ABSTRACT
Boasting one of the highest adult literacy rates in Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho is a small country bordered entirely by South Africa. The population of about 2.2 million resides in an area of about 30,000 square kilometers. Most people live in the western half of the country, and around a few major urban areas, such as Maseru, the capital, home to 202,000 residents. The overwhelming majority of the population consider themselves ethnically Sotho, and speak Sesotho, English, Zulu, and Xhosa. The country is predominantly Christian, with most people identifying as Protestant, Roman Catholic, and other denominations. About two-thirds of Lesotho consists of mountains, with its lowest point 1,400 meters above sea level. Tall mountain ranges form a natural barrier with South Africa. Lesotho is also the source of two of South Africa’s largest rivers: the Tugela River and the Orange River. With no other shared borders, Lesotho must depend heavily on a good relationship with South Africa.
