Lesotho gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. Following independence, Lesotho has experienced many years of political instability. Several military coups and periods of military rule inhibited democratic growth. Lesotho’s government has been chosen electorally since 2002, but a military coup in 2015 ousted then Prime Minister Thebane and replaced him with former leader Mosisili.

• Country Profile
  • Land Mass/Major Cities – Lesotho is a landlocked country that is entirely encased within South Africa. Its capital city is Maseru.
  • Languages – Sesotho (official) (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa
• Business Activity
  • Agriculture – Barley, corn, livestock, pulses, sorghum, and wheat
  • Industries – Apparel, beverages, construction, food, handicrafts, textiles, and tourism
  • Natural Resources – Agricultural and grazing land, building stone, clay, diamonds, sand, and water
  • Exports – Clothing, diamonds, foodstuffs, electricity, footwear, livestock, water, and wool and mohair
  • Imports – Building materials, food, machinery, medicines, petroleum products, and vehicles
  • Major Trading Partners – China, Germany, India, South Korea, South Africa, and the United States

Source: CIA. (2017). The World Factbook: Lesotho. CIA. Retrieved from:  https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/lt.html