Why Is Lesotho Surrounded by South Africa?

Lesotho is an independent African country which is surrounded entirely by South Africa. And this odd situation happened largely because of how the country’s territory developed during the 19th century. The Basotho nation was established under King Moshoeshoe I, who brought different groups together in the mountainous region that is now known as Lesotho. As conflict over land increased with Boer settlers, Moshoeshoe felt that the only way he and his people could survive was to get help from the British, which he swiftly did.

In 1868, the territory ended up becoming a British protectorate as a result of that. It was later known as Basutoland. Meanwhile, the surrounding territories eventually became part of South Africa. In the end, Basutoland remained separate from South Africa. It later gained independence from Britain and became known as the Kingdom of Lesotho in 1966. That history is why modern Lesotho exists as an independent country completely enclosed by South Africa.