fact Book
Lesotho - BBC
Lesotho - Timeline - BBC

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A $3 Billion Plan to Bring Water to Johannesburg Hits Snag - Bloomberg.comA $3 Billion Plan to Bring Water to Johannesburg Hits Snag  Bloomberg.com

Primary, Relief Society leaders ‘mourn with those that mourn’ months after Lesotho bus accident - Deseret NewsPrimary, Relief Society leaders ‘mourn with those that mourn’ months after Lesotho bus accident  Deseret News

2025 News items - Lesotho formally accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies - World Trade Organization2025 News items - Lesotho formally accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies  World Trade Organization

MoS for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita Arrives in Lesotho; Set to Hold Bilateral Talks with Eswatini’s Minister of Foreign Affairs - NewsonairMoS for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita Arrives in Lesotho; Set to Hold Bilateral Talks with Eswatini’s Minister of Foreign Affairs  Newsonair

2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Lesotho - U.S. Department of State (.gov)2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Lesotho  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

Lesotho’s potato priority - Food and Agriculture OrganizationLesotho’s potato priority  Food and Agriculture Organization

In Lesotho, measles vaccination saves lives, saves time and saves money - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceIn Lesotho, measles vaccination saves lives, saves time and saves money  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Winter Arrives Early in Lesotho and South Africa - NASA Earth Observatory (.gov)Winter Arrives Early in Lesotho and South Africa  NASA Earth Observatory (.gov)

US tariffs: Lesotho factory that made Trump shirts hard hit by US tariffs - BBCUS tariffs: Lesotho factory that made Trump shirts hard hit by US tariffs  BBC

From inclusion to growth: How women’s financial access can fuel Lesotho’s economy - World Bank BlogsFrom inclusion to growth: How women’s financial access can fuel Lesotho’s economy  World Bank Blogs

World Cup 2026 qualifiers – Benin vs Lesotho: date, time, broadcast channels and head-to-head history - Foot AfricaWorld Cup 2026 qualifiers – Benin vs Lesotho: date, time, broadcast channels and head-to-head history  Foot Africa

National workshop on the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes: Lesotho’s National Accession Process - UNECENational workshop on the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes: Lesotho’s National Accession Process  UNECE

How Lesotho ended up in the crosshairs of Trump’s tariff blitz - The Times of IndiaHow Lesotho ended up in the crosshairs of Trump’s tariff blitz  The Times of India

Country cooperation strategy, 2024–2027: Lesotho - World Health Organization (WHO)Country cooperation strategy, 2024–2027: Lesotho  World Health Organization (WHO)

Lesotho activist arrested after video on unemployment rates angers prime minister - The GuardianLesotho activist arrested after video on unemployment rates angers prime minister  The Guardian

Lesotho Sends Trade Delegation to US to Plead for Lower Tariffs - Bloomberg.comLesotho Sends Trade Delegation to US to Plead for Lower Tariffs  Bloomberg.com

MoS Pabitra Margherita to be on official visit to Eswatini, Lesotho & South Africa - NewsonairMoS Pabitra Margherita to be on official visit to Eswatini, Lesotho & South Africa  Newsonair

Gavi and Government of Lesotho announce resumption of direct funding - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceGavi and Government of Lesotho announce resumption of direct funding  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Lesotho: Nine things about the country Donald Trump says 'nobody has ever heard of' - BBCLesotho: Nine things about the country Donald Trump says 'nobody has ever heard of'  BBC

MoS for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita meets Lesotho PM Samuel Matekane - NewsonairMoS for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita meets Lesotho PM Samuel Matekane  Newsonair

Batting for Global South, India dispatches 1000 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Lesotho - DD NewsBatting for Global South, India dispatches 1000 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Lesotho  DD News

Know Lesotho: The country Trump said 'nobody has heard of' hits back - The Times of IndiaKnow Lesotho: The country Trump said 'nobody has heard of' hits back  The Times of India

Lesotho’s green revolution: UNESCO supports 52 schools to improve food and water security - UNESCOLesotho’s green revolution: UNESCO supports 52 schools to improve food and water security  UNESCO

Tshepo Lipholo charged after accusing king of selling Lesotho to South Africa - BBCTshepo Lipholo charged after accusing king of selling Lesotho to South Africa  BBC

‘Only job I know’: tiny Lesotho’s garment workers reel from Trump’s 50% tariffs - The Guardian‘Only job I know’: tiny Lesotho’s garment workers reel from Trump’s 50% tariffs  The Guardian

Malawi v Lesotho | Match Highlights | Africa Qualifier Div 2 | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 - ICCMalawi v Lesotho | Match Highlights | Africa Qualifier Div 2 | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026  ICC

Lesotho’s historian ‘Burns’ Machobane told the country’s story – and helped build it after colonialism - The ConversationLesotho’s historian ‘Burns’ Machobane told the country’s story – and helped build it after colonialism  The Conversation

Why Lesotho's horse races are such a big deal - dw.comWhy Lesotho's horse races are such a big deal  dw.com

ECA Develops an Automotive Policy Framework to support Namibia and Lesotho’s Integration into the Automotive Regional Value Chain - United Nations Economic Commission for AfricaECA Develops an Automotive Policy Framework to support Namibia and Lesotho’s Integration into the Automotive Regional Value Chain  United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

How Trump's Speech Put Spotlight On Lesotho, A Small African Nation - NDTVHow Trump's Speech Put Spotlight On Lesotho, A Small African Nation  NDTV

Why did Donald Trump levy the most enormous tariff on this tiny African kingdom Lesotho — All about it - The Economic TimesWhy did Donald Trump levy the most enormous tariff on this tiny African kingdom Lesotho — All about it  The Economic Times

After Trump Tariff Hit, Lesotho Turns to Asia and Other Markets - MintAfter Trump Tariff Hit, Lesotho Turns to Asia and Other Markets  Mint

US tariffs: Lesotho declares state of disaster amid US tariff uncertainty - BBCUS tariffs: Lesotho declares state of disaster amid US tariff uncertainty  BBC

Lesotho’s Family Planning Revolution: A quiet success the world should notice - Welcome to the United NationsLesotho’s Family Planning Revolution: A quiet success the world should notice  Welcome to the United Nations

Lesotho Says "Shocked And Embarrassed" By Trump Comments - NDTVLesotho Says "Shocked And Embarrassed" By Trump Comments  NDTV

How Lesotho, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are hit by Donald Trump's tariffs - BBCHow Lesotho, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are hit by Donald Trump's tariffs  BBC

Mothers fight to protect children from drugs as ‘hotspotting’ takes hold in Lesotho - The GuardianMothers fight to protect children from drugs as ‘hotspotting’ takes hold in Lesotho  The Guardian

Despite tariff reprieve, Lesotho says it is already hurting - ReutersDespite tariff reprieve, Lesotho says it is already hurting  Reuters

Trump's tariffs have destroyed the livelihoods of thousands of women in Lesotho’s textile industry - Peoples DispatchTrump's tariffs have destroyed the livelihoods of thousands of women in Lesotho’s textile industry  Peoples Dispatch

In Lesotho, Momentum Is Building to Reclaim King Moshoeshoe I’s Heritage - OkayAfricaIn Lesotho, Momentum Is Building to Reclaim King Moshoeshoe I’s Heritage  OkayAfrica

Intimate partner violence against women living with HIV in Lesotho: evidence from the 2023/24 DHS data set - BMC Public HealthIntimate partner violence against women living with HIV in Lesotho: evidence from the 2023/24 DHS data set  BMC Public Health

South Africa: Lesotho’s giant dam takes shape - ZAWYASouth Africa: Lesotho’s giant dam takes shape  ZAWYA

From innovation to impact: Lesotho leads regional piloting of AFFLU influenza surveillance platform - World Health Organization (WHO)From innovation to impact: Lesotho leads regional piloting of AFFLU influenza surveillance platform  World Health Organization (WHO)

India sends humanitarian assistance to Lesotho - ThePrintIndia sends humanitarian assistance to Lesotho  ThePrint

Lesotho steps up fight against cervical cancer - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceLesotho steps up fight against cervical cancer  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

HIV and TB Overview: Lesotho - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)HIV and TB Overview: Lesotho  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)

'We are on our knees': U.S. tariffs devastate Lesotho's garment workers - NPR'We are on our knees': U.S. tariffs devastate Lesotho's garment workers  NPR

How the Threat of Trump’s Highest Tariff Derailed an African Nation - The New York TimesHow the Threat of Trump’s Highest Tariff Derailed an African Nation  The New York Times

Lesotho provides a digital lifeline for mothers and newborns - WHO | Regional Office for AfricaLesotho provides a digital lifeline for mothers and newborns  WHO | Regional Office for Africa

Goals and highlights: Benin 4-0 Lesotho in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers - VAVEL.comGoals and highlights: Benin 4-0 Lesotho in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers  VAVEL.com

Communities demand halt to R53bn Lesotho Highlands Water Project - News24Communities demand halt to R53bn Lesotho Highlands Water Project  News24

Morabo Morojele: Lesotho’s swinging jazz drummer who became a literary star - The ConversationMorabo Morojele: Lesotho’s swinging jazz drummer who became a literary star  The Conversation

FAO - news article: Boosting Potato Production in Lesotho via South-South Cooperation - Food and Agriculture OrganizationFAO - news article: Boosting Potato Production in Lesotho via South-South Cooperation  Food and Agriculture Organization

Lesotho shocked by Donald Trump's remarks that 'nobody has heard of the country' - BBCLesotho shocked by Donald Trump's remarks that 'nobody has heard of the country'  BBC

Supporting Lesotho’s bold plans for sustainable water and energy supply in southern Africa: King Letsie III and Akinwumi Adesina meet - African Development Bank GroupSupporting Lesotho’s bold plans for sustainable water and energy supply in southern Africa: King Letsie III and Akinwumi Adesina meet  African Development Bank Group

The Gift of Water: How the Lesotho Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project is Transforming Lives - African Development Bank GroupThe Gift of Water: How the Lesotho Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project is Transforming Lives  African Development Bank Group

WHO and Lesotho Ministry of Health collaborate to advance national Digital Health Strategy - World Health Organization (WHO)WHO and Lesotho Ministry of Health collaborate to advance national Digital Health Strategy  World Health Organization (WHO)

In a Country Trump Says Nobody’s Heard Of, Tariffs Bring Chaos - The Wall Street JournalIn a Country Trump Says Nobody’s Heard Of, Tariffs Bring Chaos  The Wall Street Journal

(Hello Africa) Steep U.S. tariff hits Lesotho's textile industry hard - Xinhua(Hello Africa) Steep U.S. tariff hits Lesotho's textile industry hard  Xinhua

What Lesotho, country Trump says 'nobody has ever heard of', offers to US - FirstpostWhat Lesotho, country Trump says 'nobody has ever heard of', offers to US  Firstpost

Lesotho textiles to struggle even with lower 15% Trump tariff, minister says - ReutersLesotho textiles to struggle even with lower 15% Trump tariff, minister says  Reuters

In Lesotho, an Economic Inclusion Initiative is Providing Hope and Jobs to the Most Vulnerable - World BankIn Lesotho, an Economic Inclusion Initiative is Providing Hope and Jobs to the Most Vulnerable  World Bank

MoS Margherita to visit Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa from July 18-25 - The StatesmanMoS Margherita to visit Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa from July 18-25  The Statesman

Trump's highest tariff will kill tiny African kingdom of Lesotho, economist says - ReutersTrump's highest tariff will kill tiny African kingdom of Lesotho, economist says  Reuters

Trump imposes 50% tariff on Africa’s Lesotho, the highest among nations - Al JazeeraTrump imposes 50% tariff on Africa’s Lesotho, the highest among nations  Al Jazeera

Africa Daily | How is Lesotho responding to President Donald Trump's 50% tariff? - BBCAfrica Daily | How is Lesotho responding to President Donald Trump's 50% tariff?  BBC

US-imposed tariffs spelled disaster for this factory that exported clothes to American stores - AP NewsUS-imposed tariffs spelled disaster for this factory that exported clothes to American stores  AP News

Full article: Beyond the Borders of Lesotho: The Basutoland Congress Party’s Transnational Connections and its Political and Ideological Pragmatism, 1952–1970 - Taylor & Francis Online: Peer-reviewed JournalsFull article: Beyond the Borders of Lesotho: The Basutoland Congress Party’s Transnational Connections and its Political and Ideological Pragmatism, 1952–1970  Taylor & Francis Online: Peer-reviewed Journals

Lesotho: What you must know about the country Donald Trump said ‘nobody has ever heard of’ - MintLesotho: What you must know about the country Donald Trump said ‘nobody has ever heard of’  Mint

How will (now 10%) tariffs, cuts to USAID, affect Lesotho? - Illinois News BureauHow will (now 10%) tariffs, cuts to USAID, affect Lesotho?  Illinois News Bureau

Japan-Lesotho Summit Meeting (Summary) (Diplomatic Relations) - Prime Minister's Office of JapanJapan-Lesotho Summit Meeting (Summary) (Diplomatic Relations)  Prime Minister's Office of Japan

Trump modifies tariff rate for Lesotho to 15% as small country reels from tariff impacts - ReutersTrump modifies tariff rate for Lesotho to 15% as small country reels from tariff impacts  Reuters

Bridging generations in Lesotho: Empowering youth to shape policy and drive change - UnicefBridging generations in Lesotho: Empowering youth to shape policy and drive change  Unicef

Lesotho - Poverty, Climate Change, Education - BritannicaLesotho - Poverty, Climate Change, Education  Britannica

'We are on our knees': U.S. tariffs devastate Lesotho's garment workers - NPR'We are on our knees': U.S. tariffs devastate Lesotho's garment workers  NPR

Lesotho says damage already done despite reduction of US tariffs from 50% to 15% - TRT EspañolLesotho says damage already done despite reduction of US tariffs from 50% to 15%  TRT Español

Commonwealth support for improvements to Lesotho mounted police - thecommonwealth.orgCommonwealth support for improvements to Lesotho mounted police  thecommonwealth.org

Lesotho sends trade delegation to US to plead for lower tariffs - MoneywebLesotho sends trade delegation to US to plead for lower tariffs  Moneyweb

Lesotho makes Trump’s polo shirts. He could destroy their garment industry. - The Christian Science MonitorLesotho makes Trump’s polo shirts. He could destroy their garment industry.  The Christian Science Monitor

World Cup 2026 (Q): Benin crush Lesotho and seize second place in Group C - OneFootballWorld Cup 2026 (Q): Benin crush Lesotho and seize second place in Group C  OneFootball

Mission Lesotho and NGOs raise thousands for GBV survivors - State Magazine (.gov)Mission Lesotho and NGOs raise thousands for GBV survivors  State Magazine (.gov)

Lesotho ‘shocked and embarrassed’ by mockery in Trump’s Congress speech, says foreign minister - The GuardianLesotho ‘shocked and embarrassed’ by mockery in Trump’s Congress speech, says foreign minister  The Guardian

Lesotho’s Youth Call for Urgent Education Reform at Landmark Dialogue - UnicefLesotho’s Youth Call for Urgent Education Reform at Landmark Dialogue  Unicef

Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun Attends the Handing-over Ceremony of the Small-scale Donation to the Government of Lesotho_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China - fmprc.gov.cnChinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun Attends the Handing-over Ceremony of the Small-scale Donation to the Government of Lesotho_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China  fmprc.gov.cn

EU supports UNICEF Lesotho to strengthen national risk preparedness and response efforts - UnicefEU supports UNICEF Lesotho to strengthen national risk preparedness and response efforts  Unicef

Lesotho - the 'African nation no-one has heard of' reacts to Trump's comments - BBCLesotho - the 'African nation no-one has heard of' reacts to Trump's comments  BBC

Event | Lesotho Economic Update - World BankEvent | Lesotho Economic Update  World Bank

Lesotho’s textile factories face closures despite US tariff cut - AP NewsLesotho’s textile factories face closures despite US tariff cut  AP News

Trump tariffs create national disaster for tiny Lesotho - ReutersTrump tariffs create national disaster for tiny Lesotho  Reuters

Baffled Lesotho seeks to engage with US on jeans tariffs - ReutersBaffled Lesotho seeks to engage with US on jeans tariffs  Reuters

Lesotho declares 'state of disaster' as it struggles with US policy changes - RFILesotho declares 'state of disaster' as it struggles with US policy changes  RFI

South Africa | Validity of Lesotho Exemption Permits automatically extended - BAL Immigration LawSouth Africa | Validity of Lesotho Exemption Permits automatically extended  BAL Immigration Law

Starlink receives 10-year license to operate in Lesotho as South Africa pushback continues - Techpoint AfricaStarlink receives 10-year license to operate in Lesotho as South Africa pushback continues  Techpoint Africa

Young women, leaders from African country of Lesotho die in bus accident - Church NewsYoung women, leaders from African country of Lesotho die in bus accident  Church News

Lesotho declares state of disaster after massive tariff threats from U.S. - NPRLesotho declares state of disaster after massive tariff threats from U.S.  NPR

The week the world learned where Lesotho is thanks to Trump - EL PAÍS EnglishThe week the world learned where Lesotho is thanks to Trump  EL PAÍS English

Lesotho Declares State of Disaster After U.S. Tariffs. Rescissions Impact U.N. - NPRLesotho Declares State of Disaster After U.S. Tariffs. Rescissions Impact U.N.  NPR

Lesotho - Mountain Kingdom, Southern Africa, Vibrant Culture - BritannicaLesotho - Mountain Kingdom, Southern Africa, Vibrant Culture  Britannica

Lesotho - Constitutional Monarchy, Parliamentary System, Sovereignty - BritannicaLesotho - Constitutional Monarchy, Parliamentary System, Sovereignty  Britannica

Lesotho Blog 2025, Day 9 - Building a Foundation - Wittenberg UniversityLesotho Blog 2025, Day 9 - Building a Foundation  Wittenberg University