The Kingdom of Lesotho is situated on a highland plateau entirely within South Africa. Formerly known as Basutoland, the Kingdom attained its full independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, it stands as one of the three remaining monarchies in Africa.

“To be born and bred in this serene mountainous country is truly a blessing. Its wonderful slopes together with its rivers and cascading streams create breathtaking scenery,” said Bokang Sterling Monyamane, a final year student in Bachelor of Science (Architectural Studies).

Lesotho is also known as the ‘Kingdom in the Sky’ as the entire country lies 1000m above sea level and includes ‘Thabana-Ntlenyana’, which at 3482m is the highest peak in Africa south of Kilimanjaro.

Although it is a small country, Lesotho boasts an assortment of fantastic attractions that tourists can marvel at such as the ‘Tse’hlanyane National Park’ which protects a beautiful high-altitude, 5600-hectare patch of rugged wilderness, including one of Lesotho’s only stands of indigenous forest with a number of rare undergrowth plants that are unique to the woodland habitat. Lesotho also has the highest single-drop waterfall in Southern Africa at 196 meters.

“My country offers the opportunity to experience Africa’s natural beauty and the simplicity and warmth of the friendly Basotho people who have developed a rich culture within their towns and isolated villages.”

Water and diamonds are Lesotho’s significant natural resources. Water is being extracted through the 30-year, multibillion-dollar Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), which was initiated in 1986.

The Kingdom has taken advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to become the largest exporter of garments to the US from sub-Saharan Africa. American Brands and retailers sourcing from Lesotho include: Foot Locker, Gap, Gloria Vanderbilt, JCPenny, Levi Strauss, Saks, Sears, Timberland and Wal-Mart.

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