• GDP: US$1.4 billion (2006).
• Main exports: Clothing, furniture, wool and mohair, footwear and road vehicles.
• Main imports: Food, building materials, vehicles, machinery and medicines.
• Main trade partners: USA, Hong Kong, China, Belgium and Germany.

The earnings of the estimated 150,000 Lesotho nationals working in South Africa account for a substantial proportion of the country's income. Inside the country, 40% of the workforce is engaged in agriculture.

Lesotho's vulnerability to drought means that over half the country's food must be imported from South Africa.

There are reserves of ores and minerals, including diamonds and uranium, but little exploitation has taken place.

Lesotho's government has historically relied on foreign aid, particularly for infrastructure programmes, the most important of recent years being the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. This aims to deliver water to South Africa and provide 60% of Lesotho's electricity supply.

Lightweight suit, shirt and tie should be worn for business meetings. English will be spoken by most businesspeople. Usual business formalities should be observed, but expect a casual atmosphere and pace.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1245 and 1400-1630, Sat 0800-1300.

Government office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1245 and 1400-1630.

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Marketing
PO Box 747, Maseru 100, Lesotho
Tel: (22) 317 454.
Website: www.lesotho.gov.ls/trade

Lesotho National Development Corporation
Block A, Development House, Kingsway Street, Maseru 100, Lesotho
Tel: (22) 312 012.
Website: www.lndc.org.ls

Lesotho Chamber of Commerce and Industry
PO Box 79, Kingsway Avenue, Maseru 100, Lesotho
Tel: 323 482.