Lesotho
Subregion: Southern Africa
Lesotho, officially known as the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country located within South Africa. The Capital City is Maseru. The government is a Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The official language of the country is Sesotho. The predominant religion is Christianity. The healthcare system in Lesotho is both public and private under a public-private partnership. Primary care falls under free healthcare.
Safety:
Safety concerns related to crime, animal hazards, and road accidents are prevalent. Crime can be a problem in Lesotho, especially in urban areas. Travelers are advised to exercise caution, particularly when walking alone or at night, and to keep valuable items out of sight. Car theft is also a common problem in Lesotho, so it is important to keep car doors locked and windows closed. Animal hazards are another concern when traveling in Lesotho. The country is home to many free-roaming animals, including cattle, horses, and donkeys, which can sometimes wander onto the roads. Driving is on the left in Lesotho. The road conditions in Lesotho can be challenging due to the steep hills and unpredictable weather. It is important to drive carefully and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary. Road accidents are a significant cause of injury and death in Lesotho. The roads can be narrow and winding, and some are in poor condition. Additionally, many drivers in Lesotho are inexperienced, and road safety laws may not be enforced rigorously. It is important to wear seat belts at all times and to drive defensively. Overall, travelers to Lesotho should exercise caution and be aware of the potential safety concerns related to crime, animal hazards, and road accidents. It is advisable to travel during the day, use a reputable guide or driver, and stay alert while on the road.
Cultural Customs:
Lesotho is a country in southern Africa with a unique cultural heritage. Clothing: The traditional clothing of Lesotho is a blanket, called a Basotho blanket, which is often worn as a cape over other clothing. It is a symbol of national identity and pride, and is worn by both men and women. Greeting: Greeting is an important part of the culture in Lesotho. People will typically greet each other with a handshake or a hug, and will often inquire about each other's health and well-being. Food: The cuisine of Lesotho is heavily influenced by neighboring South Africa. The traditional dish is called pap-pap, which is a type of porridge made from maize meal. Other popular dishes include roasted meat, vegetables, and a sour milk drink called mokoenya. The traditional Basotho cuisine is based on maize, sorghum, and beans, which are often served with meat and vegetables. Popular dishes include papa, a type of porridge made from maize meal, and moroho, a vegetable stew. Music and dance: Music and dance are important parts of Lesotho's cultural heritage. The traditional music of Lesotho is called seakhi, which is played on a variety of instruments including the lekolulo (a type of flute), the setolo-tolo (a type of guitar), and the mamokhorong (a type of violin). Initiation: Initiation is an important rite of passage for boys in Lesotho. Boys between the ages of 12 and 18 will go through a process of circumcision and isolation, during which they will learn about their role in society and the importance of their cultural heritage. Family: Family is highly valued in Lesotho, and extended families often live together in large compounds. Respect for elders is an important part of the culture, and children are expected to show deference to their parents and other older family members and to demonstrate their respect through their behavior and language. Religion: Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in Lesotho, although traditional beliefs and practices also play an important role in many people's lives. Traditional Medicine: Traditional medicine is still widely used in Lesotho, and it plays an important role in the health care system. Traditional healers, known as sangomas, use natural remedies such as herbs and roots to treat a variety of ailments. Agriculture: Agriculture is an important part of the economy in Lesotho, and many people are subsistence farmers. Cattle are also highly valued, and are often used as a form of currency or as a symbol of wealth and status. These are just a few of the many cultural customs in Lesotho. The Basotho people take great pride in their cultural heritage, and these customs are an important part of their daily lives.
Geography & Weather:
Lesotho has a cool and dry climate with four seasons. The climate varies based on the altitude. Snow is common at higher altitudes.
In Maseru, which is on the west side of the country, the average temperature ranges from 47 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is June with a median temperature of 47 degrees F and January is the hottest month with a median temperature of 71 degrees F. The rainy season is from November - March. The sun is out 8-10 hours a day, all year round.
Economy:
Lesotho is a small, landlocked country in southern Africa, surrounded by South Africa. The economy of Lesotho is largely based on agriculture, with around two-thirds of the population working in this sector. The country also has a significant manufacturing sector, particularly in textiles and clothing, which accounts for a significant portion of its exports. Despite the country's efforts to diversify its economy, Lesotho still faces high levels of unemployment and poverty. The unemployment rate in Lesotho was estimated to be around 25% in 2020, with youth unemployment being particularly high. This high level of unemployment has been attributed to several factors, including a lack of job opportunities in the formal sector, low levels of education and skills among the workforce, and a lack of investment in infrastructure and other economic development initiatives. To address these challenges, the government of Lesotho has implemented various measures to promote economic growth and job creation, including investment in infrastructure, efforts to improve the business climate and attract foreign investment, and initiatives to improve education and training for the workforce. The government has also implemented social welfare programs to help mitigate the impact of unemployment and poverty on the most vulnerable members of society. Overall, while Lesotho continues to face significant challenges in addressing unemployment and poverty, there are ongoing efforts to promote economic growth and job creation, and to support those who are most affected by these challenges.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Basotho Maloti/ Lesotho Loti (LSL)
LSL 1.00 = USD .061
South African Rand (ZAR)
ZAR 1.00 = USD .055
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
2,142,249
Median Age:
24 yrs
Life Expectancy:
55.65 yrs
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? No, for visits under 6 months
Cost: Multiple entry Visa $250
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization - Basotho citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Lesotho for at least five consecutive years, is of good character and conduct, is of legal capacity, have no criminal convictions, and is the age of majority. The person must also prove competency in Sesotho or English.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency permit is available for people looking to relocate into Lesotho as expats. You must have your tourist visa and apply in English online or at the facilitation center in Maseru. This visa is good for 2 years.
Resources:
Lesotho Immigration - Home Affairs office
Expats in Lesotho Facebook Group
US Embassy Maseru
254 Kingsway Avenue
Maseru 100, Lesotho
Phone: +266 2231-2666
Emergency: +266 5888-4035
Email: USConsularMaseru@state.gov