Lesotho: The Hidden Gem of Southern Africa

Lesotho is a landlocked nation nestled within South Africa, with unique features and pressing issues that its citizens face daily.

Lesotho, often overlooked and referred to as "the country nobody has ever heard of," is a small but unique kingdom located entirely in the southern hemisphere's mountainous region. Popularized by a recent comment from former US President Donald Trump, the government of Lesotho was taken aback by this oversight, signaling a need for greater awareness of this remarkable nation.

1. **The Kingdom in the Sky**: Known as the "Kingdom in the Sky," Lesotho is unique in being the only independent country entirely situated above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The highest point in this mountainous terrain is around 3,482 meters, and many villages are only accessible by horseback or light aircraft.

2. **Surrounded by South Africa**: Enclosed entirely by South Africa, Lesotho's geographic isolation is driven by its intimidating mountain chains. Farming space is limited, placing its residents at the mercy of food security issues that compel thousands to seek employment across the border.

3. **Cultural Ties**: The Basotho people share deep cultural and linguistic ties with South Africans. They speak Sesotho, which is recognized as one of South Africa's official languages, mirroring the intertwined histories of the two nations.

4. **Water Wealth**: Though Lesotho’s resources are limited, its most prized asset is water, dubbed "white gold" for its significance. The nation generates considerable income by exporting vast quantities of this resource to its neighbor, South Africa, while also extracting diamonds.

5. **Winter Sports Hub**: Surprisingly, Lesotho boasts the highest ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa. Afriski, located at a staggering altitude of 3,222 meters, draws snow sports enthusiasts from around the continent and is a unique draw for tourism.

6. **Basotho Identity**: The citizens of Lesotho, known as the Basotho, are characterized by their vibrant traditional attire, especially the intricate wool blankets and conical mokorotlo hats. These items are richly symbolic and integral to their cultural identity.

7. **HIV Crisis**: Regrettably, Lesotho suffers from one of the world's highest HIV prevalence rates, impacting one in five adults. The US government has invested nearly $1 billion into combating this public health crisis since 2006, focusing on prevention and treatment.

8. **Philanthropic Efforts**: Prince Harry's charity, Sentebale, founded alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, has made significant contributions in supporting local communities, particularly young people affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

9. **Textile Exports**: Lesotho has established itself as one of the leading exporters of clothing, especially jeans, to the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), highlighting its industrial potential.

Despite its struggles, Lesotho’s rich cultural tapestry, breathtaking landscapes, and pressing challenges continue to shape the narrative of this hidden gem of Southern Africa. The world might have overlooked it, but awareness is growing, and the Basotho's story deserves to be told.