Lesotho

Geography

Lesotho is an enclave in the mountainous regions of South Africa. The land has a total area of 30,360 km² (11,722 mi²). This land area is approximately 121% of the area of Maryland. Lesotho is thus one of the smallest countries in Africa by area and ranked 142nd worldwide. Most of the population (71%) resides within rural regions.

Lesotho lies at an average elevation of 2161 m above sea level and is therefore one of the highest countries in the world. The highest mountain peak (Thabana Ntlenyana) is at 3,482 meters. There is no access to the open sea. Lesotho is fully enclosed by South Africa. The distance between New York City and the Capital Maseru is about 13,000 km (8,078 mi).

The climate in Lesotho

In Lesotho, a subtropical climate dominates. In the summer months there is hardly any precipitation and the usual evaporation ensures a strong dryness. Depending on the season, the average daytime temperatures range between 15 and 28 degrees. In the colder months, the average night temperatures drop down to -1 °C.

• Detailed climate data for Lesotho

Languages

Mother tongue	Distribution
Sotho	85.0 %
Zulu	15.0 %

Religions

Religion	Distribution
Christs	80.0%
Native religions	20.0%

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Economy

GDP:	2.50 bn $
Exportations:	1,072.5 M $
Importations:	2,273.2 M $
› Tourism receipts:	24.00 M $
› Unemployment rate:	24.6 %
› Inflation rate:	6.05 %
› Corruption index:	38 (bad)
› Energy consumption:	847.3 M kWh

Due to its political and financial situation, Lesotho is considered one of the least developed countries in the world.

In terms of revenues, the Philippines still ranks 169th in the world and, with an average annual income of 1,210 USD is one of the lower middle-income countries.

Land use

75% Agricultural areas:	22,773 km²
1% Forest:	346 km²
24% Others:	7,241 km²

Transport

Roadways:	5,940 km
› Airports:	1