Directories | Lesotho

| Kingdom of Lesotho |
Lesotho embassy in Beijing, China
No.302, Dong Wai Office Building
Tel: +86-10-65326843, 65326844
Fax: +86-10-65326845
|
China embassy in Maseru, Lesotho n/a |
Introduction
Lesotho is enclosed by South Africa.
Three distinct geographical regions, demarcated by ascending altitude, expend approximately north-south through the
country. The western quarter of the country, a plateau averaging 5,000 to 6,000 ft, ranges from a thin strip of 6
miles in width to a zone 40 miles wide. The soil of this zone is derive from sandstone and, particularly in the
western most region, is poor and badly eroded.
The reminder of the country is highland. A zone of rolling foothills, ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 ft, forms the
border between the lowlands and the mountains in the east. The Maluti Mountains, spurs of the Drakensberg range,
extend north and south. They form a high plateau from 9,000 to 10,000 ft in height. The highest point is Thabana
Ntlenyana (11,425ft) in the east. The rich volcanic soils of the foothills and mountains are some of the best in
the country.
The sources of two of the principal rivers in South Africa, the Orange and the Thukela, are in these mountains.
Tributaries of the Caledon River, which forms the country's western border, also rise here.
| Other Information |
| Capital City | Maseru |
| Independence Day | 4 October 1966 |
| Government Type | Parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Population | 1,865,040 |
| Total Area | 30,355 sq km |
| Languages | Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa |
| Religions | Christian 80%, animists 20% |
| Life expectancy | 36.81 |
| Currency | loti (LSL); South African rand (ZAR) |
| GDP per capita (USD) | 3,000 |
| Industries | food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts; construction; tourism |
Disclaimer: Data provided above are for reference only; Afroshanghai.com does not guarantee their accuracy.