Lesotho, "The Kingdom in the Sky", Joins the Global Stage at Expo 2027 Belgrade
The Kingdom of Lesotho, located in southern Africa, is among the 127 countries that have confirmed their participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade, where they will present their interpretation of the main theme, “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All,” from May 15 to August 15, 2027.
Lesotho’s ties with Serbia (formerly Yugoslavia) date back to before its formal independence in 1966, with official diplomatic relations established in 1972. Since 2018, political dialogue and cooperation between the two countries have deepened significantly, paving the way for a milestone year in 2027 when Expo 2027 will be held and the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations will be celebrated.
“We are truly delighted that the world will soon have the opportunity in Belgrade to discover the rich cultural heritage of Lesotho and that this country of breathtaking mountain landscapes from southern Africa will be part of our Play for Humanity initiative. We warmly welcome their participation and invite other African nations to confirm their presence at one of the largest global events of 2027,” said Danilo Jerinić, CEO of EXPO 2027 doo Belgrade.
Lesotho, the only independent country in the world entirely situated above 1,000 meters in elevation, is affectionately known as “The Kingdom in the Sky” for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes. Its cultural spirit comes alive through vibrant music, captivating dances, and centuries-old traditions passed down through generations.
Among Lesotho’s most iconic traditional dances are:
Mokhibo – an ancient knee dance performed by Basotho women during social gatherings and national celebrations.
Famo – a lively musical and dance performance that blends vocals with the accordion, concertina, and moropa (drum).
Mohobelo – a dynamic “war dance” performed by men who stride, slide, and stomp their feet while swinging decorated sticks and whistling.
Lesotho’s rich musical heritage is reflected in its iconic traditional instruments, each with a unique cultural role:
Lesiba – a string instrument historically used by shepherds to communicate and soothe cattle.
Mamokhorong – a single-string violin known for its distinctive sound.
Thomo – typically played by women and girls in communal settings.
Moropa – a traditional drum crafted from a wooden shell and animal skin.
Lekolulo – a reed wind instrument often played by herders.
Traditional games also play a vibrant role in Basotho culture. Morabaraba, like checkers, is widely enjoyed, while Liketo, a game using five to ten small stones, is mostly played by girls.
Lesotho’s high-altitude terrain offers ideal conditions for outdoor adventures such as mountain running, hiking, and horseback riding. In winter, snowfall in the mountains creates rare opportunities for skiing, making Lesotho one of the few places in Africa where this is possible.
Lesotho made its debut at International Exhibitions during Expo 1993 in Daejeon, South Korea. The country officially joined the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in 2011, and most recently took part in the World Expo in Osaka.
Expo 2027 Belgrade, the first International Exhibition in the Western Balkans, will span a period of 93 days and is expected to welcome over four million visitors from across the globe.