# loti

> currency of Lesotho

**Wikidata**: [Q208039](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q208039)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesotho_loti)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/loti

## Summary
The **loti** is the official currency of Lesotho, a sovereign state in southern Africa. Introduced in 1980, it is issued and regulated by the Central Bank of Lesotho and is commonly abbreviated as **LSL**.

## Key Facts
- The loti is the national currency of **Lesotho**, a country in southern Africa.
- It was introduced in **1980** as the official medium of exchange.
- The currency is regulated by the **Central Bank of Lesotho**, established in **1978**.
- The loti is often abbreviated as **LSL** or referred to as the **Lesotho loti**.
- Lesotho gained independence in **1966**, with the loti replacing earlier currencies.
- The loti has a **sitelink count of 50** on Wikidata, indicating its documented presence across multiple sources.

## FAQs
**What is the loti?**
The loti is the official currency of Lesotho, used for all financial transactions within the country. It was introduced in 1980 and is managed by the Central Bank of Lesotho.

**When was the loti introduced?**
The loti was introduced in **1980**, replacing earlier currencies used in Lesotho after its independence in 1966.

**Which institution regulates the loti?**
The **Central Bank of Lesotho**, established in 1978, is responsible for issuing and regulating the loti.

**What is the abbreviation for the loti?**
The loti is commonly abbreviated as **LSL** or referred to as the **Lesotho loti**.

## Why It Matters
The loti plays a crucial role in Lesotho’s economy, providing a stable medium of exchange for goods and services. As the national currency, it supports financial sovereignty and economic stability in the region. Its introduction in 1980 marked an important step in Lesotho’s post-independence financial infrastructure.

## Notable For
- Being the **official currency of Lesotho** since 1980.
- Regulated by the **Central Bank of Lesotho**, a key financial institution in the country.
- Serving as a symbol of **economic independence** for Lesotho.

## Body
### **History and Introduction**
The loti was introduced in **1980** as the official currency of Lesotho, replacing earlier monetary systems used after the country gained independence in **1966**. Its establishment was part of Lesotho’s efforts to strengthen its financial autonomy.

### **Regulatory Authority**
The **Central Bank of Lesotho**, founded in **1978**, is the primary institution responsible for issuing and managing the loti. Headquartered in Lesotho, the bank ensures monetary stability and regulates financial policies.

### **Currency Details**
- **Name:** Lesotho loti (LSL)
- **Introduction Year:** 1980
- **Abbreviations:** LSL, Lesotho loti
- **Country:** Lesotho (sovereign state in southern Africa)

### **Related Entities**
- **Lesotho:** A sovereign nation in southern Africa, independent since 1966.
- **Central Bank of Lesotho:** The central banking authority, established in 1978, overseeing the loti’s circulation and policy.

### **Economic Role**
The loti facilitates trade, investment, and financial transactions within Lesotho. As a recognized currency, it supports economic growth and stability in the region.

## References

1. ISO 4217
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013