Geography of Lesotho

Geography of Lesotho


ContinentAfrica
RegionSouthern Africa
Coordinates29°30′S 28°30′E / 29.500°S 28.500°E / -29.500; 28.500
AreaRanked 141st
 • Total30,355 km2 (11,720 sq mi)
 • Land100%
 • Water0%
Coastline0 km (0 mi)
BordersTotal land borders:
909 km (565 mi)
South Africa:
909 km (565 mi)
Highest pointThabana Ntlenyana
3,482 m (11,424 ft)
Lowest pointJunction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers
1,400 m (4,593.2 ft)

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.

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.[1] Its lowest point is at 1,400 metres (4,593 ft), the highest low point of any country.[2] 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.

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