Lesotho Welcome to The Kingdom of Lesotho Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave, completely surrounded by its only neighboring country, the Republic of South Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name Lesotho translates roughly into the land of the people who speak Sesotho. Fast Facts Full Name: Kingdom of Lesotho Capital: Maseru Official language(s): English, Sesotho Motto: “Khotso, Pula, Nala” (Sotho) – “Peace, Rain, Prosperity” Demonym: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural) Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy – King: Letsie III – Prime Minister: Tom Thabane Independence: – from the United Kingdom, October 4, 1966 Area: 30,355 km2 Population – 2009: estimate 2,067,000 GDP (PPP) 2011 estimate – Total $3.804 billion – Per capita $1,959 GDP (nominal) 2011 estimate – Total $2.453 billion – Per capita $1,264 Currency: Lesotho loti (LSL)