The Kingdom of Lesotho is a country completely landlocked by South Africa. It’s a tiny country that you probably don’t know much about, but today my aim is to change that.
Here are 13 interesting facts about Lesotho
1. Lesotho (formerly Basutoland) gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.
2. The country has a population of about 2.2 million people (according to 2021 estimates).
3. Over 330,000 people live in the country’s capital, Maseru (which was founded in 1869)
4. About 40% of the country’s population live below the poverty line (on less than $1.25 a day). It’s one of the poorest countries in the world.
5. The country became a British protectorate in 1868 (after the Basotho war against the Boers of the Orange Free State).
6. It’s the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,400 metres (4,593 feet). Over 80% of the country lies above 1,800 metres (5,906 feet).
7. The Loti is the currency of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
8. The country is governed by a parliamentary system and constitutional monarchy. King Letsie III is the current king and Sam Matekane is the prime minister of the country.
9. The country is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the United Nations (UN), the African Union, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth of Nations.
10. Lesotho is the Southernmost landlocked country in the world.
11. The Sani Mountain Lodge, situated at an elevation of 2,874 meters (9,429 feet) in the Sani Pass, boasts the highest-altitude pub in Africa. Upon completing the breathtaking journey through the scenic pass from South Africa, the pub awaits with refreshing chilled beer to welcome you.
12. Lesotho holds another fascinating detail, as it harbors one of the most extensive dinosaur footprints ever discovered. At 57 centimeters (1.8 feet) in size, the footprint is attributed to Kayentapus ambrokholohali, estimated to have stood at a towering height of 2.7 meters (8 feet) and spanned an impressive length of 9 meters (29 feet). This dinosaur is a relative of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, one of the largest dinosaurs known to exist.
13. Lesotho experiences 300 days of sunshine annually, yet this doesn’t imply aridity. The country typically encounters its rainy season from October to April.
Well, there you have it, 13 facts that you might not have known about Lesotho. If I missed something, feel free to comment below. Feedback is appreciated and welcome.
Watch this space for updates in the Facts category on Interesting Facts.
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