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  • Title: Lesotho.
    Author: United States. Department of State. Bureau of Public Affairs.
    Journal: Backgr Notes Ser; 1987 Aug; ():1-6. PubMed ID: 12177966.
    Abstract:
    Focus in this discussion of Lesotho is on the following: geography; the people; history; government; political conditions; the economy; foreign relations; and relations between the US and Lesotho. The population totaled 1,621,932 in 1987 with an annual growth rate of 2.7%. In 1986, the infant mortality rate was 111/1000. Life expectancy is 59 years. Lesotho's population lives primarily in the western lowlands. Much of the work force is employed from 3-9 months a year in South Africa in mining, farming, or industry. Most Basotho are Roman Catholic, but the Lesotho Evangelical Church and the Anglican Church are prominent. Basutoland (now Lesotho) was populated sparsely by Bushmen (Qhuaique) until the end of the 16th century. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, an influx of refugees from tribal wars in surrounding areas populated the region. In 1968 the country was placed under British protection. From 1884 to 1959, legislative and executive authority was vested in a British High Commission. In 1959 a new constitution gave Basutoland its 1st elected legislature. The British then acceded to the people's desire for full independence. General elections with universal adult suffrage were held in April 1965. King Moshoeshoe II is chief of state. Prior to 1970, Lesotho was a constitutional monarchy with an elected bicameral Parliament consisting of a 60-seat National Assembly and a 33-seat Senate. A Military Council degree published in January 1986 vested the executive and legislative power of the state in the King, acting on the advice of the Military Council. The reasons for the military takeover in 1986 were complex: the Jonathan regime had alienated both the Basotho power elements and the general population, and South Africa virtually had closed the land borders because of concerns over African National Congress (ANC) cross-border operations. The new government adopted a policy of national reconciliation upon assuming power. The economy of Lesotho is based on agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, and earnings of laborers employed in South Africa. The Lesotho National Development Corporation encourages foreign investment. The corporation has proved moderately successful in stimulating the establishing of light industries and in attracting investment in tourist facilities. The US maintains friendly relations with the government and the people of Lesotho. Estimated US assistance to Lesotho for fiscal year 1986 was: US Agency for International Development, $9.6 million; Food for Peace, $3.6 million; and Peace Corps, 88 volunteers.
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