Lesotho

• Capital of Lesotho: Maseru
• Total Area: 30,355 km² (11,720 mi²) (Rank 140)
• Population: 2,008,000 (Rank 147) - (2024 estimate)
• Location: Southern Africa
• Languages of Lesotho: Sesotho (Sotho) (official), English (official), Zulu
• Religions in Lesotho: Christian 92.3%, other traditional beliefs 7.7%
• Ethnic groups in Lesotho: Basotho 99.7%, Europeans and Asians 0.3%
• Currency: Lesotho Loti (LSL), South African Rand (ZAR)
• Time zone: UTC+2 (South African Standard Time)
• Calling code: (+266)
• Organizations: United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, Southern African Development Community
• Border countries (1): South Africa 1,106 km (687 mi)
• Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

Major Cities and Regions of Lesotho

1. Maseru

• District: Maseru district.
• Description: The capital and largest city of Lesotho. Located on the Caledon River on the border with South Africa. Founded in 1869 as a British camp and became the capital in 1966 upon Lesotho's independence. Known for its well-planned streets, modern buildings, and the historic Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories.

2. Hlotse

• District: Leribe district.
• Description: The second largest city in Lesotho, located in the north. Also known as "Leribe" and serves as an important commercial and educational center. Famous for the Lesotho National Museum which displays the rich cultural heritage of the Basotho people.

3. Mafeteng

• District: Mafeteng district.
• Description: A city in western Lesotho near the border with South Africa. Known as an important agricultural center and the site of many prestigious secondary schools. It was the location of several historical battles during the Basotho Wars.

4. Mokhotlong

• District: Mokhotlong district.
• Description: Located in eastern Lesotho at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest towns in the country. Its name means "place of the long river" and serves as a gateway to the eastern Drakensberg Mountains and the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

5. Qacha's Nek

• District: Qacha's Nek district.
• Description: A border town in southeastern Lesotho, famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and being a gateway to the southern Drakensberg Mountains. Known for spectacular mountain scenery and is a destination for hikers and adventure seekers.

6. Butha-Buthe

• District: Butha-Buthe district.
• Description: The oldest settlement in Lesotho, located in the far north. Its name means "place of hiding" and was a refuge for King Moshoeshoe I during the Basotho Wars. Famous for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to the Maletsunyane Falls.

7. Thaba-Tseka

• District: Thaba-Tseka district.
• Description: A town in central Lesotho, founded in the 1970s as part of a development project. Its name means "mountain with a snowy cap" and is known as an ecotourism center located near the Katse Dam.

8. Quthing

• District: Quthing district.
• Description: A town in southern Lesotho, also known as "Moyeni". Famous for being the site of many caves containing San (Bushmen) rock art. Located on the banks of the Orange River.