Lesotho’s foreign minister expressed shock and disappointment on Wednesday over U.S. President Donald Trump’s remark that the African nation was little known.
- Trump describes Lesotho as unknown.
- Lesotho is the only country with entire landmass above 1,000 meters in elevation.
- Lesotho exports water to South Africa and is a major player in Africa’s textile and garment industry.
In his address to the U.S. Congress on Tuesday evening, Trump cited Lesotho while criticizing foreign aid spending, calling it an “appalling waste.”
“Eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of,” Trump said, drawing laughs in the Congress.
Lesotho’s Foreign Minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, described U.S. President Donald Trump’s remark as “quite insulting”. The minister also extended an invitation for Trump to visit the country and see its significance firsthand.
Below are the 10 things to know about Lesotho:
1) The only country above 1,000 meters
Lesotho is the only country in the world where the entire landmass is above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in elevation, earning it the nickname “The Kingdom in the Sky.”
According to Business Insider, flying from Lesotho’s airport is essentially the same as when a bird is pushed out of the nest to learn to fly.
The altitude influences the country’s climate, resulting in cold winters with snowfall in higher regions. This high elevation also impacts agriculture, as only a small portion of the land is arable. Despite this, Lesotho’s mountains provide a breathtaking landscape that attracts visitors worldwide.
2) Completely landlocked by South Africa.
Lesotho is one of only three countries in the world surrounded by another country (the others being Vatican City and San Marino, which are inside Italy).
While this landlocked status provides some security, it also poses challenges, such as reliance on South African ports for imports and exports.
Many Basotho (Lesotho people) cross into South Africa for work, and the countries share deep historical and economic ties. Despite this, Lesotho maintains its distinct culture, language, and governance.
3) A unique water exporter
Lesotho is one of the few African nations that exports water. Despite being a small and mountainous country, Lesotho is a major water supplier to South Africa.
Through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), the country captures and stores water from its rivers in large dams, including the Katse Dam and Mohale Dam.
The water is then transferred to South Africa’s industrial hub, Gauteng, through tunnels and pipelines. This project not only provides revenue for Lesotho but also helps prevent water shortages in Johannesburg and Pretoria. However, some locals criticize the project for displacing communities and affecting traditional farming lands.
4) Exporter of jeans to the US
Lesotho is a major exporter of jeans to the United States, making it a key player in Africa’s textile and garment industry. Thanks to trade agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Lesotho has been able to supply major American brands such as Levi’s, Wrangler, and Gap with high-quality denim products.
5) Highest HIV rates in the world
Lesotho has the second highest HIV prevalence rate in the world, with one in five adults living with HIV. The country has more infections per 100,000 people than most other countries, including neighbouring Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini.
Since 2006, the U.S. government has allocated nearly $1 billion to support Lesotho in its fight against HIV/AIDS, according to the U.S. State Department. This funding has been used to provide prevention programs, medical care, and treatment services.
6) Highest ski resort in sub-Saharan
Lesotho is home to Afriski, the highest ski resort in sub-Saharan, located in the Maluti Mountains. Snowfall occurs during winter, making it a popular skiing destination.
Afriski is situated 3,222m above sea level, high up in Lesotho’s Maloti mountains and attracts visitors from Africa and beyond.
7) Constitutional monarchy
Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy, meaning it has a king (currently King Letsie III) and an elected government. The king serves as a symbolic head of state with no executive power.
8) Africa’s highest dams
The Katse Dam, part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, is one of Africa’s highest dams at 185 meters (607 feet) and plays a major role in hydropower and water supply.
9) World’s highest suicide rate
Although Africa is home to six of the ten countries with the highest suicide rates globally, Lesotho, a nation of just 2.3 million people, tragically holds the highest age-adjusted suicide rate in the world. With 87.5 suicides per 100,000 people, this far surpasses the global age-unadjusted average of 1 per 100,000.
10) Strong horse-riding culture
Due to its mountainous terrain, horses and donkeys are a primary mode of transportation in rural areas. The Basotho pony is known for its endurance and agility in steep landscapes.
