last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to Lesotho
Location Map of Lesotho
Lesotho
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Quick Overview
With the Drakensberg Mountains and the Maloti Mountains to the south and east, Lesotho is a highly mountainous country whose lowest point is at 1,400 m (a world record) and highest at 3,482 m, with 80% of its territory above 1,800 m. Various rivers originate in its highlands before flowing into the South Africa, which encloses the country. A few plains in the west are home to most of the population. Nearly 90% of the population is Sotho and predominantly Christian. Due to its location and history, Lesotho remains highly dependent on its South African neighbor in all aspects.
Key Facts
- Type of place: country.
- Location: in the southeastern part of South Africa, within which this small country is entirely landlocked.
- Latitude/longitude: 29.18' S, 27.28' E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Maseru.
- Nature of the state: constitutional monarchy.
- Official languages: English and Sotho.
- Currency: Loti.
- Population: 1,962,461 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 30,355 km².
- Density: 65 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: 3,482 m.
- Lowest point: 1,400 m.
- Coastline: no maritime access.
- Driving: on the left.
Tourism
Lesotho is not a major tourist destination and receives the fewest visitors in Southern Africa. Fewer than 400,000 people visit each year (320,000 in 2014), the vast majority coming from the South Africa. They come to enjoy the nature and mountains, in addition to what they can already find at home.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for beginner travelers.
- By air: France-Maseru for 880/1,100 € round trip.
- Entry requirements: passport (no visa required for stays under 14 days).
- Currency to bring: euros.
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Accommodation:
- Getting around:
- Risks: relatively low in terms of health and safety.
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices: from mid-September to early May.
Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/Holidays .
Addresses in France
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Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 159/188 (2018 ranking)
- GDP per capita: $3,300 USD (2017)
- Average monthly income: $115 USD (2012)
- Inflation: +5.3% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 28.1% (2014)
- Population below the poverty line: 57% (2016)
- Life expectancy: 53 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -6.8 (2017)
- Population growth: +0.24% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 79.4% (2015)
- Urban population: 28.2% (2018)
- Press freedom: 68/180 (2018 ranking)
- Political regime: flawed democracy (56/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook