Discover Lesotho: 12 Amazing Fun Facts About the Kingdom in the Sky

1. Highest Nation on Earth

In Lesotho, you'll always be on top of the world, even if you don't scale its magnificent mountains: This African nation boasts the only land area in the world entirely above 4,593 feet elevation, with Thabana Ntlenyana reigning as southern Africa's tallest peak at 11,424 feet.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. South Africa's Satellite Sidekick

If Lesotho were a sitcom character, it would undeniably be that quirky sidekick always hanging out at their best friend's house, constantly taking orders from them and stealing their electricity: Lesotho and Eswatini are often considered satellite states of South Africa, with South Africa's significant influence shaping their economic affairs and foreign policy. In fact, South Africa even stepped in to quell post-election violence in Lesotho in 1998 and is a key player in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which supplies water and hydro-power to both countries.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Did you know that South Africa's Little Karoo was once the kingdom of ostriches, boasting the largest population in the world? Discover how these flightless wonders brought wealth and fashion to the town of Oudtshoorn in the early 20th century! 🇿🇦🦩💰

=> Fun Facts about South-Africa

3. Jurassic Bed and Breakfast

If Jurassic Park had a Bed and Breakfast, Lesotho would be the prime candidate for its location: housing a stunning array of dinosaur footprints in its very own Subeng River, including the Lesothosaurus, these ancient relics offer a peek into a distant past, long before Lesotho officially stepped onto the world map.
Source => atlasobscura.com

4. Africa's Rooftop Party

If the sky's the limit, then Lesotho is the ultimate rooftop party for Africa: This high-altitude nation boasts Thabana Ntlenyana as the tallest peak in southern Africa, reaching 3,482 meters (11,423 feet) above sea level, and is considered one of the highest countries on the continent.
Source => worlddata.info

5. Nosebleed-Level Conversations

In a land where the hills are alive with the sound of altitude sickness, water cooler chats occur at nosebleed levels: Lesotho is the only country in the world that exists entirely above 1,000 meters, with its lowest point still higher than many other nations' highest peaks. Its marvelous Maloti Mountain range reaches skyward, boasting Southern Africa's tallest summit, Thabana Ntlenyana, standing tall at 3,482 meters (11,423 feet).
Source => en.wikipedia.org

6. Mountain-Inspired Fashion

If Mount Qiloane was a fashion icon, it would absolutely rock the mokorotlo hat: Lesotho's iconic straw hat, made from indigenous grass and symbolizing national identity, was inspired by the conical shape of the mountain – adorning not only the heads of locals, but also flags and license plates.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Africa's Catholic King

Think monarch and the mind may recall the Queen of England; yet, envision one that loves to "Pope" it and lock it: King Letsie III of Lesotho stands as the sole Catholic monarch in Africa, championing his faith through devout actions and even patronizing the esteemed Prince Mohato Award in his homeland.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Nature's Gold Medalist

In the land of Lesotho, mother nature gets a gold medal in the Olympic sport of synchronized swimming for her ability to turn water into power and peace: The Lesotho Highlands Water Project harnesses the country's abundant water resources, constructing dams and tunnels to supply both water and electricity to Lesotho and South Africa while fostering development in the mountainous region.
Source => water-technology.net

9. Maloti Mountains' VIPs

If the Maloti Mountains ever threw a party, they'd have the highest guest list in Southern Africa and be the bartenders of the year with their refreshing rivers on tap: Lesotho's Maloti Mountains not only have the region's tallest peak but also spawn two of South Africa's main rivers, the Orange and Tugela, while forming an essential piece of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area, co-protected by Lesotho and South Africa to maintain their shared natural and cultural wealth.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

10. Lesotho's Hodgepodge Music Scene

Lesotho's pop charts are a real hodgepodge: locals rock out to the lekolulo and thomo while also getting their groove on to Sotho hip-hop and jazz. Their Morija Arts & Cultural Festival gets the entire nation doing the Basotho boogie, with legends like Joshua Pulumo Mohapeloa sharing the stage with fresh faces like Malome Vector and Ntate Stunna. All in all, the Mountain Kingdom's tiny stature boasts a big, diverse, toe-tapping music scene that's steeped in cultural heritage.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

11. Journey to Energy Independence

Feeling a surge of empowerment: Lesotho's on a journey to energy self-sufficiency, as 55% of its power grid is now lit by homegrown electricity, and the nation's branches are reaching towards renewable sources like wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy.
Source => worlddata.info

12. Lesotho's Neverland Character

Who would've guessed that Lesotho's got a touch of Neverland? They've chosen a wild, fearsome crocodile to guard their emblem, just like Captain Hook's nemesis: Lesotho, a landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa, proudly displays the crocodile as its national symbol on its coat of arms, showcasing the nation's strength and resilience. Additionally, you might spot the elusive black wildebeest roaming in the Lesotho wild!
Source => sanbi.org