Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current local time?
Lesotho follows Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC +2:00 year-round.
Does Lesotho observe Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
No, Lesotho does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). The country stays on CAT, UTC +2:00, throughout the year.
How does the local time compare to neighboring countries?
Lesotho shares the same zone as neighboring South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), and Zimbabwe. All these countries follow CAT, UTC +2:00, and do not observe DST.
What is the time difference with the United States?
The difference between Lesotho and the United States varies depending on the U.S. location. For example, Lesotho is 8 hours ahead of ET and 11 hours ahead of PT.
What are some major industries?
The economy is primarily based on the following industries:
Textiles and Apparel: The country has a thriving garment industry, which is a major exporter of clothing, especially to the United States.
Mining: The country has diamond mines, with diamonds being a key export commodity.
Agriculture: While the agricultural sector is not as large, the nation produces crops such as maize, wheat, and vegetables, along with livestock farming.
Textiles and Apparel: The country has a thriving garment industry, which is a major exporter of clothing, especially to the United States.
Mining: The country has diamond mines, with diamonds being a key export commodity.
Agriculture: While the agricultural sector is not as large, the nation produces crops such as maize, wheat, and vegetables, along with livestock farming.
What is some local trivia or geography?
The nation is landlocked entirely surrounded by South Africa, and it has unique geography:
Geography: Known for its mountainous terrain and is often referred to as the 'Kingdom in the Sky.' It has the highest low point of any nation in the world at 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) above sea level.
History: The country was never colonized, making it one of the few African nations with an unbroken history of sovereignty.
Geography: Known for its mountainous terrain and is often referred to as the 'Kingdom in the Sky.' It has the highest low point of any nation in the world at 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) above sea level.
History: The country was never colonized, making it one of the few African nations with an unbroken history of sovereignty.
What are some cultural insights?
The culture reflects its unique history and mountainous lifestyle:
Language: The official languages are Sesotho and English, with Sesotho being the most widely spoken.
Religion: Christianity is the dominant religion, with most people belonging to various Christian denominations.
Traditions: The Basotho people have a rich tradition of music, dance, and oral storytelling. The country is known for its traditional blanket, the 'Mokorotlo,' which is worn during ceremonies and celebrations.
Language: The official languages are Sesotho and English, with Sesotho being the most widely spoken.
Religion: Christianity is the dominant religion, with most people belonging to various Christian denominations.
Traditions: The Basotho people have a rich tradition of music, dance, and oral storytelling. The country is known for its traditional blanket, the 'Mokorotlo,' which is worn during ceremonies and celebrations.