Here is the complete financial historical report of Lesotho, in International English, based on the latest data:
Country ISO Code: LS
Official Languages: English and Sesotho (Southern Sotho)
Language ISO Codes: en (English), st (Sesotho)
Current Official Currency: Lesotho Loti
Currency ISO Code: LSL
Lesotho was a British protectorate known as Basutoland until independence in 1966.
Prior to independence, the South African pound and later the South African rand circulated as the main currencies.
The Lesotho loti was first introduced in 1966 as a non-circulating currency to replace the rand at par.
In 1980, Lesotho issued its first coins denominated in both loti and lisente (singular: sente), dated 1979, effectively replacing the South African rand coins.
Despite the introduction of the loti, the South African rand remains legal tender and circulates freely alongside the loti.
The ISO 4217 currency code was changed from LSM to LSL in 1985.
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
ISO Code | LSL |
Singular Name | loti |
Plural Name | maloti |
Subdivision | 1 loti = 100 lisente |
Fraction Singular | sente |
Fraction Plural | lisente |
Initial Production | 1966 (non-circulating), coins first circulated in 1980 |
Issuer | Central Bank of Lesotho |
Common Coin Denominations | 5, 10, 20, 50 lisente; 1, 2, 5 maloti |
Common Banknote Denominations | 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 maloti |
Mint | Various, including South African mints |
The loti derives its name from the Sesotho word for "mountain," reflecting Lesotho’s mountainous terrain.
Coins and banknotes feature cultural symbols such as the Basotho hat (mokorotlo), the national coat of arms, and local wildlife.
Banknotes depict prominent historical figures including King Moshoeshoe II and King Letsie III, as well as scenes of everyday life and agriculture.
The currency symbol commonly used is "M" for maloti and "c" for lisente.
Lesotho is part of the Common Monetary Area (CMA) with South Africa, Namibia, and Eswatini.
The loti is pegged at par (1:1) with the South African rand, which circulates freely and is legal tender in Lesotho.
This monetary arrangement supports economic stability but limits Lesotho’s independent monetary policy.
Lesotho’s economy depends on agriculture, diamond mining, manufacturing, and remittances from workers in South Africa.
The Central Bank of Lesotho periodically issues new banknotes and coins with updated security features.
Commemorative coins mark national anniversaries and cultural events.
Banknotes bear signatures of the Governor of the Central Bank and the Minister of Finance.
Both the Lesotho loti and the South African rand circulate freely and are accepted for all transactions.
The loti remains the official currency and a symbol of national sovereignty.
Sesotho is widely spoken and is an official language alongside English.
English is used in government, education, and official documents, while Sesotho is the primary language for daily communication and cultural expression.
Currency and official materials often include Sesotho language elements, reflecting national identity.
This report provides a detailed overview of Lesotho’s currency history, current monetary system, and linguistic context, emphasizing the coexistence of the Lesotho loti and South African rand within the Common Monetary Area.
If you would like, I can prepare a translation of this report into Portuguese (Brazilian) or French.