Geography Lesotho

the afriski resort in maloti mountains of lesotho

lesotho covers 30,355 km (11,720 sq mi). independent state in world lies entirely above 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) in elevation. lowest point of 1,400 metres (4,593 ft) highest in world. on 80% of country lies above 1,800 metres (5,906 ft). lesotho southernmost landlocked country in world , entirely surrounded south africa. lies between latitudes 28° , 31°s, , longitudes 27° , 30°e.

climate

because of altitude, lesotho remains cooler throughout year other regions @ same latitude. of rain falls summer thunderstorms. maseru , surrounding lowlands reach 30 °c (86 °f) in summer. winters can cold lowlands getting down −7 °c (19 °f) , highlands −18 °c (0 °f) @ times. snow common in highlands between may , september; higher peaks can experience snowfalls year-round.

wildlife

aloe polyphylla

there known 339 bird species in lesotho, including 10 globally threatened species , 2 introduced species, 17 reptile species, including geckos, snakes , lizards, , 60 mammal species endemic lesotho, including endangered white-tailed rat.

lesotho flora alpine, due high , mountainous terrain. katse botanical gardens houses collection of medicinal plants , has large seed bank of plants malibamat river area.