Lesotho: flag, capital, currency and history
Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a country in Southern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Maseru. The currency is the Lesotho loti and South African rand. Languages spoken include English and Sotho.
Quick facts about Lesotho
- Official name
- Kingdom of Lesotho
- Capital
- Maseru
- Region
- Africa, Southern Africa
- Currency
- Lesotho loti (LSL, L)
South African rand (ZAR, R) - Languages
- English, Sotho
- Calling code
- +266
- Internet domain
- .ls
- Area
- 30,355 km² (11,720 sq mi)
- Land borders
- South Africa
- Demonym
- Mosotho
- National day
- Independence Day, October 4
Flag of Lesotho
Download the flag of Lesotho as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇱🇸.
History of Lesotho
The mountainous land of Lesotho was inhabited by San hunter-gatherers before Sotho-speaking peoples settled it. In the 1820s Moshoeshoe I united various groups into the Basotho nation during a period of regional upheaval. Conflicts with Boer settlers led him to seek British protection, and Basutoland became a British protectorate in 1868. It was briefly attached to the Cape Colony before returning to direct British administration in 1884. Lesotho became independent as a constitutional monarchy in 1966. It is completely surrounded by South Africa, and its capital is Maseru.
Key dates
- 1820sMoshoeshoe I founds the Basotho kingdom, gathering groups in the highlands.
- 1868Basutoland becomes a British protectorate after conflict with Boer settlers.
- 1871Britain annexes Basutoland to the Cape Colony.
- 1884Basutoland returns to direct British rule as a Crown colony.
- 1966Lesotho becomes independent on 4 October.
- 1993Multiparty elections are held after years of military rule.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Lesotho
Lesotho uses the Lesotho loti (LSL, L) and South African rand (ZAR, R). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Lesotho?
The capital of Lesotho is Maseru.
What currency does Lesotho use?
Lesotho uses the Lesotho loti (LSL, symbol L) and South African rand (ZAR, symbol R).
What languages are spoken in Lesotho?
Languages used in Lesotho include English and Sotho.
What is the calling code of Lesotho?
The international calling code of Lesotho is +266. Its internet domain is .ls.
Which countries border Lesotho?
Lesotho shares land borders with South Africa.
On which continent is Lesotho?
Lesotho is in Africa, in the region of Southern Africa.
What is the national day of Lesotho?
Lesotho marks Independence Day on October 4.
Neighbours of Lesotho
More countries in Southern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).