What was Lesotho called before 1966?

In 1959 Basutoland became a British Colony and was called Territory of Basutoland. Basutoland gained full independence from Britain on 4 October 1966 and became known as Lesotho.

What is the old name of Lesotho?

The country formerly known as Basutoland was renamed to the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence from the UK in 1966. In 1993 after 23 years of military rule, a new constitution was implemented leaving the King without any executive authority and proscribing him from engaging in political affairs.

Did Lesotho change its name?

Nyasaland became Malawi on achieving independence in 1964. Months later, Northern Rhodesia achieved nationhood as the new republic of Zambia. In 1966, Bechuanaland was reborn as Botswana, and Basutoland changed its name to Lesotho.

Why is Lesotho separate from South Africa?

History. The area known as Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho (then Basutoland, a British protectorate) was annexed to the Cape Colony in 1871, but became separate again (as a crown colony) in 1884. When the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910, there were moves by the UK to include Lesotho.

How did Lesotho lose its land?

During Moshoeshoe's reign (1823–1870), a series of wars (1856–68) were fought with the Boers who had settled in traditional Basotho lands. These wars resulted in the extensive loss of land, now known as the "Lost Territory".

History of Lesotho

What did Eswatini used to be called?

In April 2018, Africa's last absolute monarch celebrated the 50th anniversary of his nation's independence from Britain with a name change: Instead of Swaziland, the southern African nation became known as the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Why is Lesotho so poor?

Therefore, when one asks 'why is Lesotho poor? ', the answer can largely be reduced to three factors: low agricultural output, rendered even lower by regional droughts, an alarmingly high HIV/AIDS rate and widespread lack of electricity. These issues, however, are all very possible to overcome, though not overnight.

Why is Swaziland not part of South Africa?

Because their rulers Moshoeshoe (Lesotho) and Ngwana V and Sobhuza II (Eswatini), were competent statesmen who were able to negotiate concessions from the British who recognized them as semi -independent protectorates, and therefore were not incorporated into the Union of SA in 1912.

When did Lesotho became a country?

The colony of Basutoland became the independent nation of Lesotho on October 4th, 1966, with King Moshoeshoe II as sovereign. For the first 20 years the Basotho National Party remained in power. The country has since had changes in power and leaders with some protests and some unrest.

Which African country is called the kingdom in the sky?

Lesotho also has a mountainous topography similar to Wales's. In fact, the country's geography is particularly unique earning it the title of Africa's “Kingdom in the sky” – it is the only country in the world to be entirely above 1 000m in elevation and it has the highest lowest point in the entire world at 1 400m.

Who found Lesotho?

In 1959 Basutoland became a British Colony and was called Territory of Basutoland. Basutoland gained full independence from Britain on 4 October 1966 and became known as Lesotho.

Where does the name Basotho come from?

The Basotho, also known as Sotho speakers, are said to have originated from the north of Southern Africa. The Basotho made their way down as various tribes settled in different parts of the country. Some groups settled in the west, while others settled in the east and further south.

What does African Mfecane mean?

Mfecane, (Zulu: “The Crushing”) , Sotho Difaqane, series of Zulu and other Nguni wars and forced migrations of the second and third decades of the 19th century that changed the demographic, social, and political configuration of southern and central Africa and parts of eastern Africa.

Who colonized Botswana?

The British colonised the land of the Batswana in 1885 as a way of blocking possible alliance between the Boers in the Transvaal and the Germans in South West Africa (Namibia). The British called the territory Bechuanaland Protectorate.

Who colonized Eswatini?

Swaziland was a British protectorate from 1871 until its independence on Sept. 6, 1968. It was led by King Sobhuza II, who suspended the constitution in 1973 because he believed the colonial document did not reflect the will of the people.

What country did Namibia gain its independence from?

It took 24 years of revolt and warfare for Namibia to gain its independence from South Africa. During the years of revolt and warfare, 1966 – 1990, between 20 000 and 25 000 people died. In 1994, the first elections following the country's independence were held.

What is Lesotho famous for?

Lesotho is well known for it's breathtaking scenery which includes snow-capped mountain ranges during the winter. The Sehlabathebe National Park, in the Maloti Mountains, is at the heart of the country and boasts rich plant, animal and bird life. If you're lucky, you'll spot the rare bearded vulture.

Which country is No 1 poor country?

1. Niger. A combination of a GNI per capita of $906, life expectancy of 60.4 years, and a mean 2 years of schooling (against an expected 5.4) lead to Niger topping the UN's human development report as the world's poorest country.

Does snow fall in Lesotho?

Yes we experience snowfalls in Lesotho especially during winter. However, the snow falls in the highlands since Lesotho is divided into Lowlands, highlands, foothills and Senqu Valley. It is in rare cases that people in the lowlands, foothills and senqu valley experience snowfalls.

Which countries have been renamed?

Which country changed their name?

Republic of Macedonia to Republic of North Macedonia

This change happened recently when in February 2019, the Republic of Macedonia changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia.