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

Kaitlyn Bancroft: Weeping with and for those mourning in Lesotho - Church NewsKaitlyn Bancroft: Weeping with and for those mourning in Lesotho  Church News

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

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

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

Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ERI’s attendance at the symposium “Empowering Lesotho: Unlocking Finance to Drive the Energy Transition in a Land-Locked Developing Country” - mofa.go.jpParliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ERI’s attendance at the symposium “Empowering Lesotho: Unlocking Finance to Drive the Energy Transition in a Land-Locked Developing Country”  mofa.go.jp

Special keynote address by His Majesty Letsie III, King of Lesotho - IEA – International Energy AgencySpecial keynote address by His Majesty Letsie III, King of Lesotho  IEA – International Energy Agency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘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

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

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

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

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

Director-General condemns killing of journalist Ralikonelo Joki in Lesotho - UNESCODirector-General condemns killing of journalist Ralikonelo Joki in Lesotho  UNESCO

Angola 4-0 Lesotho (8 Jun, 2025) Final Score - ESPN IndiaAngola 4-0 Lesotho (8 Jun, 2025) Final Score  ESPN India

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 - General DebateLesotho  General Debate

"Don't Want To Die": Lesotho HIV Patients Look To Traditional Medicine - NDTV"Don't Want To Die": Lesotho HIV Patients Look To Traditional Medicine  NDTV

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)

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

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

Tragic Accident Involving Church Members in the Kingdom of Lesotho - news-africa.churchofjesuschrist.orgTragic Accident Involving Church Members in the Kingdom of Lesotho  news-africa.churchofjesuschrist.org

O dirang, Donald? - Financial TimesO dirang, Donald?  Financial Times

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

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

Storm to bring rain to WC, possible snow to EC, Lesotho - SA Weather Service - EWNStorm to bring rain to WC, possible snow to EC, Lesotho - SA Weather Service  EWN

'Math makes no sense at all': Lesotho, one of Africa's poorest nations, hit with 50% US tariff - Business Today'Math makes no sense at all': Lesotho, one of Africa's poorest nations, hit with 50% US tariff  Business Today

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

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

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

Lesotho Blog 2025, Day 13 - Final Product - Wittenberg UniversityLesotho Blog 2025, Day 13 - Final Product  Wittenberg University

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

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

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

With 67% of the population considered “poor”, Lesotho gears up to face highest US tariff rate - Peoples DispatchWith 67% of the population considered “poor”, Lesotho gears up to face highest US tariff rate  Peoples Dispatch

5 things about Lesotho the country Trump says 'nobody has ever heard of' - Firstpost5 things about Lesotho the country Trump says 'nobody has ever heard of'  Firstpost

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

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

African Development Bank Group to expand investment in Lesotho to $331 million - African Development Bank GroupAfrican Development Bank Group to expand investment in Lesotho to $331 million  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

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

Lesotho Blog 2025, Day 7 - Exhausting Building Day - Wittenberg UniversityLesotho Blog 2025, Day 7 - Exhausting Building Day  Wittenberg University

Lesotho Blog 2025, Day 16 - Solar Med - Wittenberg UniversityLesotho Blog 2025, Day 16 - Solar Med  Wittenberg University

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

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 ‘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

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

Impact of US funding cuts on HIV programmes in Lesotho - UNAIDSImpact of US funding cuts on HIV programmes in Lesotho  UNAIDS

Lesotho fears Trump shake-up could tear threadbare economy - France 24Lesotho fears Trump shake-up could tear threadbare economy  France 24

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

African Development Bank president brings hope to Lesotho school children - African Development Bank GroupAfrican Development Bank president brings hope to Lesotho school children  African Development Bank Group

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

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

Ireland: Visa-exempt Status Ceased for Nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru - FragomenIreland: Visa-exempt Status Ceased for Nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru  Fragomen

Lesotho Energy Access Dialogue (LEAD 2025) - EEASLesotho Energy Access Dialogue (LEAD 2025)  EEAS

When Huge Trump Tariffs Hit Small African Economies - The New York TimesWhen Huge Trump Tariffs Hit Small African Economies  The New York Times

Mass lay-offs at Lesotho garment factories as US tariffs bite - GroundUpMass lay-offs at Lesotho garment factories as US tariffs bite  GroundUp

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

Lesotho Case Study | Climate Refugees - Othering & Belonging InstituteLesotho Case Study | Climate Refugees  Othering & Belonging Institute

How tiny Lesotho ended up with the highest US tariffs in the world - AP NewsHow tiny Lesotho ended up with the highest US tariffs in the world  AP News

Why Donald Trump is targeting Lesotho - La CroixWhy Donald Trump is targeting Lesotho  La Croix

How South Africa’s Famo music gave birth to Lesotho’s ‘terrorist’ gangs - Al JazeeraHow South Africa’s Famo music gave birth to Lesotho’s ‘terrorist’ gangs  Al Jazeera

ECA support Namibia and Lesotho to review an automotive policy framework to Integrate into the Regional Value Chain - United Nations Economic Commission for AfricaECA support Namibia and Lesotho to review an automotive policy framework to Integrate into the Regional Value Chain  United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

The curious case of the South African ski resort that never was: how a 1970s land tussle with Lesotho shaped history - The ConversationThe curious case of the South African ski resort that never was: how a 1970s land tussle with Lesotho shaped history  The Conversation

Leveraging the contribution of Basotho diaspora to Lesotho sustainable development - United Nations Economic Commission for AfricaLeveraging the contribution of Basotho diaspora to Lesotho sustainable development  United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Lesotho insulted after Trump says nobody has heard of the country - ReutersLesotho insulted after Trump says nobody has heard of the country  Reuters

Infographic: Lesotho Economic Update - Transforming Fiscal Policy Into An Engine of Inclusive Growth - World BankInfographic: Lesotho Economic Update - Transforming Fiscal Policy Into An Engine of Inclusive Growth  World Bank

Trump imposes a hefty 50% reciprocal tariff on Lesotho - africanews.comTrump imposes a hefty 50% reciprocal tariff on Lesotho  africanews.com

IOC President Bach visits Lesotho - Olympics.comIOC President Bach visits Lesotho  Olympics.com

Lesotho Blog 2025, Day 2 - Playing with Babies in the safe home - Wittenberg UniversityLesotho Blog 2025, Day 2 - Playing with Babies in the safe home  Wittenberg University

What to know about Lesotho, the country Trump said 'nobody has ever heard of' - NPRWhat to know about Lesotho, the country Trump said 'nobody has ever heard of'  NPR

First Day in Lesotho 2025 - Wittenberg UniversityFirst Day in Lesotho 2025  Wittenberg University

How a Small African Nation Scrambled to Appease Trump on Tariffs - Mother JonesHow a Small African Nation Scrambled to Appease Trump on Tariffs  Mother Jones

Transforming Fiscal Policy into an Engine of Inclusive Growth in Lesotho: Key recommendations from the inaugural Economic Update - World BankTransforming Fiscal Policy into an Engine of Inclusive Growth in Lesotho: Key recommendations from the inaugural Economic Update  World Bank

Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun Leads a Delegation to Participate in the 2025 Moshoeshoe Walk - fmprc.gov.cnChinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun Leads a Delegation to Participate in the 2025 Moshoeshoe Walk  fmprc.gov.cn

Lesotho needs constitutional reforms to help gain political stability – but the latest attempt is flawed - The ConversationLesotho needs constitutional reforms to help gain political stability – but the latest attempt is flawed  The Conversation

'Shocking': Trump hits Lesotho, Levi's and Calvin Klein denim exporter, with 50% tariff - USA Today'Shocking': Trump hits Lesotho, Levi's and Calvin Klein denim exporter, with 50% tariff  USA Today

Propelling Lesotho Towards Speedy Implementation of SDG 7: Universal Energy Access - EEASPropelling Lesotho Towards Speedy Implementation of SDG 7: Universal Energy Access  EEAS

Lesotho Power Consumers Feel the Brunt of Drought - Pulitzer CenterLesotho Power Consumers Feel the Brunt of Drought  Pulitzer Center

A Small African Nation Has Few Options to Counter 50% U.S. Tariffs - The New York TimesA Small African Nation Has Few Options to Counter 50% U.S. Tariffs  The New York Times

IFAD and Lesotho to jointly boost agricultural investment - IFADIFAD and Lesotho to jointly boost agricultural investment  IFAD

Lesotho Blog 2025, Day 12 - Lectures & Dinosaur Footprints - Wittenberg UniversityLesotho Blog 2025, Day 12 - Lectures & Dinosaur Footprints  Wittenberg University

Trump says no one has heard of Lesotho. But Musk is trying to do business in the African nation - AP NewsTrump says no one has heard of Lesotho. But Musk is trying to do business in the African nation  AP News

The Jeans of Lesotho: Economy, Policy, Free Trade, and Skills in a Small Kingdom - ProshareThe Jeans of Lesotho: Economy, Policy, Free Trade, and Skills in a Small Kingdom  Proshare

Strengthening youth leadership and advocacy in Lesotho - UnicefStrengthening youth leadership and advocacy in Lesotho  Unicef

Spring Snow in Lesotho - NASA Earth Observatory (.gov)Spring Snow in Lesotho  NASA Earth Observatory (.gov)

NASA: Winter Arrives Early in Lesotho and South Africa - SnowBrainsNASA: Winter Arrives Early in Lesotho and South Africa  SnowBrains

Trump's highest tariff will kill tiny African kingdom of Lesotho, economist says - NBC NewsTrump's highest tariff will kill tiny African kingdom of Lesotho, economist says  NBC News

Lesotho receives UN support for People affected by Drought - OCHALesotho receives UN support for People affected by Drought  OCHA

Trump tariffs: How Lesotho come top for Donald Trump tariffs list - BBCTrump tariffs: How Lesotho come top for Donald Trump tariffs list  BBC

What to know about Lesotho, the country Trump said 'nobody has ever heard of' - NPRWhat to know about Lesotho, the country Trump said 'nobody has ever heard of'  NPR