Map of Lesotho with regions and capitals

Regions of Lesotho and their capitals

Lesotho is divided into 10 districts, such as Maseru, Leribe, Berea and Mokhotlong. The capital, Maseru, lies on the western border with South Africa in the district of the same name.

Population from Wikidata (latest figure available for each region).

Blank and coloring maps of Lesotho

Blank map of Lesotho

Coloring map of Lesotho

Geography of Lesotho

Lesotho covers 30,355 km² (11,720 sq mi) and is the only independent country that lies entirely above 1,000 m (3,281 ft). Its lowest point, about 1,400 m (4,600 ft) above sea level, is the highest low point of any country. Most of the land is taken up by the Maloti Mountains and, along the eastern border, the Drakensberg escarpment. Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest point at 3,482 m (11,424 ft), is also the highest peak in southern Africa. The western lowlands, still high by most standards, hold most of the farmland, towns and people.

The Senqu River, which becomes the Orange River in South Africa, rises in the highlands of Lesotho, and the Mohokare (Caledon) River forms much of the western border. Dams built for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, such as Katse and Mohale, store water that is sold to South Africa. Because of the altitude, the climate is cooler than in the surrounding lowlands: summers are mild and rainy, and winters are dry, with frost and snow in the mountains. Lesotho even has a ski resort, Afriski, in the northeast.

Fun facts

• Sani Pass, a steep dirt road with many hairpin bends, climbs the Drakensberg escarpment from South Africa into Lesotho.
• The Basotho blanket, worn like a cape, is traditional clothing suited to the cold highland climate.

Countries bordering Lesotho

• South Africa