Lesotho is known for its mountainous terrain and highland culture. It has a population of 2.4 million, making it the 147th largest country in the world. Its capital is Maseru. Lesotho has a developing economy with water resources and textiles.Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a small landlocked country surrounded by South Africa. About 99.7% of Lesotho’s population identifies as Basotho, a Bantu-speaking people. There are several subgroups of the Basotho, including the Batloung (Tlou), Bakuena (Kuena), Baphuthi (Phuti), Bataung (Tau), Batsoeneng (Tsoene), Matebele and Bafokeng. The main language is Sesotho, although English is the other official language.

About 90% of the population is Christian. Protestants make up 45% of the population, with Roman Catholics accounting for 45%. Muslims, Hindus, Baha’i, and indigenous religions account for the remaining 10%.

Lesotho has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa with about 85% of the adult population being literate, partly because Lesotho spends 12% of its GDP on education. Unlike most countries, Lesotho has a higher female literacy rate than male literacy rate.