Maseru

views updated May 29 2018

Maseru Capital of Lesotho, on the River Caledon, near the w border with South Africa. Originally a small trading town, it was capital of British Basutoland protectorate (1869–71, 1884–1966). It remained the capital when the Kingdom of Lesotho achieved independence in 1966. It is a commercial, transport and administrative centre. Pop. (2002) 169,200.