Donald Trump’ This is Lesotho ‘The African Country no One Has Heard of’

When U.S. President Donald Trump said that “nobody has ever heard of” Lesotho, many were shocked—not just in Africa but around the world.

Often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, South Africa, Lesotho is one of the most fascinating countries on the continent.

Known as the Kingdom in the Sky, Lesotho offers a rare mix of untouched mountain landscapes, deep-rooted culture, and geological wonders that many travelers miss out on.

So, if you’ve never heard of Lesotho, this is your chance to discover why this high-altitude kingdom deserves a place on the global map.

Here are 19 Interesting FACTS About ‘The Kingdom in the Sky’

Where Is Lesotho Located? | Geography of the Kingdom in the Sky

Lesotho is a landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa, making it one of only three enclave countries in the world (alongside San Marino and Vatican City).

Because of its mountainous terrain, the country boasts some of the highest altitudes on the continent, earning it the nickname “Kingdom in the Sky.”

Lesotho on the map – CIA World Factbook

Lesotho’s Colonial History and Independence From the UK

Lesotho, formerly known as Basutoland, was a British colony for over a century. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966 and officially became The Kingdom of Lesotho.

UN Chronicle: Independence of Lesotho

What Makes Lesotho Unique? | Kingdom Above the Clouds

Lesotho is the only independent country in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 meters (3,281 ft) in elevation. Even its lowest point is higher than the lowest points of all other nations.

That alone makes it one of the most elevated and scenic countries on Earth, full of hiking trails, waterfalls, and rolling highlands.

Lesotho Is Landlocked and an Enclave Within South Africa

Lesotho’s geographic distinction doesn’t end with altitude. Being completely surrounded by South Africa means it has no coastline or direct access to international waters.

This makes Lesotho an enclave country, much like Vatican City in Italy.

The Cultural Identity of Lesotho | Language, People, and Heritage

The people of Lesotho are known as the Basotho, while an individual is referred to as a Mosotho. The country’s official language is Sesotho, and its rich oral storytelling tradition is deeply rooted in African culture.

The name “Lesotho” literally means “Land of the Sesotho Speakers.”

Also Read: A Rare 108ct Pink Diamond Recovered in Lesotho

The Meaning Behind Lesotho’s Flag and National Symbols

Lesotho’s national flag is a symbolic tricolor featuring blue (rain), white (peace), and green (prosperity). At its center lies a black silhouette of the traditional Basotho straw hat, the mokorotlo, representing cultural pride and unity.

Why Lesotho Is Called the “Kingdom in the Sky”

Lesotho’s nickname comes from its extreme elevation. With its lowest point sitting at 1,400 meters (4,593 ft), the country quite literally resides in the clouds.

BBC Travel: The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho

Is It Possible to Ski in Lesotho? | Winter Sports in Africa

Yes, you read that right. Lesotho is one of the few countries in Africa where skiing is possible. The Afriski Mountain Resort, located in the Maluti Mountains, offers skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking.

The Scariest Runway in the World: Matekane Air Strip

The Matekane Air Strip in Lesotho is considered one of the most terrifying runways in the world. It ends abruptly at a 600-meter (1,968 ft) cliff, used mainly by doctors and pilots for emergency relief missions.

Lesotho and Dinosaurs | Discoveries from the Jurassic Period

Lesotho holds a unique place in paleontology. The Lesothosaurus, a small dinosaur from the early Jurassic era, was discovered here. In 2017, one of the largest dinosaur footprints ever found was also uncovered in the country.

Natural History Museum UK: Lesothosaurus Discovery

Largest Diamond Ever Found in Lesotho

In 2018, a 910-carat diamond—the fifth largest in history—was found in Lesotho’s Letseng mine. This gem was larger than a baseball and marked a major achievement in Africa’s mining industry.

Sani Pass and the Highest Pub in Africa

The Sani Pass, connecting Lesotho to South Africa, is known for its death-defying hairpin turns. At the top sits the Sani Mountain Lodge, home to the highest pub in Africa at 2,874 meters (9,429 ft).

UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lesotho

Lesotho shares one UNESCO World Heritage Site with South Africa—the Maloti-Drakensberg Park. This transnational site includes the Sehlabathebe National Park and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and is renowned for ancient rock art and breathtaking scenery.

Maletsunyane Falls vs. Niagara Falls

The mighty Maletsunyane Falls in Lesotho stands at 192 meters (630 ft), which is nearly four times taller than the famous Niagara Falls in North America (51 meters or 167 ft).

Also Read: Top Leading Diamond Producers in Africa

Lesotho’s Literacy Rate and Modern-Day Achievements

Lesotho has one of the highest adult literacy rates in Africa—70.1% for men and 88.3% for women, defying the odds in one of the continent’s most mountainous regions.

Is Lesotho Part of AfCFTA? | Trade and Global Integration

Yes, Lesotho is a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to reduce trade barriers and encourage economic collaboration among African nations.

AfCFTA Official Website

Final Thoughts: Why Lesotho Should Never Be Forgotten

Lesotho is far more than a footnote in geography or a passing comment by a world leader. It’s a land of resilient people, stunning scenery, and historical wonders. The world should not only know about Lesotho—it should celebrate it.

References

1. CIA World Factbook – Lesotho: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lesotho/

2. UN Chronicle on Lesotho’s Independence: https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/lesotho-50-years-independence

3. Natural History Museum UK – Lesothosaurus: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/lesothosaurus.html

4. BBC Travel – Kingdom in the Sky: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20170816-lesotho-the-hidden-kingdom-in-the-sky

5. AfCFTA Member Countries: https://au-afcfta.org/member-states/