| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | LSISO 3166 [2024] |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | LSOISO 3166 [2024] |
| Capital | MaseruGeoNames [2024] |
| Continent | AfricaGeoNames [2024] |
| Common name | LesothoCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Official name | Kingdom of LesothoCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Local name | LesothoCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Etymology | the name comes from the Sotho people, whose name means "dark-skinned;" Le- is a singular noun prefix; the former name, Basutoland, uses the plural noun prefix, Ba-CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Government type | Parliamentary constitutional monarchyCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Independence | 4 October 1966 (from the UK)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National holiday | Independence Day, 4 October (1966)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Head of state | LETSIE III (King)CIA World Leaders [2025] |
| Currency code (ISO 4217) | LSLISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Currency | LotiISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Administrative subdivisions | 10ISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Subdivision names | Berea / Botha-Bothe / Leribe / Mafeteng / Maseru / Mohale's Hoek / Mokhotlong / Qacha's Nek / Quthing / Thaba-TsekaISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Historical overview | No authoritative open source found |
| National symbols | mokorotio (Basotho hat)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National anthem | title: "Lesotho fatse la bo ntat'a rona" (Lesotho, Land of Our Fathers); lyrics/music: Francois COILLARD/Ferdinand-Samuel LAUR; history: adopted 1967; music derives from an 1823 Swiss songbookCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National colors | blue, white, green, blackCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Citizenship rules | citizenship by birth: yes; citizenship by descent only: yes; dual citizenship recognized: no; residency requirement for naturalization: 5 yearsCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
the name comes from the Sotho people, whose name means "dark-skinned;" Le - is a singular noun prefix; the former name, Basutoland, uses the plural noun prefix, Ba -
description: three horizontal stripes of blue (top), white, and green; centered on the white stripe is a black mokorotlo , a traditional Basotho straw hat and national symbol meaning: blue stands for rain, white for peace, and green for prosperity history: the redesigned flag was introduced in 2006 to celebrate 40 years of independence
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
