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.

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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)

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Lesotho

Another grower near Mid-Illovo, a region of rolling hills south of Durban, said most cane cutters in his area came from Lesotho, the tiny kingdom encircled by South Africa.

From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026

During the qualifying round, South Africa won its group by finishing ahead of Nigeria and advanced despite starting the campaign with a loss due to an ineligible player used in a match against Lesotho.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026

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

From BBC ● May 13, 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

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