Geography of Lesotho
Lesotho is a mountainous, landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is an enclave, surrounded by South Africa. The total length of the country's borders is 909 kilometres (565 mi). Lesotho covers an area of around 30,355 square kilometres (11,720 sq mi), of which a negligible percentage is covered with water.
| Continent | Africa |
|---|---|
| Region | Southern Africa |
| Coordinates | 29°30′S 28°30′E |
| Area | Ranked 141st |
| • Total | 30,355 km2 (11,720 sq mi) |
| • Land | 100% |
| • Water | 0% |
| Coastline | 0 km (0 mi) |
| Borders | Total land borders: 909 km (565 mi) South Africa: 909 km (565 mi) |
| Highest point | Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m (11,424 ft) |
| Lowest point | Junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m (4,593.2 ft) |
The most popular geographic fact about Lesotho, apart from its status as an enclave, is that it is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) in elevation. Its lowest point is at 1,400 metres (4,593 ft), the highest low point of any country. Because of its elevation, the country's climate is cooler than in most other regions at the same latitude. Its climate zone can be classified as continental.