Lesotho



Overview This Is a copy of all the districts of Lesotho. There is Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Masseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, and Thaba-Tseka. These districts are then divided into 80 constituencies, which consists of 129 local community councils. media type="custom" key="3285150" Here is a picture of one of the lakes in Lesotho.

Statistics Preliminary Population Census Results: 2006: 1,880,661 Inflation Rate: January 2009: 10.7% Unemployment: 2002/2003 HBS: 23.2% Literate Self Reported: Demographic Survey 2001: 84% Infant Mortality: Demographic Survey 2001: 81% Child Mortality: Demographic Survey 2001: 35 GDP per Capita (growth Rate): 2007 Preliminary estimates: 5.1% GNI Per Capita (Growth Rate): 2007 Preliminary estimates: 3.0% Food Poverty Line: 2002/2003 HBS: M 84.41 Poverty Line: 2002/2003 HBS: M 149.91

Official Name: Kingdom of Lesotho/Muso oa Lesotho Located: South: Completely surrounded by South Africa Capital: Maseru Head of State: King Letsie lll Area: 30,345 square Kilometers Population: 2.1 Million Growth Rate: 2.7% Languages: SeSotho, English, Zulu & Xhosa Currency: Keny Maloti GNP per Capita: $1,780 Inflation: 10% Airlines: From Europe: South African Airways From Asia: South African Airways From USA: South African Airways Hotels: None USAfrica Agent: None Country Advertiser: None 

Geography The highlands of Lesotho are the watershed for most of the large rivers flowing through South Africa . A huge Highlands Water Project is concerned with building a series of dams along the mighty Orange River to export water and hydroelectricity to South Africa. The view of Katse Dam from Mafika Lisiu Pass is incredible as the flooded valleys go on for 45km. The centrepiece of the whole project is the dam wall - at 185 metres, it is the highest in Africa. The Katse Lodge has been used predominantly by engineers, but is now attracting more visitors, and an area of the lake will be devoted to water sports. Many of the little boats criss-crossing the dam ferry villagers from one side to the other. Lesotho is a small, mountainous, landlocked country, entirely surrounded by South Africa. with a surprising combination of rapidly developing modernity, and ancient culture. The Thaba Bosiu plateau is the historical heart of Lesotho. Basotho is known for its Malealea Lodge Pony Project preserves. Maseru, the capital was established in 1869, by Mshweshwe I, the chief of the Basotho nation. He established Maseru near his mountain stronghold of Thaba Bosiu. Today, at Thaba Bosiu lie the remains of his fortifications, his grave and other 19th century buildings. Lesotho is also known as the Mountain Kingdom and has two main mountain ranges: the Drakensberg, which has the highest mountain in southern Africa, and the Maluti. The capital, Maseru, is situated in the lowlands in the west of the country. The climate is temperate with summer rainfall. Snow falls frequently in the highlands during the winter. The people are mostly Basotho, with around 3,000 whites and 2,000 Chinese.

History A SADC peacekeeping force from South Africa and Botswana entered Lesotho on 22 September 1998. In April 1999, the main SADC peacekeeping force left Lesotho, to be replaced by a SADC team of about 300 military trainers from Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. These are expected to leave Lesotho when the next elections are held. 

Economy Lesotho has no substantial natural resources other than water. Lesotho sells water to South Africa through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The country is also self sufficient for its electricity needs through a hydro electric scheme. More than 85 percent of the population of 2.1 million lives in rural areas, engaged mainly in agriculture and informal activities. The main crop is white maize which is grown on almost half of the land that is under cultivation. Agriculture contributes about 14 percent of GDP but has remained a supplementary source of income since about half of rural household income comes from family members working in mining and other jobs in South Africa. Historically, the Basuto people of Lesotho were herders rather than cultivators. Although they retain this heritage, more and more of their land is being taken over for crops. As a result, less land is available for grazing, and overgrazing has led to serious problems of erosion.

Government Lesotho is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy and is governed under the constitution of 1993. The king is head of state,but has no executive or legislative powers. The government is headed by a prime minister, who is the leader of the majority party in the Assembly. The 33-member Senate consists of the 22 principal chiefs and 11 other members appointed by the ruling party. Of the 120 members of the Assembly, 80 are elected by popular vote and 40 by proportional vote, all for five-year terms.

Religion The main religion is Christianity. Churches are a major influence in the life of the Lesotho people. The other religion is Roman Catholic. Almost every Lesotho citizen belongs to a church, and the church is the location of the social activities for most people.

Culture Lesotho is cold climate with temperatures that are below freezing almost every night in the winter. They use fuel for heating and cooking. Women and children gather manure from the fields and place it in the sun where it bakes to a very dry temputare. This fuel burns, and it's clean and affordable. It does not smell or produce much smoke.

Coat of Arms Flag 1987-2006 2006-present day

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