Fascinating Facts About the Kingdom of Lesotho

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Lesotho's Unique Geography
• The Basotho Blanket
• The Kingdom in the Sky
• Languages of Lesotho
• Lesotho's Monarchy
• The Cave Dwellers of Lesotho
• Archaeological Discoveries in Lesotho
• The Matikani Airstrip
• Lesotho's National Flag
• Lesotho's Diamond Industry
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Lesotho, pronounced as 'Lesotho', is a sovereign, democratic, and independent country located in southern Africa. Formerly known as Basutoland, Lesotho gained independence on October 4th, 1966. The country is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, is also its largest city. The name 'Lesotho' translates to 'the land of the Sotho', referring to its people, who are called Basutu. The currency of Lesotho is the Lesotho loti, which is pegged to the South African rand.

Lesotho's Unique Geography

Lesotho occupies a unique geographical position within South Africa. It is a landlocked country and is entirely surrounded by South African territory. This makes it the southernmost landlocked country in the world and one of only three independent states completely surrounded by another country's territory, with San Marino and Vatican City being the other two examples. Lesotho is also considered a microstate due to its small size, covering over 30,000 square kilometers.

There are several theories as to why Lesotho is a part of South Africa. One theory suggests that the inhabitants of Lesotho were resistant to British rule and were not included in South Africa to maintain control over the population. Another theory suggests that Lesotho's previous ruler, Moshoeshoe, was a skilled statesman who negotiated concessions from the British, resulting in Lesotho being recognized as a semi-independent protectorate.

The border between Lesotho and South Africa stretches for 909 kilometers, forming a complete loop around Lesotho. This border is of significant length and importance for both countries, as it determines the territorial boundaries and facilitates trade and movement between the two nations.

The Basotho Blanket

The Basotho blanket is a significant part of Lesotho's culture. It is a form of woolen blanket worn by the Basotho people in Lesotho and South Africa. The blankets hold great symbolism and are worn for various purposes.

The Basotho blanket represents different rights of passage in society. For example, the Siena Marena blanket is exclusively worn by the king and his chiefs, signifying their highest status. On the other hand, the Mahala Bella blanket is worn by young men as a fertility blanket during their transition to manhood after initiation.

Basotho blankets have also made their mark in popular culture. They were featured in the 2018 films Black Panther and Avengers, where the tribesmen or actors wore them in various scenes. The director, Ryan Coogler, drew inspiration from Lesotho for the depiction of Wakanda.

The Kingdom in the Sky

Lesotho, known as the Kingdom in the Sky, is famous for its mountainous landscape. The entire country is located above 3,281 feet, making it the only nation in the world that exists entirely at such a high altitude. With its base altitude at 4,593 feet, Lesotho is often referred to as the "beautiful little mountain" in English.

One of the highlights of Lesotho's mountainous regions is the highest pub in Africa, the Sunny Mountain Lodge. Located at an elevation of 9,429 feet, the pub offers visitors a unique experience of drinking in two different countries at the same time, as it is situated at the border between Lesotho and South Africa.

In addition to enjoying a drink at the highest pub, visitors can also engage in various activities such as hiking, bird watching, horse riding, and fishing. The breathtaking mountain views make Lesotho's mountainous regions a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Languages of Lesotho

Lesotho is home to several languages, with Sesotho being the national language. Sesotho, a Southern Bantu language, is spoken by the majority of Basotho people. It was recognized as the national language in 1966. English is also an official language in Lesotho, and bilingualism is promoted in the country.

Sesotho is used in daily speech by more than 90% of the population, while English is commonly used for official interactions in administration and governance. Efforts are made to ensure that Basotho children learn to read, write, and speak English. In primary education, Sesotho is the medium of instruction for the first four years, after which English becomes a medium of instruction.

It is important for Lesotho to promote bilingualism, as it allows for better communication and access to opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world. Additionally, proficiency in English opens doors to higher education and employment prospects.

Efforts have been made to promote English language education in Lesotho. Through English language programs and initiatives, Basotho children are provided with the necessary skills to navigate a globalized world. English language education plays a vital role in preparing the youth for future success and enhancing Lesotho's participation in the international community.

Lesotho's Monarchy

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy, with a king as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of the government. The king's role is largely ceremonial and he does not have executive authority. The current king of Lesotho is King Letsie III, who has been in power since February 7th, 1996. He succeeded his father, King Moshoeshoe II, who ruled from 1966 to 1990 and briefly in 1995.

The succession of the throne is determined by the Lesotho Constitution. King Letsie III is married to Queen Karabo and they have two daughters and one son. As a devout Catholic, the king is the patron of the Prince Mohato Award. He receives a yearly allowance of $52,778.

The Cave Dwellers of Lesotho

Lesotho, known as the Kingdom in the Sky, is not only famous for its mountainous landscape but also for its cave dwellings. In the district of Berea, a group of people still live in mud caves in the mountains. These dwellings, known as the Hakome caves, were built in the first half of the 19th century by Chief Deleka of the Basia tribe.

The purpose of these caves was to provide shelter for the Basia people and protect them from the invading Basutu people, who had resorted to cannibalism. The caves are located about half an hour's drive from Maseru, the capital of the Berea District.

Today, the Hakome caves are a national heritage site in Lesotho. They are a cluster of five beautifully constructed mud caves with smooth curvaceous exteriors. These caves are still inhabited by a few fourth-generational descendants of the original founders.

Visiting the Hakome caves offers a unique opportunity to experience the history and culture of Lesotho's cave dwellers. It provides a glimpse into the past and the challenges faced by the Basia people during that time.

Archaeological Discoveries in Lesotho

Lesotho is a fascinating destination for both paleontologists and archaeologists. The country has been the site of significant discoveries, including dinosaur footprints.

One of the most remarkable discoveries in Lesotho is the presence of dinosaur footprints. These footprints belong to a dinosaur called Kayentapus ambrokholohali, which was about 2.7 meters tall and 9 meters long. What makes these footprints unique is that they challenge our understanding of the types of dinosaurs that existed during the early Jurassic Period 200 million years ago.

The discovery of these footprints in Lesotho has provided valuable insights into the diversity and size of dinosaurs in that region during that time. The footprints were found in the Roma Valley near the National University of Lesotho and are now documented in a published report in the journal "Plus One".

This archaeological discovery adds to the rich history and significance of Lesotho as an important site for understanding prehistoric life.

The Matikani Airstrip

The Matikani airstrip is a remote airstrip located in Lesotho. It is often used by aid organizations and doctors to reach the country's remote villages. The airstrip is known for its challenging and dangerous landing conditions. The runway is only 400 meters long and ends in a drop of about 1,600 feet. It is considered one of the scariest runways in the world.

Pilots require a high level of skill to navigate the runway, especially considering the strong wind conditions and the presence of the 2,000-foot-high Matikani mountain at the end of the runway. The airstrip is located on a mountain plateau, adding to the difficulty of landing safely.

Lesotho has a total of 28 airports, with only three of them having paved runways. The country's only international airport is Moshoeshoe I International Airport, located southeast of Maseru. It has the longest runway in the country, measuring over 1,523 meters.

Lesotho's National Flag

Lesotho adopted its current national flag on the 40th anniversary of its independence in 2006. The flag features horizontal stripes of blue, white, and green, with the black Basotho head in the center. The design of the flag represents internal peace and harmony, as well as Lesotho's peaceful relationship with its neighbor, South Africa.

The colors of the flag hold symbolism. The blue represents the sky and rain, symbolizing abundance and fertility. The white represents peace and unity, reflecting Lesotho's commitment to peace both internally and externally. The green represents prosperity and hope for a bright future.

The current flag replaced the previous flag, which featured a military emblem of a spear, shield, and knobkerrie. The new design was chosen from four proposed designs, with the Basotho head representing Lesotho's identity as a black nation.

The approval process for the new flag design involved both the National Assembly and the Senate, and the change was officially made in 2006.

Lesotho's Diamond Industry

Lesotho's diamond industry plays a significant role in the country's economy. The Letšeng Mine, located in Lesotho, is known for producing the highest quality gem diamonds and consistently achieving the highest price per carat of any kimberlite mine in the world.

The Letšeng Mine is famous for its large, top-color white diamonds and has produced three of the 20 largest white diamonds ever recorded. Since taking over the mine in 2006, Gem Diamonds, the company that operates the mine, has played a crucial role in the success of Lesotho's diamond industry.

Lesotho's diamond production has had a positive economic impact on the country. The diamonds mined in Lesotho are usually auctioned in Antwerp, Belgium, attracting buyers from around the world. The revenue generated from diamond exports has contributed to Lesotho's foreign exchange reserves and helped boost the country's economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Lesotho:

What is the population of Lesotho?

Lesotho has a population of about 2 million people.

Is Lesotho a member of any international organizations?

Yes, Lesotho is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

What is the official language of Lesotho?

The official language of Lesotho is Sesotho, a Southern Bantu language. English is also an official language.

Who is the current king of Lesotho?

The current king of Lesotho is King Letsie III, who has been in power since February 7th, 1996.

What are the main attractions for tourists in Lesotho?

Some of the main attractions for tourists in Lesotho include its mountainous landscape, the highest pub in Africa, the Basotho blankets, the cave dwellings in the Hakome caves, and the archaeological discoveries, such as dinosaur footprints.

 

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