Lesotho
History of Lesotho
Colonial History
Lesotho was colonized by the British in 1868 and became the British Crown Colony of Basutoland. It gained independence on October 4, 1966, becoming the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Key Historical Periods
Key periods include British colonization (1868–1966), independence in 1966, periods of political instability, and a series of coups and democratic reforms.
President of Lesotho
First President
Lesotho does not have a president, as it is a constitutional monarchy. The first monarch after independence was King Moshoeshoe II, who ruled from 1966 to 1990.
Notable Presidents
- Moshoeshoe I: Founder of the Basotho nation.
- Moshoeshoe II (1966–1990, 1995–1996): First post-independence king.
- Letsie III (1996–present): Current monarch.
Current President Lesotho
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Notable Leaders in History
King Moshoeshoe II
First post-independence monarch.
King Letsie III
Current monarch since 1996.
Tom Thabane
Former Prime Minister who served multiple terms, focusing on governance and economic challenges.
Economy
Best Known Export
Lesotho's best-known exports include textiles, diamonds, and water supplied to South Africa through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
GDP
Lesotho's GDP in 2023 was approximately $2.82 billion, primarily driven by textiles, water exports, and agriculture.
Remittance
Lesotho’s secondary source of revenue is remittance.
Movies
This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection (2019): A critically acclaimed film highlighting rural life in Lesotho.
The Forgotten Kingdom (2013): A drama exploring cultural identity in Lesotho.
Books
- Chaka by Thomas Mofolo: A historical novel about the Zulu king, rooted in Southern African culture.
- Voices of Lesotho by K.E. Ntsane: A collection of writings about Lesotho's traditions and society.
Currency
Money Accepted
Lesotho's currency is the Loti (LSL), which is pegged to the South African Rand.
Languages Spoken
Official Languages
Sesotho and English.
Major Indigenous Language
Sesotho, spoken by the majority of the population.
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