International Calendar 2014

Lesotho

Lesotho/Kingdom of Lesotho
Southern Africa

Area 30,355 km² (142nd)

Arable 10.9%

Capital Maseru (228K)

Population 1,930,493 (64/km²)

Life expectancy 52 yrs

HIV/AIDS 24% (290,000 adults)

Literacy 90%

In poverty 49%

GDP/cap $1,900

Military 2.6% of GDP (58 of 195)

Peace ranking 53rd

Lang(s) Sesotho, English, Zulu, Xhosa

Religions Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%

Gov’t Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy

Agriculture corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley, livestock

Industry food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts, construction, tourism

PCVs 1967 - present, current 63, TTD 2,238; education, community development, health, business

Bobete, Lesotho

In the rugged mountain kingdom of Lesotho, growing maize and raising sheep sustain the 200 people of Bobete, a small, rural village. The ground is rocky, dry and steep. Farming is a challenge. In winter, as the sun goes down, temperatures can plummet well below freezing. Village houses or rondavels are built of stone block and mud, and the thatched roofs are tightly woven to hold in warmth.
As the sun sets, a villager, just returned from his fields, warms up on his accordion with a traditional, lively Basotho song.
Karrin Parker © 2008
Peace Corps Volunteer
Lesotho 2008-2010