The Kingdom of Lesotho is a small, mountainous country whose political history is marred by violence. The establishment of a democracy during its most recent election is a sign of hope that the country will experience political stability in the future. Optimism is mixed with caution, however, because of Lesotho's location in politically sensitive South Africa.
Geography is one of the factors that helped shape Lesotho's political behavior. Lesotho is the only nation in the world that is completely surrounded by another country--the Republic of South Africa. At times, South Africa has used its geographic advantage to exert political dominance over its tiny neighbor: "South Africa has meddled in Lesotho throughout its history and South Africa's future will shape Lesotho's as well" (Kelso 43.) During the periods when South Africa has imposed economic sanctions on Lesotho, the effects have debilitated the tiny nation's economy.
Lesotho, one of the world's least developed countries, is heavily dependent on South Africa for its economic survival. About 20 percent of Lesotho's domestic needs are imported from South Africa (Africa 479). Approximately 38 percent of Lesotho's adult male labor force is employed in South Africa. More than 100,000 of Lesotho's adult males work in South African mines. Lesotho's economy is dependent on the remittances received from this migrant labor pool, which contributes more than 40 percent of Lesotho's gross national product (GNP). As South Africa assumes majority rule, many of the jobs held by Lesotho residents are being taken by South African citizens. In 1987, an estimated 45 percent of Lesotho's male labor force was employed as migrant workers in South Africa, by 1990, this proportion had fallen by seven percent (Africa 482). South Africa has repeatedly threatened to repatriate all migrants, a move that would have a devastating impact on Lesotho's economy.
Lesotho has few industries ...