Lesotho
Lesotho is referred to by some as the “Mountain Kingdom.” It is nested inside the country of South Africa. Rightly so, because, as Wikipedia reports, “it is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 3,281 ft. in elevation. Its lowest point of 4,593 ft. is thus the highest in the world. Over 80% of the country lies above 5,906 ft.”
Approximately 2,084,000 people live in Lesotho. 75% of the people live in the country, and 25% live in urbanized areas. The government is a constitutional monarchy but the kingship is ceremonial for the most part. A prime minister leads a multiparty parliament.1
Lesotho's chief natural resources are diamonds and water. Manufacturing, agriculture, and livestock also comprise significant contributions to their economy. They export wool, mohair, clothing, and footwear.2
Despite these assets, it is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 40% of the people live below the international poverty line of US $1.25 a day.
Significant levels of child labor exist in Lesotho. According to the UN, Lesotho has the highest rape rate of any country (91.6 out of 100,000 people).
Lesotho has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDs. According to recent estimates, the prevalence is about 23.2%, one of the highest in the world. In urban areas, about 50% of women under 40 have HIV.3 This is undoubtedly a contributing factor to the short life expectancy of the Basotho (people of Lesotho), which is estimated at 44.9 years.4
AIDs may be considered Lesotho’s chief challenge, but this small country is beleaguered by myriad problems, such as dwindling agricultural returns, urbanization, family breakdown, endemic poverty and unemployment.
There is much social pressure against becoming born again (“bapholosoa”). This pressure has a chilling effect on the evangelistic outreach of the indigenous church, thus minimizing its impact on society. Traditionalism and nominalism serve to quench the Holy Spirit within the church of Lesotho. Additionally, such practices as ancestor worship, curses and charms, and the magic rites of a secret society compromise many of Lesotho’s churches.5
Approximately 600,000 people live in the mountains of Lesotho, and they have little access to the gospel. There are efforts among the indigenous church to reach these people; Operation World reports that they have plans to plant 50 evangelical churches in the next five years.6
Approximately 2,084,000 people live in Lesotho. 75% of the people live in the country, and 25% live in urbanized areas. The government is a constitutional monarchy but the kingship is ceremonial for the most part. A prime minister leads a multiparty parliament.1
Lesotho's chief natural resources are diamonds and water. Manufacturing, agriculture, and livestock also comprise significant contributions to their economy. They export wool, mohair, clothing, and footwear.2
Despite these assets, it is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 40% of the people live below the international poverty line of US $1.25 a day.
Significant levels of child labor exist in Lesotho. According to the UN, Lesotho has the highest rape rate of any country (91.6 out of 100,000 people).
Lesotho has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDs. According to recent estimates, the prevalence is about 23.2%, one of the highest in the world. In urban areas, about 50% of women under 40 have HIV.3 This is undoubtedly a contributing factor to the short life expectancy of the Basotho (people of Lesotho), which is estimated at 44.9 years.4
AIDs may be considered Lesotho’s chief challenge, but this small country is beleaguered by myriad problems, such as dwindling agricultural returns, urbanization, family breakdown, endemic poverty and unemployment.
There is much social pressure against becoming born again (“bapholosoa”). This pressure has a chilling effect on the evangelistic outreach of the indigenous church, thus minimizing its impact on society. Traditionalism and nominalism serve to quench the Holy Spirit within the church of Lesotho. Additionally, such practices as ancestor worship, curses and charms, and the magic rites of a secret society compromise many of Lesotho’s churches.5
Approximately 600,000 people live in the mountains of Lesotho, and they have little access to the gospel. There are efforts among the indigenous church to reach these people; Operation World reports that they have plans to plant 50 evangelical churches in the next five years.6
1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesotho
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
4 Operation World, 7th Edition, Jason Mandryk, p.531
5 Ibid., p.532
6 Ibid.
