Lesotho Flag

The flag of Lesotho is divided into three diagonal stripes - the largest stripe on the left is white; the center and smallest stripe is blue; and the right-hand stripe is green. In the upper left hand corner of the Lesotho flag is a light brown symbol of a traditional shield, which is a part of the country's coat of arms.

The new Lesotho flag contains parts of the first Lesotho flag. It continued the symbolic use of the national motto from the country's coat of arms: "Khotso-Pula-Nala", which means "Peace-Rain-Plenty". The upper white section of the Lesotho flag symbolizes peace, the blue stripe represents rain and water, and the green section represents the country's fertile agricultural land. The shield, with a spear on the left, a bludgeon on the right and a plumed spine in the centre, represents Lesotho's willingness to defend its independence. These are the symbols of the Lesotho Flag.

The Lesotho flag was enacted on January 19, 1987. This came about after a military coup, which changed the flag that was enacted when Lesotho was granted independence from Britain on October 4, 1966. The country also changed its name from Basutoland on this same date. The previous flag was based on the Basotho National Party, which assisted Lesotho with gaining its independence in 1966. Lesotho’s flag can be flown both nationally and civilly by its citizens. This is the history on the flag Lesotho.

Lesotho is considered an enclave kingdom within the Republic of South Africa. In 1824, Moshoeshoe, backing up from terror brought on by Shaka’s expansion of the Zulu Empire, created a strong hold on the mountain of Thaba Boisu. The settlement that was created became the kingdom of Basotho. In 1871, Baustoland became a part of the British Cape Colony. In 1966, Lesotho was granted independence under Moshoeshoe II. In 1970 Chief Leabua Jonathan gained control of the government. In 1986 Moshoeshoe II came back to power in a coup. Letsie III came after Moshoeshoe II in 1995. In 1998, South Africa sent in troops to bring back order and peace after an army mutiny. Many Sotho go back and forth to South Africa to work in the mines.

Individuals can find pictures of the Lesotho flag available on several different websites through out the internet.