Lesotho 2006

Lesotho 2006

Lesotho in 2006 was an independent nation located in the south of Africa, bordered by South Africa. The population of Lesotho was estimated to be around 2 million people with the majority of the population consisting of Basotho and other ethnic minorities. The capital city of Lesotho was Maseru, located in the northwestern part of the country.

Lesotho in 2006 had a GDP of approximately $3 billion USD and per capita GDP of around $1,400 USD making it one of the poorest countries in Africa during that period. The economy of Lesotho relied heavily on agriculture which accounted for around 40% of GDP in 2006 while industry accounted for around 15%. Other important industries included services and manufacturing.

According to constructmaterials, Lesotho had made moderate progress in terms of human development since its transition from British rule to an independent state in 1966 when its Human Development Index (HDI) score improved from 0.369in 1990 to 0.541in 2006 – making it one of the least developed countries among African nations during that period. Poverty remained a major issue with almost 60% living below national poverty line in 2006 although access to basic services such as education, healthcare and clean water were considered relatively good at that time compared to other similar African countries.

Yearbook 2006

Lesotho. According to CountryAAH, major public holidays in Lesotho include Independence Day (October 4) and New Year (January 1). Domestic political temperature began to rise before the 2007 parliamentary elections. One of the government’s most influential members, Minister of Science and Communication Tom Thabane, resigned in October and formed a new party, the All Basotho Convention (ABC). 17 MPs followed him, making ABC the second largest opposition party. Three smaller parties decided to merge under the name Alliance of Congress Parties.

Just in time for Lesotho’s celebration of 40 years of independence, a new flag was introduced. It has the same colors – blue, white and green – as the last one used since a military coup in 1986. But the humpback and spear that were inlaid in the former flag has been removed; only the traditional, braided basotho hat remains as decoration. According to the government, it should symbolize that Lesotho is “a nation that lives in peace with itself and its neighbors”.

Lesotho Map with Surrounding Countries

Lesotho Overview

The Kingdom of Lesotho, or Lesotho, is a mountainous landlocked state in southern Africa. The country is an enclave completely surrounded by South Africa. Most of the UK’s more than two million residents are basothos. To the southeast of Lesotho are the Dragon Mountains. Lesotho is very much tied to South Africa. Nearly half of adult Lesotho men work on farms in South Africa, and the state’s economy is mostly based on the money they send to their families.

Area: 30 355 km²

Population: 1,969,334 (estimate 7/2020)

Capital: Maseru

Population of Basotho: 99%

Religion: 80% Christianity, 20% indigenous religions

Language: Sesotho (official), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa

Form of government: Republic