Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | LS, LSO |
| Official Name | Kingdom of Lesotho |
| Continent | Africa |
| Capital | Maseru |
| Government Type | Parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Currency | Lesotho loti (LSL) |
| Calling Code | +266 |
| Member Of | United Nations, African Union, Commonwealth of Nations, Southern African Development Community |
| Population | Approximately 2.1 million (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | Approximately 30,355 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 meters or 11,423 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Confluence of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers (1,400 meters or 4,593 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | Estimated at around $1,299 USD (as of 2023) |
| Life Expectancy | Estimated at around 54 years (as of 2023) |
| Internet TLD | .ls |
Lesotho National Anthem
Lesotho Fatše La Bontata Rona (Lesotho, Land of Our Fathers)
Lesotho, land of our Fathers,
You are the most beautiful country of all.
You give us peace,
Under the blue sky,
And abundant rains.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Lesotho Flag
The flag of Lesotho was adopted on October 4, 2006, coinciding with the country’s 40th anniversary of independence. It features a horizontal blue, white, and green tricolor with a black mokorotlo (a Basotho hat) in the center. The colors and the hat hold significant symbolism. The blue represents the rain, essential for this predominantly agricultural society. The white symbolizes peace, an important aspect of Lesotho’s national identity, especially considering its historical struggles. The green signifies prosperity, reflecting the country’s aspirations for economic growth and environmental preservation.
The mokorotlo, the hat in the flag’s center, is a national symbol and a part of traditional Basotho attire. It represents the Basotho people and their cultural heritage. The introduction of this flag marked a change from the previous one, which had been in use since 1987 and featured a shield and weapons. The change was made to reflect a more peaceful outlook, moving away from the militaristic symbolism of the old flag.
Lesotho’s flag is unique among national flags for its distinct iconography and choice of colors, representing a blend of the natural environment, peace, and cultural identity. It stands out for its simplicity and the meaningful representation of the nation’s values and aspirations.