Basutoland is the former name of the modern country of Lesotho, which is an enclave in South Africa near Eswatini. Basutoland existed as a British colony from 1883, and used overprinted Cape of Good Hope stamps from 1871 until 1910. Afterwards, from 1910 to 1933, Basutoland used the stamps of the Union of South Africa.
Finally, in 1933, Basutoland began issuing its own stamps. These came under the reigns of the British monarchs King George V, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II.
In the first year of Basutoland postage stamps, the territory also issued its first postage due stamps. In 1934, official stamps (with an overprint reading ‘OFFICIAL’) were used.
In 1966, Basutoland changed its name to Lesotho and all previous stamps were withdrawn. See Lesotho stamps for post-1966 postal collectibles from Lesotho.
