Lesotho

LETHOSO The Kingdom of Lesotho is often referred to as the Mountain Kingdom or Kingdom in the Sky, due to its elevation marked by rocky rolling mountains. Lesotho is the only independent state on earth which exists entirely above 1,000m (3,281ft). The country is surrounded entirely by South Africa and covers an area of just over 30,000 square kilometres with a population of 2.3 million people. Lesotho remains largely untouched by development, making it a prime location for hiking, camping, cave exploration, horseback riding and even snow sports during the winter months. The country also boasts a variety of exotic birds, reptiles and mammal species endemic to the region. Lesotho has only one neighbour, South Africa, which surrounds the country entirely. The capital city is Maseru, located in the eastern part of the country, near the South African city of Bloemfontein. Maseru is home to 15% of Lesotho’s population. Lesotho’s terrain is mostly highland with plateaus, hills and mountains.