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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Strengthening social protection coordination to reach every child in Lesotho - UnicefStrengthening social protection coordination to reach every child in Lesotho  Unicef

UNICEF and Co-Develop Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Safe and Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Tanzania and Lesotho - nextbillion.netUNICEF and Co-Develop Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Safe and Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Tanzania and Lesotho  nextbillion.net

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

2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Lesotho - U.S. Department of State (.gov)2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Lesotho  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

Reimagining quality, reigniting collaboration: Eswatini and Lesotho - unesco.orgReimagining quality, reigniting collaboration: Eswatini and Lesotho  unesco.org

Country cooperation strategy, 2024–2027: Lesotho - World Health Organization (WHO)Country cooperation strategy, 2024–2027: Lesotho  World Health Organization (WHO)

Lesotho - Welcome to the United NationsLesotho  Welcome to the United Nations

Bilateral Meeting with His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho - Food and Agriculture OrganizationBilateral Meeting with His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho  Food and Agriculture Organization

MoS for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita meets Lesotho PM Samuel Matekane - NewsonairMoS for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita meets Lesotho PM Samuel Matekane  Newsonair

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

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

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

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

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

US aid cuts deal a massive blow for the small African nation of Lesotho: Takeaways from AP's report - AP NewsUS aid cuts deal a massive blow for the small African nation of Lesotho: Takeaways from AP's report  AP News

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

‘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

Despite tariff reprieve, Lesotho says it is already hurting - ReutersDespite tariff reprieve, Lesotho says it is already hurting  Reuters

In Lesotho, an Economic Inclusion Initiative is Providing Hope and Jobs to the Most Vulnerable - World Bank GroupIn Lesotho, an Economic Inclusion Initiative is Providing Hope and Jobs to the Most Vulnerable  World Bank Group

Lesotho’s green revolution: UNESCO supports 52 schools to improve food and water security - unesco.orgLesotho’s green revolution: UNESCO supports 52 schools to improve food and water security  unesco.org

Lesotho's biggest diamond mine cuts 20% of workforce as price slump persists - ReutersLesotho's biggest diamond mine cuts 20% of workforce as price slump persists  Reuters

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

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

Lesotho’s potato priority - Food and Agriculture OrganizationLesotho’s potato priority  Food and Agriculture Organization

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

Batting for Global South, India dispatches 1000 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Lesotho - DD NewsBatting for Global South, India dispatches 1000 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Lesotho  DD News

Lesotho’s Young Agripreneurs Step Forward to Build a Sustainable Agrifood Future - Food and Agriculture OrganizationLesotho’s Young Agripreneurs Step Forward to Build a Sustainable Agrifood Future  Food and Agriculture Organization

1,500 Lesotho health workers sent home after US aid suspended - European AIDS Treatment Group1,500 Lesotho health workers sent home after US aid suspended  European AIDS Treatment Group

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

From innovation to impact: Lesotho leads regional piloting of AFFLU influenza surveillance platform - World Health Organization (WHO)From innovation to impact: Lesotho leads regional piloting of AFFLU influenza surveillance platform  World Health Organization (WHO)

Rich storytelling and compelling imagery show the impacts of US aid funding cuts in Lesotho - ap.orgRich storytelling and compelling imagery show the impacts of US aid funding cuts in Lesotho  ap.org

Tshepo Lipholo charged after accusing king of selling Lesotho to South Africa - BBCTshepo Lipholo charged after accusing king of selling Lesotho to South Africa  BBC

US tariffs: Lesotho declares state of disaster amid US tariff uncertainty - BBCUS tariffs: Lesotho declares state of disaster amid US tariff uncertainty  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

In Lesotho, US aid cuts leave people living with HIV in limbo - AP NewsIn Lesotho, US aid cuts leave people living with HIV in limbo  AP News

ECA Develops an Automotive Policy Framework to support Namibia and Lesotho’s Integration into the Automotive Regional Value Chain - United Nations Economic Commission for AfricaECA Develops an Automotive Policy Framework to support Namibia and Lesotho’s Integration into the Automotive Regional Value Chain  United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Lesotho textiles to struggle even with lower 15% Trump tariff, minister says - ReutersLesotho textiles to struggle even with lower 15% Trump tariff, minister says  Reuters

Lesotho vs Nigeria highlights: How Super Eagles fit qualify for 2026 World Cup - BBCLesotho vs Nigeria highlights: How Super Eagles fit qualify for 2026 World Cup  BBC

Lesotho villagers complain of damage from water project backed by African Development Bank - The GuardianLesotho villagers complain of damage from water project backed by African Development Bank  The Guardian

US plans to extend Africa trade deal by a year, says Lesotho minister - ReutersUS plans to extend Africa trade deal by a year, says Lesotho minister  Reuters

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

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

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

Trump's tariffs have destroyed the livelihoods of thousands of women in Lesotho’s textile industry - Peoples DispatchTrump's tariffs have destroyed the livelihoods of thousands of women in Lesotho’s textile industry  Peoples Dispatch

'We are on our knees': U.S. tariffs devastate Lesotho's garment workers - NPR'We are on our knees': U.S. tariffs devastate Lesotho's garment workers  NPR

US tariffs: Lesotho factory that made Trump shirts hard hit by US tariffs - BBCUS tariffs: Lesotho factory that made Trump shirts hard hit by US tariffs  BBC

Trump Tariffs Deliver Shock ‘Wake-Up Call’ to a World Denim Hub - Bloomberg.comTrump Tariffs Deliver Shock ‘Wake-Up Call’ to a World Denim Hub  Bloomberg.com

The Future of Education in Lesotho: Exploring youth-led solutions - UnicefThe Future of Education in Lesotho: Exploring youth-led solutions  Unicef

Lesotho’s historian ‘Burns’ Machobane told the country’s story – and helped build it after colonialism - The ConversationLesotho’s historian ‘Burns’ Machobane told the country’s story – and helped build it after colonialism  The Conversation

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Message on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Kingdom of Lesotho - African UnionThe Chairperson of the African Union Commission Message on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Kingdom of Lesotho  African Union

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

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

Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria: Super Eagles keep alive World Cup 2026 hopes - BBCLesotho 1-2 Nigeria: Super Eagles keep alive World Cup 2026 hopes  BBC

How the Threat of Trump’s Highest Tariff Derailed an African Nation - The New York TimesHow the Threat of Trump’s Highest Tariff Derailed an African Nation  The New York Times

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

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

HIV and TB Overview: Lesotho - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)HIV and TB Overview: Lesotho  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)

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

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

Call to scrap passports between Lesotho and SA - GroundUpCall to scrap passports between Lesotho and SA  GroundUp

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

PHOTO ESSAY: Lesotho faces deep uncertainty after tariff threats and foreign aid cuts - AP NewsPHOTO ESSAY: Lesotho faces deep uncertainty after tariff threats and foreign aid cuts  AP News

Wall Street Week | AI in Higher Education, Trump’s Tariffs Hit Lesotho, Unicorns Avoiding IPOs - Bloomberg.comWall Street Week | AI in Higher Education, Trump’s Tariffs Hit Lesotho, Unicorns Avoiding IPOs  Bloomberg.com

Mohair puts Lesotho's goat farmers on the map - IFADMohair puts Lesotho's goat farmers on the map  IFAD

Key facts about Lesotho - Vajiram & RaviKey facts about Lesotho  Vajiram & Ravi

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

US-imposed tariffs spelled disaster for this factory that exported clothes to American stores - AP NewsUS-imposed tariffs spelled disaster for this factory that exported clothes to American stores  AP News

Trump tariffs create national disaster for tiny Lesotho - ReutersTrump tariffs create national disaster for tiny Lesotho  Reuters

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

'We are on our knees': U.S. tariffs devastate Lesotho's garment workers - NPR'We are on our knees': U.S. tariffs devastate Lesotho's garment workers  NPR

Lesotho's Famo music: from shepherd songs to gang wars - NPRLesotho's Famo music: from shepherd songs to gang wars  NPR

Trump modifies tariff rate for Lesotho to 15% as small country reels from tariff impacts - ReutersTrump modifies tariff rate for Lesotho to 15% as small country reels from tariff impacts  Reuters

Tragic multi-vehicle collision in Southern Africa claims lives of Latter-day Saint young women, leaders - Deseret NewsTragic multi-vehicle collision in Southern Africa claims lives of Latter-day Saint young women, leaders  Deseret News

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

Full article: Beyond the Borders of Lesotho: The Basutoland Congress Party’s Transnational Connections and its Political and Ideological Pragmatism, 1952–1970 - Taylor & Francis OnlineFull article: Beyond the Borders of Lesotho: The Basutoland Congress Party’s Transnational Connections and its Political and Ideological Pragmatism, 1952–1970  Taylor & Francis Online

Police block protest by textile workers in Lesotho - GroundUpPolice block protest by textile workers in Lesotho  GroundUp

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

Lesotho | Drought-induced Food insecurity ?: MDRLS008 Operation Update #4 - ReliefWebLesotho | Drought-induced Food insecurity ?: MDRLS008 Operation Update #4  ReliefWeb

The tiny African nation of Lesotho had victories in its HIV fight. Then, the US aid cuts came - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and VideosThe tiny African nation of Lesotho had victories in its HIV fight. Then, the US aid cuts came  ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Trump Hits Tiny African Nation Of Lesotho With Highest Tariff Rate. Here's Why - Times NowTrump Hits Tiny African Nation Of Lesotho With Highest Tariff Rate. Here's Why  Times Now

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

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

JICA President Tanaka Met with King of Lesotho Letsie III | News&Publication - jica.go.jpJICA President Tanaka Met with King of Lesotho Letsie III | News&Publication  jica.go.jp

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

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

Lesotho vs Nigeria live: World Cup 2026 qualifier latest score and updates - The IndependentLesotho vs Nigeria live: World Cup 2026 qualifier latest score and updates  The Independent

In a Country Trump Says Nobody’s Heard Of, Tariffs Bring Chaos - The Wall Street JournalIn a Country Trump Says Nobody’s Heard Of, Tariffs Bring Chaos  The Wall Street Journal

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

Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun Publishes a Signed Article Titled “From Beijing to Beijing: Continue to Advance Women's All-Round Development”_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China - fmprc.gov.cnChinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun Publishes a Signed Article Titled “From Beijing to Beijing: Continue to Advance Women's All-Round Development”_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China  fmprc.gov.cn

Commonwealth support for improvements to Lesotho mounted police - thecommonwealth.orgCommonwealth support for improvements to Lesotho mounted police  thecommonwealth.org

Lesotho Hosts National Workshop to Strengthen the Migration-Development Nexus in Africa - United Nations Economic Commission for AfricaLesotho Hosts National Workshop to Strengthen the Migration-Development Nexus in Africa  United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Lesotho declares 'state of disaster' as it struggles with US policy changes - RFILesotho declares 'state of disaster' as it struggles with US policy changes  RFI

Event | Lesotho Economic Update - World Bank GroupEvent | Lesotho Economic Update  World Bank Group

'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

Interview: Lesotho trade minister calls U.S. tariffs unfair to developing countries - XinhuaInterview: Lesotho trade minister calls U.S. tariffs unfair to developing countries  Xinhua

Lesotho makes Trump’s polo shirts. He could destroy their garment industry. - The Christian Science MonitorLesotho makes Trump’s polo shirts. He could destroy their garment industry.  The Christian Science Monitor

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)

Lesotho’s textile factories face closures despite US tariff cut - AP NewsLesotho’s textile factories face closures despite US tariff cut  AP News

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

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