Lesotho

Lesotho, officially known as the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a unique and fascinating country located in the heart of Southern Africa. This landlocked country has various distinctive geological features that set it apart globally.

Lesotho’s unusual status as an enclave, totally surrounded by South Africa, is among its most distinguishing characteristics. Recognized as the biggest sovereign enclave worldwide, Lesotho boasts a 1,106 km (687 mi) long border. It is a clear geographical oddity as it is the only enclave beyond the Italian Peninsula.

Lesotho’s Maloti Mountains define its geography and help to explain its well-known name, “The Mountain Kingdom.” Apart from its obvious feature of the environment, its rugged topography is a great source of national pride and identity. Emphasizing its uniqueness as a region of high altitudes, the country has the highest top in Southern Africa.

Being the only autonomous country in the world that is totally above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in altitude, Lesotho is unique. At 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) above sea level, this unique characteristic reaches its lowest position among all countries in the world. With more than 80% of Lesotho’s area over 1,800 meters (5,906 feet), the country’s climate, environment, and way of life are much influenced by the high altitude.

Though small in extent, Lesotho has great geographical significance—30,355 km² (11,720 sq mi). Being the southernmost landlocked nation in the world, this nation adds even another interesting feature to its geographic character.

Estimated to be two million, Lesotho’s population shows a startling degree of uniformity. With an amazing 99.7% of the country’s population, the Sotho ethnic group—also known as Basotho—is among all the degrees of ethnic homogeneity found here, this one is the greatest, therefore promoting strong national identification and cultural unity.

The Sotho people have helped to define the country’s very name as well as its population makeup. “Lesotho” refers to “land of the Sesotho speakers,” so highlighting the close tie between the national identity and its main ethnic group. One may mostly blame language for supporting this cultural uniformity. Together with English, Sesotho, the indigenous language of the Basotho people, serves as the official language, so improving domestic communication as well as international relations.

Modern Lesotho began in 1824 when King Moshoeshoe I laid the fundamental foundations of the country. The young kingdom soon faced challenges presented by Dutch immigrants, which led to a pivotal choice that would greatly affect Lesotho’s path forward. King Moshoeshoe I signed a formal arrangement with the British Empire in 1868 in an attempt to ward against outside invasion, effectively recognizing Lesotho as a protectorate. When Lesotho was declared a royal colony in 1884, its status changed much more.

For Lesotho, the 20th century saw significant changes. The country gained its independence in 1966, therefore launching a transforming era. Following twenty years were marked by Basotho National Party (BNP) rule of government. Still, Lesotho experienced political unrest common to many newly developing African countries, including military rule from 1986 to 1993.

The restoration of democratic values in 1993 came with the return of constitutional rule. An ongoing feature of Lesotho’s historical story, the royal dynasty underwent changes of their own. Originally banished in 1990, King Moshoeshoe II returned in 1992 and was again reinstalled in 1995. Sadly, he left this life only a year later, elevating his son Letsie III to the throne — a position he still holds today.

Given its unique geography and great cultural past, Lesotho faces significant social challenges. The country is classified as a lower middle-income one as about half of its population lives under poverty. A major health crisis aggravates the financial difficulties; Lesotho has the second-highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate worldwide, which influences not only public health but also social structures and economic development.

Still, Lesotho has made notable educational advancement in spite of these obstacles. With an outstanding 81.02% as of 2021, the country has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa and has set great targets for universal primary education. This commitment to education is a lighthouse and a potential driver of future progress as well as a means to help to lower poverty.

Lesotho interacts on the international scene with several different foreign organizations. Participating in the United Nations, this organization shows its commitment to diplomatic interaction and worldwide cooperation. The way the country participates in the Non-Aligned Movement amply reflects its non-alignment. Being a Commonwealth of Nations member, Lesotho maintains its historical ties to the United Kingdom and other former British colonies.

Lesotho holds a prominent place in the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, therefore supporting the ideas of African unity and the forward movement of regional development. While they provide opportunities for economic connections and diplomatic support, their memberships also help to promote international cooperation.

Lesotho has shown especially remarkable progress in its democratic development. The country is ranked 64th worldwide in terms of electoral democracy according to the 2023 V-Dem Democracy Index; it is also identified as the 7th electoral democracy in Africa. Notwithstanding the challenges Lesotho has, this rating shows its ongoing efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions and procedures.