Lesotho (Kingdom of Lesotho) is a small country in Southern Africa. It is completely surrounded by South African territory and has no access to the sea. Lesotho borders South Africa on all sides.
The capital is Maseru, which is the largest city in the country.
The form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The monarch is officially the head of state, but performs mostly ceremonial functions and is prohibited from putting forward any political initiatives. The head of government and executive power is the Prime Minister.
Lesotho's climate varies depending on altitude. The low areas in the south of the country have a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. In the high mountain regions, which occupy most of the country's territory, the climate is cold and mountainous, and snow and freezing rain may fall in winter. Long periods of frost are also common in the high mountains.
Population is about 2,000,000 people (2021).
The official language of Lesotho is Sesotho (or Sotho), also called Sesutu. English also has official status and is used in education and government institutions. The local population may speak their own ethnic languages such as Zulu, Khoza and others depending on their ethnicity.
Lesotho's economy is largely dependent on agriculture, especially pastoralism. Pastures in the highlands provide good conditions for cattle breeding, and it is one of the main sectors of the country's economy. Also important sectors are the textile industry, which exports textile products. In addition, Lesotho receives significant income from migrant workers working abroad, especially in South Africa.
The standard of living in Lesotho is low and there is poverty and inequality in the country.
The level of medical care and education is quite low. The average life expectancy in the country is about 50 years. The main problem is the HIV epidemic - about a quarter of the country's total population is infected.
Education in Lesotho is provided by public and private schools. But the quality of education is insufficient due to lack of funding and insufficient population.
Under certain circumstances, the country could develop tourism, because the country has a lot to see: the Drakensberg Mountains and Semeng National Park, this national park is famous for its wildlife and landscapes. Here you can see lions, elephants, giraffes and other animals. Lake Katsi and Tsuala m'Pula Cave, this cave has ancient paintings that date back several thousand years and is an interesting place for historical research. Meribo, the highest peak in Lesotho and at the same time in South Africa, and much more.
