Lesotho is a small, landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa, situated in the highlands of southern Africa. It is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, with much of the country sitting above 1,800 metres, earning it the nickname 'the Kingdom in the Sky.' Lesotho is one of only three countries in the world that are completely encircled by a single other nation.
- Capital
- Maseru
- Continent
- Africa
- Region
- Southern Africa
- Area
- 30,355 km²
- Coordinates
- 29.5° S, 28.5° E
Country facts
- Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy, currently ruled by King Letsie III, who ascended to the throne in 1996.
- The country's official languages are Sesotho and English, both used in government and education.
- Lesotho has the highest lowest point of any country on Earth, as even its valleys lie well above sea level.
- The Basotho people have a distinctive tradition of wearing woollen blankets, which carry cultural and social significance.
- The Maluti Mountains, part of the Drakensberg range, cover much of Lesotho and are home to rare Cape vultures.
Capital facts
- Maseru was established as the capital of Basutoland by the British in 1869, following a treaty with the Basotho king.
- The city sits on the western border of Lesotho, directly across the Caledon River from the South African town of Ladybrand.
- Maseru's main thoroughfare, Kingsway, runs through the heart of the city and is home to many government buildings and markets.
- The city was largely burned and looted during the Gun War of 1880, requiring significant rebuilding in subsequent years.
- The Basotho Hat building in Maseru is a well-known landmark shaped like a traditional Basotho conical hat.