Happy Independence Day, Lesotho! Today, October 4th, 1966, this Southern African country gained independence from the British. We are celebrating by highlighting 10 unique facts about Lesotho. Let’s jump right in!

The country’s population, last recorded at 2.2 million by the BBC, is composed mostly of the Sotho or Bathoso tribe, who are referred to as the Blanket People for the vibrant wool blankets they don.

(Basotho women at a parade)

2. The original inhabitants of Lesotho are a tribe called the San people, now predominantly found in Botswana and other Southern African countries.

(A San elder)

3. The country’s capital is Maseru.

(Maseru, Lesotho)

4. Lesotho’s terrain is very mountainous, with two thirds of the country consisting of mountainous landscapes. In some parts of the country, snow falls at different times of the year.

(Roma, Lesotho)

5. Prior to gaining independence, as a British protectorate, the country was known as Basutoland.

(Basutoland stamp)

6. Poverty is an overwhelming issue in Lesotho. In 2019, the World Bank reported that 75% of the population were “poor or vulnerable to poverty”.

(A Lesothan community)

7. The country is rich in clay, diamonds and sandstones. It also has a breadth of water supply in the mountain areas.

(Letseng Diamond Mine in Lesotho)

8. Moeketsi Majoro Thomas took over as the Prime Minister of Lesotho in May 2020, after former Prime Minister Tom Thabane was accused of aiding in the killing of his ex-wife and resigned.

(Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro Thomas)

9. Pap or Pap-pap is a cornmeal porridge popular in Lesotho. It is usually paired with a hearty vegetable soup or greens.