Lesotho

American  

[luh-soo-too, -soh-toh] / ləˈsu tu, -ˈsoʊ toʊ /

noun

1. a monarchy in southern Africa, encircled by South Africa: formerly a British protectorate; gained independence 1966; member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 11,716 sq. mi. (30,344 sq. km). Maseru.

---

Lesotho British  

/ lɪˈsuːtʊ, ləˈsəʊtəʊ /

noun

1. Former name (1884–1966): Basutoland.  a kingdom in southern Africa, forming an enclave in the Republic of South Africa: annexed to British Cape Colony in 1871; made a protectorate in 1884; gained independence in 1966; a member of the Commonwealth. It is generally mountainous, with temperate grasslands throughout. Languages: Sesotho and English. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: loti and South African rand. Capital: Maseru. Pop: 1 936 181 (2013 est). Area: 30 344 sq km (11 716 sq miles)

---

Example Sentences

“If Lesotho can do that, the Chinese market could become a major growth engine,” Shelile said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

Several African countries -- including Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Lesotho and Zimbabwe -- have urged their citizens in South Africa to exercise caution.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Other countries that have warned their citizens in South Africa include Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Tracks from the Triassic and Jurassic periods are common in Lesotho and nearby regions of South Africa, including the Free State and Eastern Cape.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2026

I recall on one occasion meeting the queen regent of Basutoland, or what is now Lesotho, Mantsebo Moshweshwe.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela