🇱🇸

Flag of Lesotho

Africa

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Quick Facts

Capital
Maseru
Flag adopted
2006
Population
2,116,427
Area
30,355 km²
Languages
English, Sotho
Currency
Lesotho loti (L) — LSL, South African rand (R) — ZAR
Demonym
Mosotho
Government
parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Subregion
Southern Africa
Driving side
Left
Timezones
UTC+02:00
Independence
1966

Religions

  • Protestant 56.9%
  • Roman Catholic 39.3%
  • None 2.3%
  • non-Christian 1.4%

About This Flag

Three horizontal bands of blue (top), white (center, widest), and green (bottom) with a black mokorotlo (a traditional Basotho straw hat) centered on the white band. The current flag was adopted on October 4, 2006, replacing a design that featured a shield, spear, and knobkerrie, which were considered too militaristic.

The mokorotlo was chosen as a peaceful national symbol that represents the Basotho cultural identity. The 2006 redesign coincided with the 40th anniversary of Lesotho's independence from Britain.

What the colors & design mean

Blue represents the sky and rain, essential to this mountainous kingdom. White symbolizes peace. Green stands for prosperity and the land. The black mokorotlo is the national symbol of Lesotho, representing the Basotho people's cultural heritage and identity.

blue white green black

Pattern: Horizontal Stripes

Bordering countries (1)

🇿🇦 South Africa

Fun Facts

  • Lesotho is one of only three countries in the world entirely surrounded by a single other country (South Africa), along with Vatican City and San Marino.
  • Lesotho's lowest point is 1,400 meters above sea level, giving it the highest low point of any country on Earth, earning it the nickname 'Kingdom in the Sky.'
  • The mokorotlo hat on the flag is so iconic that it appears on the country's currency and vehicle registration plates.
  • Lesotho is one of the few African countries where snowfall is common, with ski resorts operating in the Maluti Mountains.

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