Lesotho¶

Area

Africa

Lesotho is a land-locked country completely contained within South Africa. It first emerged as an independent state in 1822 and was recognized by Britain in 1843. In 1868 it became a British protectorate called Basutoland. Autonomy was granted in 1965 and the name was changed to Lesotho when full independence was achieved in 1966. The first elections after that were held in 1970, but when the ruling Basotho National Party lost, they refused to step down and instead imprisoned the winners. The inevitable rebellions, coups, and demonstrations plagued the country until 2002 when the first peaceful elections were held. Unfortunately, Lesotho continues to struggle with serious issues, including child labour (which is supposed to be abolished in 2006-7), and aids, which reportedly infects 29% of the population and rising. Besides being an enclave (a country within a country), Lesotho is geographically notable as the only country in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 metres in elevation. Its lowest point is 1,400 m, and over 80% of the country lies above 1,800 m.

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