System of Government

SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT (ARMS OF STATE)

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral Parliament comprising the Senate and the National Assembly. The Senate consists of 33 members, including 22 principal and ward chiefs and 11 members nominated by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister. The National Assembly comprises 120 members, elected through a Mixed Member Proportional system.

The Judiciary operates under a dual legal system recognising Roman-Dutch law and Sesotho customary law. Executive authority is vested in the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the King.

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

The national Flag

The national flag of Lesotho features blue, white, and green horizontal bands with a black Basotho hat at its centre, symbolising rain, peace, fertility, and the Basotho people.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms displays a crocodile-emblazoned shield, flanked by Basotho ponies, with crossed traditional weapons signifying protection. Beneath it appears the national motto: Khotso, Pula, Nala — Peace, Rain, Prosperity.

National Anthem

The national anthem, Lesōthō Fatše La Bo Ntat’a Rōna, reflects both European musical origins and African adaptation, with lyrics refined by the renowned composer Joshua Pulumo Mohapeloa and formally adopted in 1967.

The Anthem

Lesotho Fatše la bo-ntat’a rona

Har’a mafatše le letle ke lona

Ke moo re hlahileng

Ke moo re holileng

Rea le rata

Molimo ak’u boloke Lesotho

U felise lintoa le matšoenyeho

Oho fatše lena

La bo-ntat’a rona

Le be le khotso