Discovering Lesotho: The 'Kingdom in the Sky' Surrounded by South Africa

Lesotho, a landlocked country entirely encompassed by South Africa, boasts unique cultural and geographic features. From its breathtaking highlands to its rich heritage and critical societal issues, this article explores nine essential facts about Lesotho that contribute to its distinct identity.

Nestled in the southern region of Africa, Lesotho has often been overshadowed in global discourse, even recently remarked by former US President Donald Trump as "a country nobody has ever heard of." However, this mountainous kingdom, aptly referred to as the "Kingdom in the Sky," is rich in culture and possesses unique geographical characteristics. Here are nine essential facts to know about Lesotho:

1. **A Highaltitude Kingdom**: Renowned for its mountainous terrain, Lesotho is the only nation that is entirely above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in elevation, with its lowest point reaching 1,400 meters. This remarkable feature has earned it the title of "Kingdom in the Sky," as many of its remote villages can only be accessed by unique means of transport, such as horseback or light aircraft.

2. **Surrounded by South Africa**: Lesotho is completely encircled by South Africa and separated by daunting mountain ranges, presenting geographical challenges that restrict land availability for agriculture. This limited farming capacity makes the population, exceeding two million, reliant on employment opportunities in neighboring South Africa, with cultural similarities existing between the Basotho people and South Africans.

3. **'White Gold' Resource**: Water, referred to locally as 'white gold,' is the nation’s most significant natural resource, primarily exported to South Africa. While the harsh environment limits agricultural prospects, Lesotho also capitalizes on diamonds as a key export.

4. **A Emerging Ski Destination**: Contrary to conventional ski resort locations, Lesotho boasts Afriski, the highest ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa, situated at an elevation of 3,222 meters. It attracts skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, making the country a surprising player in the global snowsports arena.

5. **Cultural Identity**: The Basotho people, the nation's residents, are characterized by their traditional wool blankets and iconic conical hats known as mokorotlo, which symbolizes national identity. The intricate patterns of the blankets convey historical narratives and cultural significance, often given as gifts during ceremonial events.

6. **Health Crisis**: Lesotho faces a stark public health issue, with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally, affecting one in five adults. The United States has significantly invested in health initiatives, channeling nearly $1 billion to combat the epidemic since 2006.

7. **Royal Connections**: Similar to the United Kingdom, Lesotho operates as a constitutional monarchy. Notably, Prince Harry shares a philanthropic bond with Lesotho, contributing to the charity Sentebale, which aims to support local youth impacted by HIV/Aids.

8. **Denim Production Hub**: Dubbed the "denim capital of Africa," Lesotho has established a robust garment industry, exporting jeans and clothing primarily to the United States. The country significantly benefits from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), generating over $237 million in textile exports in the previous year.

9. **Suicide Epidemic**: Alarmingly, Lesotho has been reported to have the highest suicide rate in the world, with 87.5 individuals per 100,000 succumbing to self-inflicted harm every year. Contributing factors range from substance abuse to limited mental health resources, showcasing a pressing social issue that necessitates attention.

These nine facets of Lesotho illustrate the resilience and unique identity of its people, highlighting a nation often unnoticed yet bursting with cultural and geographical significance.