Lesotho Passport

【 Country Name 】 The Kingdom of Lesotho.

【 Area 】 30355 square kilometers.

Population: 2.3 million (2023). The vast majority of the population belongs to the Basutu and Zulu ethnic groups of the Bantu language family. The official languages are Sesutu and English, and the main ethnic languages are Zulu and Xhosa. About 90% of the residents believe in Christianity, while the rest believe in indigenous primitive religions.

Maseru, the capital, has an altitude of 1500 meters. The population is approximately 331000 (as of 2016). The highest temperature throughout the year is 33 ℃, and the lowest temperature is -3 ℃.

[Head of State] King Letsie III ascended the throne on February 7, 1996 and was crowned on October 31, 1997.

【 Important Festival 】 Mo Shushu Day: March 11th; Hero's Day: May 25th; King's Birthday: July 17th; Independence Day: October 4th.

【 Overview 】 A landlocked country in southern Africa, with 75% of its eastern territory being mountainous and the highest altitude reaching 3482 meters. 25% of the narrow strip in the west is low-lying areas with relatively flat terrain, with a minimum elevation of 1388 meters. The main mountain ranges are Mount Marotti and Mount Drakens, and the main rivers are the Orange River and the Caledon River. Surrounded by South Africa. It belongs to the continental subtropical climate. The dry season is from May to September, and the rainy season is from October to April. The highest temperature is 33 ℃ and the lowest is -7 ℃.

Before independence, it was called Basutolan. At the beginning of the 19th century, Moshu I, the chief of the Basutu tribe, unified all ethnic groups and established a kingdom. In 1868, Britain officially declared Basutoland as its "protectorate" and incorporated it into Britain's Cape Colony in South Africa in 1871. On October 4, 1966, independence was declared and the country was named the Kingdom of Lesotho, implementing a constitutional monarchy with King Mosho II and Prime Minister Jonathan, the leader of the Basotho National Party. In 1970, the first general election after independence was held, and the Basutoran Congress Party won. In 1986, Major General Lehaniye, the commander of the armed forces, launched a military coup, took over the government, and banned political party activities. In November 1990, the military government deposed Mo Shushu II and appointed his eldest son Le Ziye as king, also known as Le Ziye III. In March 1993, the military government "returned power to the people" and held the second general election in Lai. The Basutolan Congress Party won, and its chairman Mohele became the Prime Minister. In January 1995, Mo Shushu II was reinstated. In January 1996, Mo Shushu II died in a car accident. In February, Laiziye ascended to the throne again. In May 1998, the third general election was held, and the Lesotho Democratic Congress Party (LCD) won with an absolute advantage, with its chairman Pakalita Mosisili serving as Prime Minister. In May 2002 and February 2007, Lesotho successfully held general elections using a mixed election model, with the Democratic Congress Party of Lesotho winning consecutive elections and Mosisili re elected as Prime Minister. In February 2012, the Lesotho Democratic Congress Party (LCD) split, and Prime Minister Mosisili formed the Democratic Congress Party (DC) to continue governing. On May 26th, Lai held a general election, and the ruling Democratic Congress Party (DC) only won 48 out of 120 seats. The three main opposition parties, the All Basotho Congress Party (ABC), the Lesotho Democratic Congress Party (LCD), and the Basotho National Party (BNP), successfully formed an alliance and gained a majority in parliament, winning the ruling power. On June 8th, Motsoahae Thomas Thabane, the leader of the All Basotho Congress Party, officially took office as Prime Minister. Lai is governed by a multi-party coalition government formed by an opposition party alliance for the first time. Since 2014, the internal conflicts within the ruling coalition of Lai have been intensifying, leading to clashes between the military and police, drastic changes in the political and security situation, and the disintegration of the coalition government. Through mediation by the Southern African Development Community, Lai formed a seven party coalition government in early elections in February 2015. In March 2017, the Lai National Assembly passed a motion of no confidence against then Prime Minister Mosisili proposed by the opposition party. King Laizier III dissolved the parliament and announced early elections based on Mosisili's suggestion. On June 3rd, the opposition coalition consisting of the All Basotho Congress Party, the Democratic Alliance, the Basotho National Party, and the Lesotho Reform Congress Party won the general election and formed a new government. Tabane is once again appointed as Prime Minister, with Democratic Alliance leader Moleleki serving as Deputy Prime Minister. In November 2019, Lesotho made significant progress in its national reform process, transitioning from dialogue and consultation to the implementation phase. In January 2020, Prime Minister Tabane announced under pressure that he would resign in July. In May, Tabane delivered a live televised speech, officially announcing his resignation and appointing Finance Minister and National Assembly member of the All Basotho Congress Party, Mukazi Marjoro, as Prime Minister.

In March 2022, businessman Sam Matkane founded the Prosperous Revolutionary Party (RFP) and won the most seats in the parliamentary elections held on October 7th. The Prosperous Revolutionary Party, along with the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Reform Movement, formed a new ruling coalition. On October 28th, Matt Kane was sworn in as Prime Minister.

The current Constitution was promulgated and came into effect in March 1993. According to the constitution, Lai is a constitutional monarchy. The Constitution stipulates that the King is the head of state and constitutional monarch, the Cabinet is the executive body, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. In April 2020, the Lai Parliament passed a constitutional amendment that revoked the Prime Minister's power to unilaterally advise the King to dissolve Parliament and hold early elections when a motion of no confidence was passed in the National Assembly. In September 2024, significant progress was made in the reform of the Lai Constitution through the Tenth Amendment.

The Lai Parliament implements a bicameral system. The Senate is the upper house of parliament, consisting of 33 seats and 11 members designated by the King according to the Prime Minister's wishes, as well as 21 Grand Chiefs. The current Speaker of the Senate is Mamonaheng Mokitimi (female). The National Assembly is the lower house of parliament, with 120 members elected through constituency representation and proportional representation, serving a term of 5 years. At present, there are 119 members of parliament, with 56 seats held by the Prosperous Revolution Party, 29 seats held by the Democratic Congress Party, 8 seats held by the All Basotho Congress Party, 6 seats held by the Basotho Action Party, 5 seats held by the Democratic Alliance, 4 seats held by the Economic Change Movement, 3 seats held by the Lesotho Democratic Congress Party, 2 seats held by the Social Revolution Party, 1 seat held by the National Independence Party, and 1 seat each held by the Basotho National Party, Popular Democratic Front, Basotho Treaty Movement, Hope Party, and Mopule Political Summit. The current Speaker of the National Assembly is Tlohang Sekhamane.

The current government will be formed in October 2022 and expanded in November 2023. At present, the main members of the cabinet are: Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and National Security Sam Matekane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Nthomeng Majara (female), Minister of Health Selibe Mochobooane, Minister of Education and Training Ntoi Rapata, Minister of Energy Nqosa Mahao, Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture Motlatsi Maqelepo, Minister of Labour and Employment Tseliso Mokhosi, Minister of Information and Communications Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nthati Moorosi (female), Minister of Finance and Development Planning Retsilisito Adelide Matlanyane, Female), Minister of Trade, Industry and Small Enterprises Mokhethi Shelile, Minister of Local Government, Chieftain Affairs, Home Affairs and Police Lebona Lephema, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Lejone Mpotjuane, Minister of Law and Justice Richard Ramoeletsi, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Thabo Mofosi, Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko, Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development Pitso Lesaoana, Minister of Public Works Minister of Works and Transport Matjato Neo Moteane, Minister of Public Services Mputhi Stephen Mputhi, Letsema Adonitsi, Minister of Environment and Forestry, and Limpho Tau, Minister of the Prime Minister's Office.

The main political parties are:

(1) Revolution for Prosperity: Founded by Sam Matkane in March 2022. The slogan is to reshape government institutions and promote economic and social change. After the October 2022 general election, it won 56 seats in the Lai Parliament and became the largest party in the parliament. It formed a ruling coalition with the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Change Movement, and the leader of the Prosperity Revolution Party, Matt Kane, became the Prime Minister.

(2) The Democratic Congress was formed in February 2012 by Prime Minister Pakatalyta Mosisili after leaving the Democratic Congress Party of Lesotho. In the May 2012 general election, he did not win more than half of the seats and lost his governing power. After the 2015 general election, he successfully formed a ruling coalition with six other parties, with party leader Mosisili serving as prime minister. After the 2017 election, it became the largest opposition party. Became one of the coalition ruling parties in 2020. After the October 2022 general election, it won 29 seats in parliament and became the largest opposition party in parliament. The current leader is Mathibel Mokhutu.

(3) The All Basotho Convention Party was founded in October 2006 by Tabane, who defected from the Lesotho Democratic Congress Party. After the 2012 general election, it formed an alliance with the Lesotho Democratic Congress Party and the Basotho National Party to govern. After the 2015 election, he lost power and became an opposition party. After the 2017 general election, it became the largest ruling party, with its leader Tabane serving as Prime Minister. In May 2020, Tabane announced his resignation and the party's National Assembly member, Marjoro, took over as Prime Minister. In January 2022, former Minister of Agriculture Kabi won the party election and became the party leader. After the October 2022 general election, he lost power and won 8 seats in parliament.

(4) Alliance of Democrats: In 2016, there was intense factional struggle within the Democratic Congress Party, and Deputy Leader Molelei left the party at the end of 2016 to form the Alliance of Democrats, serving as the party leader. After the October 2022 general election, he won 5 seats in parliament and formed a ruling coalition with the Prosperous Revolution Party and the Economic Reform Movement.

(5) Movement for Economic Change: Formed by then Minister of Small Business and General Secretary of the Lesotho Democratic Congress Party, Mochoboroane, after leaving the party in January 2017. After the June 2017 general election, he won 6 seats in parliament. In May 2020, party leader Mochaboroane was appointed as the Minister of Development Planning in the coalition government. After the October 2022 general election, he won 4 seats in the parliament and formed a ruling coalition with the Prosperous Revolution Party and the Democratic Alliance. Party leader Mochoboroane served as the Minister of Health in the coalition government.

(6) Lesotho Congress for Democracy: In June 1997, the Basutolan Congress Party split, and the "Prime Minister faction" led by Mohele left the party to form the Lesotho Congress for Democracy and came to power. In May 1998, the party won the general election and continued to govern. In 2001, due to the establishment of a new party by former deputy leader Mahope, the Lesotho Democratic Congress Party split. He won the general election in May 2002 with an absolute advantage and continued to govern. In 2006, former Minister of Communications Tabane established a new party, which split again and weakened its strength. In February 2012, there was another split, and the then party leader Pakalta Mosisili established the Democratic Congress Party (DC) and came into power. The party has become the main opposition party. After the general election on May 26 of the same year, it jointly governed with the All Basotho Congress Party and the Basotho Nationalist Party. After the 2015 election, it became one of the coalition ruling parties. In the 2017 general election, he won 11 seats and became an opposition party. Won 3 seats in parliament after the October 2022 general election. The current leader is Mothetjoe Metsing.

[Important Person] Lezier III: King. Born on July 17, 1963 in the Lemoriga region. For the eldest son of the late King Moshu II. I studied primary and secondary school in the UK from 1968 to 1980. I studied at the University of Lesotho from 1980 to 1984 and obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree. Obtained a Diploma in English Law from the University of Bristol in the UK from 1984 to 1986. From 1986 to 1987, he studied Development Studies and Agricultural Economics at the University of Cambridge and Wye College, University of London. After returning to China after completing his studies, he was appointed as the Grand Chief of the Masin Region in December 1989 and served in the Maseru City Hall and the Constituent Assembly. He ascended the throne in November 1990 and gave way to his father, Mo Shushu II, in January 1995. After his death in a car accident in January 1996, Mo Shushu II ascended to the throne again on February 7th. The coronation ceremony was held on October 31, 1997.

Sam Matcairn: Prime Minister. Born on March 15, 1958 in Lesotho. High school diploma. I have been in business for a long time and have operated in industries such as building materials, mining, agriculture, animal husbandry, aviation, real estate, and pharmaceuticals. Has won the Forbes Africa Best Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and been awarded the title of Outstanding African Entrepreneur. In March 2022, the Prosperous Revolutionary Party was established and appointed as the party leader. Appointed as the Prime Minister of Lesotho in October 2022.

Due to the scarcity of natural resources and weak economic foundation, it is one of the world's least developed countries declared by the United Nations. The economy is mainly based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and clothing processing exports, and food cannot be self-sufficient. Overseas remittances are one of the main sources of national income. The Lai government actively implements the "2020 National Economic Development Vision Plan", improves the investment environment, strives to expand employment, develops agriculture and infrastructure construction, and the economy has developed. Diamond mining has become a new economic growth point. In recent years, due to factors such as the global economic downturn, reduced tax revenue sharing from the Southern African Customs Union, and unstable political situation in Laos, the country's ability to attract foreign investment has declined and its economic development has been slow. According to the World Bank's 2018 Ease of Doing Business report, Lai ranks 10th among African countries and 104th in the world. The main economic indicators for 2023 are as follows:

Gross Domestic Product: 2.25 billion US dollars.

Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate: 1.9%.

Per capita Gross Domestic Product: 1050 US dollars.

Inflation rate: 6.3%.

Exchange rate: 1 US dollar is equivalent to 18.5 Marotti.

(Source: International Monetary Fund)

Industry mainly focuses on manufacturing and food processing, producing clothing, leather, food, beverages, building materials, furniture, electronics, etc. The plateau water conservancy project in Lesotho started construction in 1991 and is one of the largest water conservancy projects in Africa, jointly funded by Lesotho and South Africa. At present, the first phase of the project has been completed, and Lesotho generates considerable income annually by delivering water to South Africa, while also meeting its own electricity needs. Since 2000, with Europe and America successively opening up tax-free and quota free markets to Laos, export processing industries with relatively high added value such as textiles, clothing, and footwear have developed rapidly, and the ready to wear industry has become the largest pillar industry of Laos' national economy. Lai has become the largest clothing exporting country to the United States in sub Saharan Africa and the 8th largest trading partner of the United States in Africa. Since 2008, due to the impact of the international financial crisis, the Lai clothing processing industry has faced difficulties, with exports declining and multiple factories shutting down or shutting down. In 2015, the export value of ready to wear clothing from Lai to the United States was 300 million US dollars, accounting for 80% of Lai's total export value of ready to wear clothing to the United States.

The mining industry is mainly focused on diamond mining, with small amounts of coal, lead, quartz, agate, and uranium reserves, but they do not have commercial mining value.

[Agriculture and animal husbandry] The agricultural population accounts for 80% of the national population, and the agricultural labor force accounts for 50% of the total labor force. Due to soil erosion, arable land has been decreasing year by year, with an existing arable land area of 180000 hectares, accounting for about 10% of the national area. The self-sufficiency rate of grain is about 30%. Animal husbandry plays an important role, with 66% of the country's land available for grazing, mainly for sheep farming, and is a famous producer of mohair in Africa.

There are multiple commercial banks and professional financial institutions in the financial industry, but they are mainly monopolized by Standard Bank and Ned Bank in South Africa. The Central Bank of Lesotho is responsible for regulating the financial industry. The scope of bank services is currently limited to urban areas. In August 2014, Lesotho established a credit bureau with the aim of establishing and managing credit markets, exchanging credit information, expanding credit scale to local and foreign investors, and promoting economic and social development. The establishment of the Credit Bureau is also a measure taken by international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to implement financial reforms in Laos.

The government encourages the development of the tourism industry, and in recent years has built some hotels, mountain resorts, and a national park, with many tourists coming from South Africa. The water conservancy project on the Lesotho Plateau has greatly promoted the development of tourism in the Laishan area. Skiing has become an emerging tourism activity in recent years.

The total length of the highway is about 7000 kilometers, mainly consisting of gravel and dirt roads. There is no independent railway system. The main airport is Maseru Moshu International Airport, which can take off and land medium-sized civilian aircraft.

The communication industry in Lai has developed rapidly in recent years. The mobile phone service is mainly provided by VODACOM LESOTHO (VCL) telecommunications company, a joint venture between South African VODACOM telecommunications company and Lesotho telecommunications company.

Bilateral aid is mainly provided by countries such as the United States, Ireland, Japan, and Germany; Multilateral aid mainly comes from the European Union, the International Development Association, and the International Monetary Fund. 20% of government spending comes from government development assistance, with the largest donor being the United States, followed by the European Union. 70% of the aid will flow into the field of social development, 15% will support the government budget, and 7% will be invested in infrastructure construction.

World Bank: In June 2013, the World Bank provided 180 million Marotti in non repayable aid to Lebanon to help implement its first development policy implementation plan. In July, the World Bank provided a $200 million grant to support inclusive growth and competitive development policies in Laos. In November, the World Bank provided a loan of 131 million Marotti (approximately 13.1 million US dollars) to Lai to help improve its business environment, create employment opportunities, and promote diversified development of the private economy. In February 2014, the World Bank approved an interest free loan of $5.5 million to Lesotho to support the government's efforts to improve its public financial management system. In August, the World Bank announced a funding of 135 million Malaysian dollars (approximately 15.435 million US dollars) for the second phase of Lesotho's water conservancy renovation project, including continued support for the Lemaitron Dam and water supply project, preparation work for the Lai Gao Shan Shui Phase II project, and assistance to the Lai government in attracting investment to improve water services in the Lai Lowland region. In October 2017, the World Bank approved a funding of approximately 136 million Malaysian dollars to support small-scale agricultural development projects in Laos. In September 2019, the World Bank announced that it would provide a loan of 1.1 billion Marotti to the second phase of the Lai Lowland Water Conservancy Project to help achieve sustainable and stable water supply in lowland areas. In March 2020, the World Bank signed a renewable energy project agreement with Lai, providing a total loan of approximately 52.9 million US dollars.

EU: In December 2015, the EU announced a funding of 12 million euros to assist seven southern African countries, including Lesotho, in combating drought caused by El Ni ñ o. In 2016, Lai signed the Southern African Development Community (SADC-EU EPA) Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, which officially came into effect in March 2018. Lai enjoys duty-free and quota free treatment for exporting products to Europe. In January 2016, the European Union announced that it would provide 5.5 million euros in special assistance for the drought in Lai for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. In March, the European Union announced that it would provide Lesotho with food aid worth 30 million Marotti. In September 2017, the European Union announced that it would provide 25 million Marotti in aid to strengthen the social security system in Lebanon. In January 2018, the European Union announced that it would provide 65 million Marotti aid to Lebanon for the development of non-governmental organizations in the country. In September, the European Union announced that it would provide 106 million Marotti in financial aid to Lai. In November 2019, the European Union promised to provide 41 million euros in free aid to Lai for the construction of the Lai Lowland Water Conservancy Project.

Others: In May 2013, the Global Fund donated US $17 million to Laos for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis and AIDS. In October, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the sixth Extended Credit Facility (ECF) of $8.6 million for Lesotho, keeping the country at a special drawing rights level of $76.6 million. In the same month, Russia donated medical equipment worth $1 million to the Lai government, including experimental equipment, diagnostic and treatment equipment, surgical and intensive care equipment, etc. In February 2016, Kuwait promised to provide 233 million Malaysian dollars in funding to Lebanon for the renovation of its capital Moshu I International Airport. In March, the Government of Botswana provided 60 tons of food to Lesotho. In November 2017, India donated 500 tons of rice to Laos. In January 2018, the United States approved the second batch of aid to Lebanon under the Millennium Challenge Program (MCC). In February 2019, Lebanon and the United States signed an aid agreement totaling $5.78 million. In the fiscal year 2019-2020, Lai received 1.25 billion marlotti from the US President's Emergency Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of the AIDS Epidemic (PEPFAR). In December 2019, Lai was selected for the second phase of the US Millennium Challenge Program, and in April 2024, the $300 million second phase agreement officially came into effect. Prime Minister Lai and the King visited Japan in 2019 and received 3950 tons of wheat flour aid and a $52 million small-scale agricultural development fund from the Japanese government.

In 2023, the total foreign trade volume was 2.85 billion US dollars, including exports of 1.05 billion US dollars and imports of 1.8 billion US dollars. The main imported goods were food, fuel, machinery, etc. The main exports are textiles, raw materials (wool, mohair, etc.), and livestock. In January 2016, the Secretariat of the World Trade Organization announced that Bressoto had been approved to join the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

The national labor force is about 650000. The average life expectancy in 2021 is 53 years, and the population growth rate in 2022 is 1.1%. According to the 2023 Human Development Report, the Lai Human Development Index ranks 168th out of 193 countries and regions worldwide. 80% of the population in Lai can enjoy medical services. The country is divided into 18 medical service areas. In November 2019, the United States released an assessment report on the impact of AIDS on Laiwu, which showed that the adult AIDS infection rate in Laiwu was 25.6%, including 30.4% for women and 20.8% for men.

The Lesotho Defense Force consists of approximately 3000 personnel, including an Air Force squadron.

Education: The national education level is relatively high, with a literacy rate of 89.6% and a primary education coverage rate of 69.3%, ranking among the top in sub Saharan African countries. Education expenditure accounts for 13% of their total GDP, ranking among the top in sub Saharan African countries. Since 2000, primary schools have gradually implemented free education, with an enrollment rate of 85% for primary schools and 23% for secondary schools.

In recent years, vocational and technical education has developed rapidly. There are currently two higher education institutions, the University of Lesotho and the Lin Guorong Creative Technology University, which was co founded with Malaysia. There are also two colleges and four technical schools.

In June 2016, the World Bank invested $25 million to support the Lai Foundation Reform Project - Education Quality Equality, aimed at improving the teaching environment, strengthening teaching management, and enhancing education quality. The plan is to benefit 85000 students in 300 primary schools and 65 junior high schools in rural areas within five years.

Main newspapers: English newspapers mainly include The Public Eye, The Times, The Mirror, The Observer, and Lesotho Today. There are mainly 10 newspapers and magazines in Sesotho, such as Molotti and Mossoto. Shushu Women's Magazine is an English quarterly magazine founded by the Ministry of News and Broadcasting in 1991 and distributed nationwide.

Lesotho News Agency: Established in 1983 with funding from UNESCO.

Lesotho Radio and Television: Broadcast in Sesotho and English, with Sesotho as the main language.

We adhere to the policy of non alignment and friendly relations with our neighbors in our foreign relations. Actively participate in regional political affairs and economic cooperation. Advocate peaceful coexistence with countries with different political and economic systems. It is a member state of regional organizations such as the Southern African Customs Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the Rand Monetary Area. In recent years, based on the foundation of the Southern African Development Community, Lai has strengthened its relations with Europe, America, and specialized agencies of the United Nations, vigorously developed relations with Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and Nordic countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, actively participated in regional and international affairs, vigorously introduced foreign investment, and promoted economic development.