Lesotho
Neighbouring countries: Surrounded by South Africa
Major activities: Climbing Thaba Bosiu; shopping in Maseru;
game viewing, bird watching and pony trekking in the Sehlabathebe
National Park; enjoying water sports at the Katse Dam; skiing in
the Maloti Mountains; and many more.
Lesotho Socio-Economic Statistics*
Lush and breathtakingly beautiful, Lesotho is aptly known as "The Mountain
Kingdom". It boasts some of the highest and most scenic mountain peaks in
Southern Africa, as well as a collection of top-class resorts and lodges -
and even snow!
| Capital |
Maseru |
| National Day |
04 October 1966 |
| Airport |
Moshoeshoe International Airport at Maseru |
| Main languages |
English, Sesotho |
| Neighbouring countries |
Surrounded by South Africa |
| Time zone |
GMT +2 |
| Size |
30 355 km2 |
| Population |
2 496 million (2009) |
| Economy |
Multi-sectoral, light industry in textiles and food processing, and also sells water to South Africa from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. |
| Currency |
Maloti, South African Rand (ZAR) also accepted |
| Climate |
The rainy season stretches from October to April, with summer maximum temperatures of 32°C and higher. In winter, minimums drop below freezing and snow is common. |
| Places to see
|
Maseru, Thaba Bosiu, Sehlabathebe National Park, Katse Dam in the Malibamatso Valley, Thabana Ntlenyana Tourism. |
Airlink operates daily direct and convenient flights to Maseru from Johannesburg.
