Capital: Maseru
Currency: Loti (LSL); South African Rand (ZAR)
Borders: South Africa 909 km
The Kingdom of Lesotho is rather unique in that it is landlocked,
not by many countries, but by just one; South Africa! It has an
overall landmass of 30,350 sq km. Lesotho is a mountainous land with
even the lowest plateaus reaching 1000m in height. This means that
Lesotho has the highest lowest point of any country on the planet.
The highest elevation is Thabana Ntlenyana at a height of 3841M.
Lesotho's high elevation has acted as a natural fortification,
enabling a defensive advantage on would-be invaders. In fact, the
Drakensberg and Maluit ranges almost completely seal Lesotho from
South Africa. It may come as no surprise that many people refer to
Lesotho as the Mountain Kingdom. Other natural features include the
Matsoku River and Mounts Thaba Putsoa and Moorosi. The Caledon River
runs parallel to the northwestern border of South Africa.
Lesotho was formerly a British colony, finally
gaining independence in 1966. The capital city Maseru, is nestled in
the Maluit Mountains. Fine views of the city can be had even from
the lower slopes. Although the capital and economic hub of Lesotho,
Maseru remains a small, relatively uncrowded place where few of the
hassles found elsewhere in Africa are apparent. Other important
cities include Oxbow, Pitseng, Thaba Tseka and Mafeteng. The
official unit of currency is the Loti although South African Rands
are also readily accepted. The languages of Lesotho are Sesotho,
English, Zulu and Xhosa. The population follows Christian faith. The
aptly named 'God Help Me' mountain pass lies in the Maluti
Mountains.
Lesotho's main resource is its natural water source, which is
primarily exported to South Africa. Small reserves of diamonds and
minerals are also present in Lesotho. Agriculture accounts for 86%
of Lesotho's workforce who produce corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum and
barley. Industries within Lesotho include food, beverages, textiles,
handicrafts, construction and more recently, tourism.
The climate of Lesotho is best described as temperate due to the
extremities of its elevations. The country experiences cool
year-round temperatures, dry winters and hot, wet summers. During
the wettest time of the year between October and April, freak
thunderstorms prevail. |
