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Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence from the UK in 1966. King MOSHOESHOE was exiled in 1990. Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after 23 years of military rule. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody South African military intervention. Constitutional reforms have since restored political stability; peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002.
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Country
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Surface Area: 30,355 square km
Population: 1,865,040 (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Southern Africa
Capital City: Maseru
Head of State: King LETSIE III
Prime Minister: Pakalitha MOSISILI
Independent since: 4 October 1966 (from UK)
Currency: Loti (LSL); South African rand (ZAR)
Flag (image): 
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