Lesotho

More information about Lesotho is available on the Lesotho Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.　

U.S.-LESOTHO RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Lesotho in 1966, following its independence from the United Kingdom. Post-independence, the country saw a mix of rule by decree, coups, outside military intervention, and democratic government. Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy that faces challenges including poverty, income distribution inequality, and one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. Since independence, Lesotho and the United States have had productive bilateral relations. U.S. foreign policy priorities in Lesotho focus on achieving the development of a stable, prosperous, and healthy country that continues to improve its record as a voice for positive change in international fora, both regionally and globally.

U.S. Assistance to Lesotho

U.S. assistance to Lesotho focuses on reversing the devastating HIV/AIDS pandemic and promoting economic development. The Global Health Initiative, through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief program in Lesotho, complements a significant HIV/AIDS effort by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Government of Lesotho, and other donors, including U.S. nongovernmental organizations and universities. The Government of Lesotho has demonstrated substantial political will to fight HIV/AIDS and has undertaken many efforts to address the pandemic. In addition to healthcare infrastructure, the $362.5 million MCC Compact includes developing Lesotho’s water system infrastructure and private sector regulations. U.S. assistance also promotes disaster risk reduction through sustainable agricultural practices and promotes officer professionalism in the Lesotho Defense Force and its capacities for its roles in border security and humanitarian response.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The Government of Lesotho encourages greater U.S. participation in commercial life and welcomes interest from potential U.S. investors and suppliers. Lesotho is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The top U.S. export category to Lesotho is cotton and yarn. The primary U.S. imports from Lesotho are knit apparel and woven apparel. The country belongs to the Southern African Customs Union, which has signed a Trade, Investment, and Development Cooperative Agreement (TIDCA) with the United States. The TIDCA establishes a forum for consultative discussions, cooperative work, and possible agreements on a wide range of trade issues, with a special focus on customs and trade facilitation, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and trade and investment promotion.

Lesotho's Membership in International Organizations

Lesotho and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Lesotho is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Southern African Customs Union (SACU), and the African Union (AU).

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho is Michele Thoren Bond; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Lesotho maintains an embassy in the United States at 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008(tel: 202-797-5533).

More information about Lesotho is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Lesotho Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Lesotho Page
U.S. Embassy: Lesotho
History of U.S. Relations With Lesotho
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Millennium Challenge Corporation
Travel and Business Information