Lesotho

I

Introduction

Lesotho, formerly Basutoland, small, land-locked monarchy within South Africa. The kingdom of Lesotho is mainly mountainous and has a total area of 30,355 sq km (11,720 sq mi). The capital of Lesotho is Maseru.

II

Land and Resources

In the west, rolling lowlands occupy about one third of the country, varying in height from about 1,525 to 1,830 m (5,000 to 6,000 ft) above sea level. They provide most of the cultivable land in Lesotho, although their soils are poorer than those of the uplands. The land rises eastward through foothills to the mountains, which occupy two thirds of the country and reach heights of more than 3,350 m (11,000 ft) on the eastern border with South Africa. The Drakensberg run north-east to east; the Mulati Mountains, north-east to south-west. The Orange River has its source in the highlands of Lesotho.

A

Climate

The climate is mainly temperate, with seasonal and daily extremes of heat and cold. In the lowlands maximum temperatures vary between 32.2° C (90° F) in summer to -6.7° C (20° F) in winter; average temperatures are 25° C (77° F) and 15° C (59° F) respectively. The average and extreme ranges are wider in the highlands. In the winter frosts are common in the lowlands, and snowfalls are frequent in the highlands. Rainfall, which occurs predominantly between October and April, averages about 760 mm (30 in) a year in the lowlands and 1,905 mm (75 in) in the highlands. Droughts are common.

B

Natural Resources and Environmental Concerns

Much of Lesotho is permanent pasture, and there is a problem of erosion arising from unrestricted grazing. The low organic content means that much of the soil lacks fertility, and population growth is adding to the pressure on agricultural land. While there are no forests in Lesotho, some reforestation has occurred. However, this is not enough to keep pace with the growing demand for fuel wood, which provides much of the county’s energy needs. Population pressure in the west, where the arable land is concentrated, means that over-cultivation and soil exhaustion are major problems. Livestock grazed on the upland pastures is the traditional source of wealth. Diamond deposits are mined in the north-eastern part of the country.

Water is Lesotho’s most important natural resource; currently, less than half of the population has access to safe water. A series of enormous dams and tunnels, known as the Highlands Water Project, has been under construction in the mountains since the late 1980s and is due for completion in 2015, though the first stage was completed in 2004. This hydroelectricity system will deliver water to the industrial areas of north-eastern South Africa, generating substantial income for Lesotho. The first phase of the scheme has generated considerable concern among environmentalists. However, the hydroelectric power component has already made Lesotho practically self-sufficient in electricity.