Lesotho Country Report
Lesotho is a largely underdeveloped, landlocked, and mountainous country surrounded by South Africa. Since the late 1990s, the political and security environment has been prone to sporadic and sudden deterioration due to conflicts between key political actors and divided loyalties among security forces. Although the outlook for stability has improved in recent years, the unstable political situation and tensions between the military and the police are a tipping point for further unrest. Lesotho is tolerant of foreign investment and provides favorable conditions, particularly in manufacturing plants and agricultural projects, but there are also concerns about the country’s regulatory framework, corruption, and property laws. The main threats that foreign tourists face are criminal activities, the spread of HIV/AIDS, and road accidents. Lack of infrastructure throughout the country remains a major barrier to economic development and travel.
Last updated: April 11, 2022
Security
The main threat to foreign tourists is criminal activities, especially in urban centers. Opportunistic crimes such as pickpocketing, robbery, and petty theft are fairly common in the capital, Maseru and criminals have been known to target foreign tourists. Car theft is also occasionally reported, especially on the outskirts of city centers and near border crossings.
Lesotho has a history of politically motivated violence, and spontaneous protests occasionally occur in Maseru. However, the gatherings are usually small and non-violent and are unlikely to pose a direct threat to foreign interests.
Last updated: April 27, 2022
Infrastructure
Lesotho Aviation complies with international safety standards. Most of the flights in this country are operated by reputable airlines based in South Africa.
Land travel in Lesotho can be dangerous due to poor driving standards among some local road users and the widespread use of poorly maintained vehicles such as buses.
Electricity and communication infrastructure are generally adequate in Maseru, but once you leave the city center, service delivery becomes unstable.
Last updated: April 27, 2022
Environment
Lesotho has a continental climate, with dry and cold winters and hot and humid summers. Storm systems are a threat in both summer and winter. These storms can disrupt travel due to floods and landslides, especially in high areas.
Last updated: March 15, 2022
Health and Medical
HIV/AIDS is a major public health concern in Lesotho and a major challenge to socio-economic development. This country has the second highest rate of HIV infection in the world after Swaziland, and about a quarter of the population lives with this disease. Basic medical services are available in Maseru, but facilities outside the capital are very limited. Most foreign migrants and tourists enter South Africa for purposes other than routine and basic medical care.
Last updated: September 14, 2022
Political
Since the late 1990s, Lesotho’s political environment has been prone to sporadic and sudden deterioration due to conflicts between key political actors and divided loyalties among security forces. Although the outlook for stability has improved in recent years, political instability and tension between the military and the police remain hallmarks of instability.
Corruption remains a significant problem in Lesotho, although the government has begun efforts to address the problem in recent years. Questions have also been raised about the independence of the country’s judiciary, that some decisions depend on political interference.
Last updated: March 25, 2022
