Lesotho (pronounced /lɨˈsuːtuː/, lih-SOO-too), officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave—entirely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa.
It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru.
Lesotho is the southernmost landlocked country in the world. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name “Lesotho” translates roughly into “the land of the people who speak Sesotho”.
About 40% of the population live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day.
Lesotho’s economy is based on diamonds exported all over the world and water sold to South Africa, manufacturing, agriculture, livestock, and to some extent the earnings of laborers employed in South Africa.
Lesotho also exports wool, mohair, clothing, and footwear. One of Levi’s jeans manufacturing facilities is located there. Also in Lesotho is one of Russell Athletic plants.
Lesotho is geographically surrounded by South Africa and economically integrated with it as well. The majority of households subsist on farming or migrant labor, primarily miners who remain in South Africa for 3 to 9 months.
The western lowlands form the main agricultural zone. Almost 50% of the population earns some income through crop cultivation or animal husbandry, with over half the country’s income coming from the agricultural sector.
Notes from Wikipedia
