Lesotho

The Lesotho is a kingdom located in Africa and wedged within the South Africa.

History

See also: History of Lesotho, List of the sovereigns of Lesotho

It is only at the 16th century that the Sotho, an ethnos group Bantou E originating in central Africa, arrive in this part of the Africa, then populated few other ethnos groups with which they mix.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the first white tradesmen arrive in the area (called consequently Basutoland ).

In 1820, the king of the Sotho of the south, Moshoeshoe I {{er}} (v. 1800 - 1870), in order to fight against the raids Zulu, unifies the tribes sotho. It concentrates its people in the solid mass Basouto and succeeds in preserving its independence. But, starting from 1840, Sotho must face another threat, that of the Boer S, the colonists of origin Dutchwoman of South Africa, who want to adapt their grounds. It will be attacked several time by the Boers of the Orange (1858 - 1864 - 1867) and its territory will be cut down in the west. In 1868, in order to protect itself from Boers, Moshoeshoe Ier requires the assistance of the Britanniques which establish a Protectorat on the territory.

Of 1899 with 1902, Basutoland is taken in the storm of the Guerre of Boers, which is completed by the British victory in South Africa.

In spite of the creation of the South African Union in 1910 and Republic of South Africa in 1961, Basutoland (Lesotho) remains with share under British control.

The October 4th 1966, Basutoland becomes independent of the the United Kingdom within the framework of the the Commonwealth under the name of Lesotho.

In 1970, a revolution leads to the transfer of the capacity of the king who, in fact, occupies nothing any more but one honorary station with the profit of its Prime Minister. The February 10th 1970, the king Moshoeshoe II (1938 - 1996), supreme leader of Basutoland of 1960 with 1966, then king of Lesotho, must leave in exile. It returns the December 5th.

In 1986, a military Coup d'etat returns its capacities to the king.

The king Moshoeshoe II is again exiled in 1990. The November 12th 1990, his/her son Letsie III is called on the throne to succeed to him. But the January 25th 1995, Moshoeshoe II becomes again king and the remainder until his death the January 15th 1996.

In 1993, the constitutional government is restored after one period of 23 years waiting during which the soldiers directed the country.

In 1998, violent protests associated with a military mutiny cause a short but bloody intervention of South Africa following disputed elections. Another constitutional reform makes it possible to restore a certain stability in the country but xenophobia has l´égard the South-African ones becomes tougher.

Policy

See also: Political of Lesotho

Since the February 7th 1996, the king Letsie III, having succeeded his/her father Moshoeshoe II, reign on Lesotho. Its Prime Minister is Pakalitha Mosisili, also Minister for Defense and the national security. The Foreign Minister and of the International relations is Mohlabi Kenneth TSEKOA. The political parties of Lesotho are:

  • LCD: Party Congressman for the democracy of Lesotho (Lesotho Congress for Democracy) currently to the capacity
  • BCP: Party congressman Basotho (Basotho Congress Party)
  • BNP: National party Basotho (Basotho National Party)
  • LPC: Party congressman of the people of Lesotho (Lesotho People' S Congress)
  • UDP: Democratic party unified (United Democratic Party)
  • MFP: Party of release of Marematlou (Marematlou Freedom Party)
  • PNP: National party progressist (Progressive National Party)
  • SDP: Democratic party Sefate (Sefate Democratic Party)

L´Assemblée Nationale was elected in February 2007 and it was a new victory of the LCD. The next elections will not n´auront place before 2012. The new victory of Mosisili, disputed by l´opposition, degraded the situation. Many ministers were d´attaques victims with weapons (without gravity however), which led the government to issue the curfew on June 19th, 2007.

Subdivisions

See also: Subdivisions of Lesotho

Geography

See also: Geography of Lesotho

Economy

See also: Economy of Lesotho

The main resources of Lesotho come from the breeding and the workers lesothans of the South-African mines (30% of the credits of the country). The agricultural balance knows a strong deficit. Without natural resources, Lesotho however has a richness which its neighbors envy to him: water. The hydroelectric capacity of the country will be reinforced by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project which from here 2020 will control water of the Orange river and releases from important royalties. Textile industry is the first employer of the country. The mining sector knows a clearing. Wedged in South Africa on which it is dependant, Lesotho belonged to the poor countries but its GNP practically doubled of 1990 to 2000. In 2005, the growth was of 1%.

Demography

See also: Demography of Lesotho

In 2005, with 31%, Lesotho has one of the rates of contamination of the AIDS among highest in the world.

Lesotho is the African country whose rate d alphabetisation is highest. (90,7%).

Culture

See also: Culture of Lesotho

Others

L´equipe of male football is 146eme with classification FIFA of June 2007. Ls female are, they, 126eme. Moreover there is 13% more girls than boys in the classes.

Codes

Lesotho has as codes:

See too

External bonds

External bonds

  • Official site of the government of Lesotho
  • Official site of the royal family of Lesotho
  • an outline of Lesotho in photographs

Beats-smg: Lesuots Simple: Lesotho Zh-min-nan: Lesotho

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