Lesotho Facts, Lesotho Flag -- National Geographic

Fast Facts

Population:: 1,804,000
Capital:: Maseru; 170,000
Area:: 30,355 square kilometers (11,720 square miles)
Language:: English, Sesotho, Zulu, Xhosa
Religion:: Christian, indigenous beliefs
Currency:: Loti, South African rand
Life Expectancy:: 37
GDP per Capita:: U.S. $2,700
Literacy Percent:: 85

In the early 19th century Basotho 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.

ECONOMY

Industry: Food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts
Agriculture: Corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum; livestock
Exports: Manufactures (clothing, footwear, road vehicles), wool, mohair

—Text From National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition

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