Culture

Culture is unquestionably one of the most interesting things to know before traveling to Lesotho. People here are referred to as Basotho or Mosotho. Mosotho means singular, and Basotho means plural. Basutoland is another name for the Kingdom of Lesotho. This country is also known as South Africa's Switzerland. Basotho make up 99 percent of the population of this country. Male and female Lesotho people wear the wool Basotho blanket as a cloak regardless of the season. In Lesotho, you can experience both traditional and modern culture.

Traditional and Western culture coexist in urban areas. There are shops and markets in Maseru that sell regional crafts and goods, as well as modern and Western hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. However, many buildings were burned or looted in the aftermath of the 1998 general election. The city also has urban villages where tourists can learn about traditional Lesotho life. Basic agricultural tasks dominate village life, with women shouldering a disproportionate amount of responsibility. Pottery, grass weaving (particularly of traditional Sotho hats), and the painting of elaborate decorations on house walls are still practiced in the villages.