When looking at any country in detail, one of the
major categories that must be observed is the countries natural resources. This
resource has much to do with the geography as discussed before but are used as
a substantial resource or one that contributes to their economy through trade.
The natural resources of Lesotho include the following: water, agricultural and
grazing land, some diamonds and other minerals. Lesotho is also an exporter of
excess labor. [1]
When one thinks about natural resources, usually water
does not cross their mind. Due to the geography of Lesotho, water is very important.
Being a land locked country, Lesotho relies on rainfall and the dams that have
been constructed up in the mountains. This water not only provides a natural resource
for Lesotho, but also sells it to South Africa when they are on a shortage. The
newly built Polihali Dam provides water for 71 villages and the rest will be
given to South Africa being used for industrial purposes.[2] This natural resource is
almost invaluable and helps sustain this country and economy.
[4]
Another natural resource that helps Lesotho’s economy
out some is the diamond and minerals that are found here. In 2006, the Lesotho Promise
was found. This 603 carat diamond was found at the Letseng mine in Lesotho and
is the 15th largest diamond ever to be found.[3] The diamond was sold for
12.4 million dollars in October of 2006. As one can see this is a great
addition to Lesotho’s economy. The value
of this source would only change if the rest of the world were to also change
to standard of what the diamond is worth.
Since Lesotho is not a big exporter of their goods,
they mainly rely on their owe resources or just sell to their neighbor to receive
the funds to import. One product Lesotho does export and primarily to America is
the textiles of jeans. Many jeans in the USA can have a tag that says “Made in Lesotho”
on them.
[1] One World
Nations. “Lesotho.” Nationsonline.org. http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/lesotho.htm
(accessed April 11, 2016).
[2] International
River. “Lesotho Water Project.” Internationalrivers.org. https://www.internationalrivers.org/campaigns/lesotho-water-project
(accessed April 11, 2016).
[3] BBC News Online, "Lesotho Diamond
put up for sale", BBC, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5409092.stm (accessed April 11, 2016).
[4] International River. “Lesotho Water Project.”Internationalrivers.org.
https://www.internationalrivers.org/campaigns/lesotho-water-project (accessed April 11, 2016).
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