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Southern Africa Β· Africa

Lesotho

Lesotho
Capital
Maseru
Population
2.2M
Area
30,355 kmΒ²
Language
Sesotho / English

Lesotho is a country in Southern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Maseru, with a population of approximately 2.2M and a total area of 30,355 kmΒ². The official languages are Sesotho / English and the currency is the Lesotho Loti (LSL).

πŸ“Š Quick Facts about Lesotho

πŸ‘₯
Population
2.2M
total residents
πŸ“
Total Area
30,355 kmΒ²
land coverage
πŸ™οΈ
Pop. Density
72/kmΒ²
people per kmΒ²
πŸ’°
GDP (nominal)
$2.6B
total output
πŸ’΅
GDP per Capita
$1,182
per person
πŸ’±
Currency
Lesotho Loti (LSL)
legal tender
πŸ—£οΈ
Language(s)
Sesotho / English
official
🌊
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
total shore
πŸ•
Timezone
UTC+2
UTC offset
πŸŽ‚
Independence
1966
established
πŸ•
Local Time in Maseru

Lesotho covers an area of 30,355 kmΒ² with a population density of 72/kmΒ² people per kmΒ². The country has a GDP of $2.6B ($1,182 per capita) and gained independence in 1966. It is a landlocked country with no coastline.

Did You Know?

Lesotho is the highest country in the world β€” its lowest point at 1,400m above sea level is higher than the highest point of 83 other countries. It is completely surrounded by South Africa, making it one of only three enclave nations on Earth.

πŸ’‘ Interesting Facts about Lesotho

  1. Lesotho is one of only three countries in the world completely surrounded by another country.
  2. Lesotho is the highest country in the world β€” its lowest point (1,400m) is higher than most countries' highest points.
  3. The Maluti Mountains make Lesotho a ski destination β€” the only one in southern Africa.
  4. Lesotho has some of the purest water in Africa β€” it exports water to South Africa.

✈️ Travel Information for Lesotho

πŸ“…
Best Time to Visit
May–September
Highland alpine, cold winters, mild summers
πŸ’Έ
Cost of Travel
πŸ’š Low Budget
Budget β€” compared to global average
🍽️
Meal Cost
$3–7
average restaurant meal
🏨
Hotel Cost
$25–60
per night
πŸ›‚
Visa
Visa-free for most Western nationalities
entry requirements
πŸ”Œ
Plug Type
Type M, 220V
electrical standard
πŸš—β¬…οΈ
Driving Side
Left
side of the road

⚠️ Travel information is approximate and may change. Always verify visa requirements, entry rules and travel advisories with official government sources before travelling.

πŸ“ Lesotho on the Map

🌍
πŸ“ Maseru, Lesotho

⚠ Coverage varies by country. Zoom in or drag to explore.

πŸ† Lesotho World Rankings

1st
Altitude
Highest country in the world β€” lowest point is 1,400m above sea level
1st
Enclave
One of only 3 countries completely surrounded by one other country
1st
Skiing
Only ski resort in southern Africa β€” Afriski Mountain Resort
1st
Water
Exports water to South Africa via the Lesotho Highlands Water Project

πŸ› Must-See Places in Lesotho

πŸ”οΈ
Open Wikipedia β†—
Sani Pass

A legendary 4x4 mountain pass at 2,874m connecting South Africa to Lesotho's highlands

β†— Learn more on Wikipedia
πŸŒ„
Open Wikipedia β†—
Sehlabathebe National Park

Remote highland wilderness with dramatic basalt formations, rock art and rare birds

β†— Learn more on Wikipedia
🏰
Open Wikipedia β†—
Thaba Bosiu

The mountain fortress of King Moshoeshoe I β€” the birthplace of the Basotho nation

β†— Learn more on Wikipedia
⛷️
Open Wikipedia β†—
Afriski Mountain Resort

The only ski resort in southern Africa β€” at 3,222m in the Maluti Mountains

β†— Learn more on Wikipedia

πŸ—ΊοΈ Countries Bordering Lesotho

πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦
South Africa
Pretoria / Cape Town / Bloemfontein

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Lesotho

What is the capital of Lesotho?

The capital of Lesotho is Maseru.

What language is spoken in Lesotho?

The official language(s) of Lesotho are Sesotho / English.

What is the population of Lesotho?

The population of Lesotho is approximately 2.2M.

What currency does Lesotho use?

Lesotho uses the Lesotho Loti (LSL).

What continent is Lesotho in?

Lesotho is located in Africa, in the Southern Africa region.

What is the GDP of Lesotho?

Lesotho has a GDP of $2.6B, with a GDP per capita of $1,182.

What is the best time to visit Lesotho?

The best time to visit Lesotho is May–September. The climate is Highland alpine, cold winters, mild summers.

Do I need a visa for Lesotho?

Visa-free for most Western nationalities

🌍 Explore More Countries in Southern Africa

πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦
South Africa
Pretoria / Cape Town / Bloemfontein
πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡Ό
Zimbabwe
Harare
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡΄
Angola
Luanda
πŸ‡§πŸ‡Ό
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Gaborone

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