Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a unique country in Southern Africa, known for being entirely landlocked by South Africa. It is one of the few countries in the world to be completely surrounded by another country. The capital and largest city is Maseru. Historically, Lesotho (formerly Basutoland) was formed in the early 19th century under King Moshoeshoe I. It became a British protectorate in the late 19th century and gained independence in 1966. Since independence, Lesotho has experienced periodic political instability, including military coups and political crises. Lesotho's economy is heavily dependent on South Africa, both for trade and employment opportunities; a significant portion of the male workforce works in South African mines. The country's economy is primarily based on agriculture, livestock, and the manufacturing of textiles and garments. Lesotho also benefits from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a large-scale water transfer scheme that supplies water to South Africa and generates hydroelectric power for Lesotho. The population of Lesotho is almost entirely Sotho, and the country is culturally and linguistically homogeneous compared to many other African nations. Sesotho and English are the official languages. The Sotho culture is rich in tradition, with music, dance, and storytelling being important cultural elements. Lesotho is known for its stunning natural scenery, including the Maloti Mountains and the Drakensberg range. The country's high altitude – it's the only country in the world to be entirely above 1,000 meters – gives it a cooler climate than its surrounding regions and has earned it the nickname "The Kingdom in the Sky." Despite its natural beauty, Lesotho faces several challenges. It has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world, which has had a significant impact on its socio-economic development. Poverty and unemployment are also widespread issues. Lesotho's unique geographical situation and cultural heritage make it a distinctive country in Africa, with a strong sense of national identity despite its small size and economic challenges. Population of Lesotho from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 2.1 million inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 2.13 million inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 2.14 million inhabitants. Capital (Maseru): Population in 2020: About 330,000 inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) Maseru: 330,000 Teyateyaneng: 75,115 Mafeteng: 57,059 Hlotse: 47,675 Mohale's Hoek: 38,384 Maputsoe: 32,117 Qacha's Nek: 25,573 Quthing: 24,130 Butha-Buthe: 16,330 Thaba-Tseka: 5,423 Lesotho is divided into 10 districts.