In the early 19th century Basuto Chief Moshoeshoe united tribes in this mountainous land surrounded by South Africa. To establish a buffer against Boer expansion, he asked the British to administer the kingdom. Lesotho became independent in 1966. In 1993 it became a constitutional monarchy. Water is Lesotho's major natural resource. Completion of a large hydropower plant in 1998 helps the economy expand through the sale of water to South Africa.
ECONOMYIndustry: food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts.
Agriculture: corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum; livestock.
Exports: manufactures (clothing, footwear, road vehicles), wool, mohair.Text source:
National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition, 2004
