Kingdom of Lesotho

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.

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.