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Lesotho Geography
Lesotho Geography: A summary of information about Lesotho Geography, from government research data as well as independent research and other sources.
Lesotho: Geography
Location
Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa
Geographic coordinates
29 30 S, 28 30 E
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 30,355 sq km land: 30,355 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Maryland
Land boundaries
total: 909 km border countries: South Africa 909 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers
Terrain
mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains
Elevation extremes
lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m highest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m
Natural resources
water, agricultural and grazing land, some diamonds and other minerals
Land use
arable land: 11% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 66% forests and woodland: 0% other: 23% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land
30 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards
periodic droughts
Environment - current issues
population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, and soil exhaustion; desertification; Highlands Water Project controls, stores, and redirects water to South Africa
Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping
Geography - note
landlocked; surrounded by South Africa
