Lesotho

Lesotho is called Southern Africa's 'kingdom in the sky' for good reason. This small but stunningly beautiful, mountainous nation is nestled islandlike in the middle of South Africa. Traditional culture is still strong, it consists largely of the customs, rites and superstitions with which the Basotho explain and enrich their lives. Music also plays an important part in their lives.
Poverty and death, is ever-present in Lesotho. Life for most people is harsh, with the majority trying to eke out a living through subsistence agriculture, especially livestock; unemployment currently stands at about 45%. The spectre of AIDS is high - the infection rate is estimated at 24%. Most Lesotho in rural communities lives in rondavels, round huts with mud walls and thatched roofs.