The tiny, mountainous country of Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa—it is an enclave. The River Caledon runs along its northern border, while the Orange River winds its way across the southern plateau. These two rivers provide Lesotho’s most important natural resources: water and hydropower. Lesotho has a rugged, upland landscape, formed by the Maluti (or Maloti) and Drakensberg mountain ranges in the central and eastern parts of the country. Because the altitude is so high, the climate in Lesotho is cool and continental. Summers are hot and dry, while winters can be cold and snowy. Sometimes temperatures in the highlands fall as low as -10°C (14°F).

Economy

Even though very little of Lesotho is suitable for cultivation, a large number of its people farm small pockets of land in the foothills between the mountains. They grow corn, wheat and sorghum and raise cattle and goats. Many of the others work in mines and textile factories, or on large farms in neighbouring South Africa. These migrant workers send money home to their families—an important source of income. The rivers that run through Lesotho are vital to its economy. Dams on these rivers provide enough hydro-electric power for the country to be self-sufficient in energy. There is some left over to export to South Africa.

People

Most people in Lesotho are part of the Sotho (Basotho) ethnic group, and speak Sesotho, a Bantu language. Lesotho is a very poor country; about half its population, mostly rural dwellers, live below the international poverty line. The government invests a high proportion of its money in education, which means that most of its people can read and write. However, many people still do not have good access to healthcare, books and the internet.

Facts about Lesotho

Population 2,210,646 (2023 estimate)

Area 30,355 sq km

Highest point Thabana Ntlenyana 3482 m (11,424 ft)

Capital Maseru, population 519,186

Other major cities Teyateyaneng (pop. 75,115), Mafeteng (57,000)

Languages Sesotho, Zulu, Xhosa, English

Religions Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%

Ethnicity Sotho 99%, Europeans and others 1%

Currency Lesotho loti (LSL)

Chief exports clothing and textiles, shoes, wool, live animals, electricity, water, diamonds