Botswana
2006–present
Flag of Lesotho
Unveiled on the 40th anniversary of independence in 2006, it returned to a peaceful blue-white-green design with a black mokorotlo (traditional Basotho straw hat) in the center, representing the nation's people.
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Africa
Flag of Lesotho
Lesotho is a completely landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa, one of only three countries in the world with this geography. Known as the 'Kingdom in the Sky,' it is the only country in the world whose entire territory lies above 1,000 metres in elevation, giving it cool temperatures and spectacular mountain scenery. The Basotho people are known for their distinctive woven blankets and conical grass hats called mokorotlo.
- CapitalMaseru
- RegionAfrica
- Current flag since2006
- Main coloursBlue, White, Green, Black
- Populationabout 2.3 million
- Areaabout 30,000 km²
- GeographyLandlocked
- Flags in history3
Population and area are rounded.
What the flag of Lesotho means
Blue stands for the sky and rain, white for peace and green for prosperity. The black mokorotlo, the traditional conical straw hat of the Basotho, shows that Lesotho is a nation of black Africans. This design was adopted in 2006 to replace a flag with a shield, spear and club that was seen as too militaristic.
More about the flag
Lesotho is an enclave entirely surrounded by South Africa, and all of its land lies above 1,000 metres, giving it the highest lowest point of any country. The first flag at independence in 1966 was blue, green and red with a white mokorotlo. After a military coup in 1986, a new flag introduced in 1987 showed a Basotho shield, spear and club. The current flag was adopted on the 40th anniversary of independence, 4 October 2006.
How to recognise it
Horizontal blue-white-green with a black Basotho hat (mokorotlo) in the centre.
Did you know?
Lesotho is one of only three countries in the world that is completely surrounded by one other country (South Africa).
Easily confused with
Lesotho's flag is often mixed up with these. Learn to tell them apart:
Flag history of Lesotho
Every flag that has flown over Lesotho, from today back through time.
1987–2006
Military-coup flag
Following the 1986 military coup, this 1987 flag used a diagonal layout with an assegai, knobkerrie, and shield, reflecting the ruling Military Council.
1966–1987
Independence flag
Introduced at independence in 1966, this blue-green-red flag bore a white mokorotlo hat in the canton.
Neighbouring countries
Lesotho shares a land border with one country: South Africa.
Play Globalio and learn Lesotho's flag
South Africa