Lesotho

In brief

Lesotho is a country in Southern Africa. Its capital is Maseru. With 2.4 million inhabitants in 2025, it ranks 142nd in the world by population, out of the 195 countries recognised by the UN. Its area is 30,355 km². Landlocked, it shares land borders with South Africa.

GDP per capita stands at $1,089 (2025), 175th in the world. Life expectancy at birth is 57.8 years (2024). 45% of the population lives in cities.

History of Lesotho

In the 19th century King Moshoeshoe I gathered the Basotho around the natural fortress of Thaba Bosiu. To escape the Boers, he obtained British protection in 1868: this was Basutoland. Independent on 4 October 1966, Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy.

Geography of Lesotho

Completely surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho is nicknamed the “kingdom in the sky”: all of its territory lies above 1,400 m, and Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m) is the highest peak in southern Africa.

Map of Lesotho

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Flag of Lesotho

The flag of Lesotho is white, blue and green. Its official proportions are 2:3 (height to width).

• White37%
• Green30%
• Blue30%
• Black3%

Share of the flag’s surface taken by each colour.

What the flag stands for

Blue, white and green, with a black traditional Basotho hat, the mokorotlo, in the centre. Adopted in 2006, it evokes peace and stability; blue represents rain, green prosperity.

Sources: Wikipedia, articles “Lesotho” and “Flag of Lesotho”.

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Fact file

Economy and society