PESA
Kingdom of Lesotho

Kingdom of Lesotho

Political Economy Summary

Capital Maseru
Independence 4 October 1966
Head of State King Letsie III
Head of Government P.M. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lejone Mpotjoana
Minister of Finance Retšelisitsoe Adelaide Matlanyane
Central Bank Governor Emmanuel Maluke Letete
Next National Elections Date 2027
Government Website http://www.gov.ls/
Parliament Website http://www.parliament.ls/

Click on a thumbnail below to read the relevant PESA Editorial regarding Lesotho.

PESA Editorial on Lesotho: 2H2024/25
Accurate and balanced analysis of the political economy in Lesotho in 2H2024/25 ...
PESA Editorial on Lesotho: 1H2023/24
Lesotho’s economy has had a mixed recovery from the global shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. The ...
PESA Editorial on Lesotho: 2H2022/23
Lesotho’s exports have had a slower growth since the recovery from the shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s total merchandise exports had a ...
PESA Editorial on Lesotho: 1H2022/23
Accurate and balanced analysis of the political economy in Lesotho ...
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Click on a thumbnail below to read the relevant PESA Regional Integration Monitor relating to Lesotho.

Drivers for Sustainable Industrialisation in SADC
The January 2025 issue provides an update on the current state of regional integration in SADC by evaluating the drivers for sustainable industrialisation and the ...
Facteurs moteurs d’une industrialisation durable dans la SADC
Le numéro de janvier 2025 fournit une mise à jour sur l’état actuel de l’intégration régionale dans la SADC en évaluant les moteurs d’une industrialisation ...
Motores para a Industrialização Sustentável na SADC
A edição de janeiro de 2025 fornece uma atualização sobre o estado atual da integração regional na SADC, avaliando os impulsionadores da industrialização sustentável e ...
SADC in the Global Year of Elections
The April 2024 issue provides an update on the current state of regional integration in SADC by evaluating the region in the global year of ...
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Click on a thumbnail below to view the latest PESA Policy Dialogues on issues relating to Lesotho.

Political Economy Review: South Africa 2021 Riots and Looting
Interview reflecting about the regional impact of the July 2021 riots and looting in South Africa on the SADC region. The interview looks at the ...
Importance of Lesotho and South African Bilateral Relations
Interview about the importance of the bilateral relations between Lesotho and South Africa following Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro's working visit to Pretoria. The discussion evaluates ...
Political Economy Review: SACU and SADC in 2019
Interview reflecting on the regional impact of slow growth in South Africa and how it affects neighbouring countries in SADC and SACU. The interview examines ...
Political Economy Review: Basotho Opposition Pulls Out of SAPMIL
Interview analysing the impact of the SADC Preventative Mission in the Kingdom of Lesotho (SAPMIL) and the possible implications of the opposition party pulling out ...
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Lesotho Geographic Location
Geographic Location

Lesotho is a mountainous, landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is an enclave, surrounded by South Africa. The most notable geographic fact about Lesotho is that it is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 metres in elevation. Its lowest point is at 1,400 metres above sea-level, the highest lowest point of any country. Because of its elevation, Lesotho’s climate is cooler than in most other regions or countries at the same latitude.

Basotho Cities
Basotho Cities
Basotho Coat Arms
Coat of Arms

The Basotho coat of arms was adopted on 4 October 1968 following independence. The coat of arms contains a crocodile on a Basotho shield. This is the symbol of the dynasty of the Basotho. Behind the shield there are two crossed weapons, an assegai and a knobkerrie (club). To the left and right of the shield are supporters of the shield, two Basotho horses.

In the foreground there is a ribbon with the national motto of Lesotho: Khotso, Pula, Nala “Peace, Rain, Prosperity” in seSotho. The crocodile on the shield has been retained from the arms of Basutoland, the predecessor to Lesotho.

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