25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)
Religions
Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%
Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several small Shia Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)
Languages
Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa
Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classes
Exports
manufactures 75% (clothing, footwear, road vehicles), wool and mohair, food and live animals (2000)
