Lesotho, a small country in southern Africa, recently made headlines when US President Donald Trump claimed that "nobody has ever heard of" it. This comment shocked the government of Lesotho, prompting a closer look at this unique and fascinating nation. Here are nine things to know about Lesotho:
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The Kingdom in the Sky: Lesotho is often referred to as the "Kingdom in the Sky" due to its high altitude. It is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,000m in elevation. The country is mostly made up of highlands, with villages that can only be reached by horseback, foot, or light aircraft.
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Completely Surrounded by South Africa: Despite being completely encircled by South Africa, Lesotho maintains its own cultural identity. The people of Lesotho, known as Basotho, share some cultural and language similarities with South Africans. The country’s population heavily relies on income from jobs in South Africa due to limited agricultural space.
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‘White Gold’ and Diamonds: Lesotho’s biggest resources are water, known locally as "white gold," and diamonds. The country exports water to South Africa and is also a major diamond exporter.
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Highest Ski Resort in Sub-Saharan Africa: Surprisingly, Lesotho is home to the highest ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa. Afriski, situated in the Maloti Mountains, attracts snowboarders and skiers from around the world.
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Basotho Culture: The Basotho people are known for their traditional blankets and conical hats, called mokorotlo. These cultural items hold significant meaning and are often worn at special events.
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High HIV Rates: Lesotho has one of the highest rates of HIV prevalence in the world, with one in five adults living with HIV. The US government has provided substantial aid to help the country combat the HIV epidemic.
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Royal Connections: Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Seeiso, the younger brother of King Letsie III, being close friends with Prince Harry of the UK. Together, they founded the charity Sentebale to support young people affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho.
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Denim Capital of Africa: Lesotho has become known as the "denim capital of Africa" for its production of jeans for iconic American brands. The country is a significant exporter of clothing and textiles to the US.
- High Suicide Rates: Unfortunately, Lesotho has the world’s highest suicide rate, with various factors contributing to this statistic, including drug abuse, unemployment, and lack of mental health services.
In conclusion, Lesotho may be a small country, but it is rich in culture, natural beauty, and unique characteristics. From its high-altitude landscapes to its thriving garment industry, Lesotho offers a blend of tradition and modernity that sets it apart on the African continent.
