Trump’s largest tariff was on the little Lesoto. Here is what to know about the African Kingdom.

Maziro, Lesoto – President Trump described in March Lizoto as a place “no one has heard before”, then this week hit the small African kingdom with the highest “mutual” Commercial definitions For any one country.

Mr. Trump is called “Liberation Day” Definitions It included a 50 % huge tax on the imports of the poor small nation, and the government of Lesoto soon said it would send a delegation to Washington.

“We need to travel urgently to the United States to interact with the executives and benefit from our case,” Mockhti Minister of Commerce told reporters on Thursday. “My biggest interest was the immediate closure of factories and job losses.”

Lesotho’s GDP of $ 2 billion depends on exports, most of whom are textiles, including jeans.

“There are 11 factories in the country, most of which are exporting goods to the United States and providing job opportunities for 12,000 workers,” she said. “The goods are currently being affected by these definitions and will not be exported to the United States.”

He said that he asked the factories to continue to operate “while we are working on solutions,” and added that the American measure showed that his country needed to “diversify” its commercial relations, which he said had already began to explore.

“We can only rely on the United States,” he said. “Although this transition will take time, the process is already ongoing.”

To determine the rates of new definitions, the White House used a formula to calculate the sum of all commercial practices that it deems unfair from other countries, including currency manipulation, definitions and other barriers. Economists have asked about the methodology, and many of them Foreign governments complained The fees are unfair and the mutilation of commercial imbalances with the United States

The White House, through this formula, claims that Lesoto imposes a 99 % tariff and other barriers on American imports.

Below is a look at the small kingdom, which is sometimes called “Switzerland Africa” ​​thanks to the mountainous landscape. It took more tariffs than the White House this week than any other country.

Where is Lisuto?

Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa, which is the three largest group states in the world, but it is much larger than the city of San Marino or the Vatican city, both within the borders of Italy.

At about 11720 square miles, its size is almost the same Belgium size, but its population is about 2.3 million, compared to about 12 million people.

Lesoto is famous for the beauty of mountain terrain and the same “kingdom in the sky”.

More than 80 % of the country exceeds 5900 feet above sea level and is home to the only ski resort in South Africa. The highest peak is the mountain of Thabana Netliniana, at an altitude of 11424 feet.

Constitutional monarchy like Britain, ruled by King Litsi III, 61, who has no official authority. The government leads a prime minister chosen through the national parliamentary elections.

How does Lesoto’s economy look like?

With the annual GDP that is slightly more than two billion dollars, Lesotho depends largely on South Africa – the largest commercial partner – from which most of its food is imported, and the sale of water in return.

The economy was largely dependent on the exports of the fabric associated with the United States through the African Growth and Opportunities Agreement (AIA), which provides exempt from customs duties to the American market for some African products. The Trump administration’s imposition of definitions on African countries raised questions about the possibility of the White House’s renewal of the AgiA agreement when it ends in September.

Traditional Basotho blankets are a patriotic and famous symbol of their vibrant patterns and wool warmth. It is often loaded in the sense, from celebrating life and nationality, to fertility, kings, peace, love and courage.

Lesoto is ranked among the poorest countries in the world despite the huge metal reserves. BRISHISH MINE COMPANY GEM Diamonds said in 2018 it had discovered a 910 -carat stone in a numerous Lesotho Diamond mines.

The country was also a pioneer in cannabis growth for medical use in Africa.

Unemployment remained stubborn, as it reached nearly 25 % in 2023, according to L. World Bank.

“Poverty and inequality remains great challenges,” says the World Bank. “Despite the efforts made to improve living levels, a large part of the Lisuto population below the poverty line, with the rural areas especially affected by the access to basic services such as health care, education and clean water, is still limited in misconduct, which increases the results of health and educational achievement.

A link to Prince Harry through charity, until recently

A charitable association participated in its founding Prince Harry in Lesoto to help people who live with HIV in turmoil this month after he led the bitter Board of Directors Ibn Charles III To step as a sponsor.

Its president, born in Zimbabwe, Sophie Chandoca, publicly The prince accused “bullying” In the “cover -up”, the accusations that the previous monarchy rejected as lies were involved.

In 2006, Harry was founded with Prince Soto, before he expanded to Botswana.

The name of the charity, Sentebale, is a honor for his mother, Princess Diana, who died in the Paris car accident in 1997 when he was only 12 years old.

Lesoto struggle with HIV/AIDS virus

At least one out of four adults in Lesoto with HIV, one of the highest rates in the world.

More than 230,000 people were receiving anti -virus treatment in 2021, according to the World Health Organization.

In 2020, the country achieved the United Nations goal “90-90-90” of 90 % of people with virus diagnosis, on treatment and viral repression.

The country also has the second highest percentage of tuberculosis in the world, estimated at 724 cases per 100,000 people.