Discovering the Enclave Country Completely Surrounded by South Africa - Exploring the unique geography of a little-known nation.

Did you know that there is a country entirely surrounded by South Africa? It may sound bizarre, but it's true. This unique country is called Lesotho, and it's often referred to as the Kingdom in the Sky.

Lesotho is a small mountainous kingdom nestled in the Drakensberg and Maloti mountain ranges, making it an enclave country. It's the only independent state in the world that sits entirely above 1,000 metres elevation.

The country's terrain is rugged and breath-taking, attracting visitors from all over the world. The Drakensberg mountain range provides a stunning backdrop for this tiny country. From the surrounding areas, it appears as though Lesotho is floating on a sea of greenery.

You may be wondering if Lesotho is a part of South Africa; the answer is no. Although it is entirely surrounded by South Africa, it's classified as an independent nation and has its own laws, government, and even currency – the Loti.

The people of Lesotho are called Basotho, and they have a fascinating culture. They have traditional dresses made of woven wool blankets called Basotho blankets. These colourful and unique costumes are a symbol of their national identity and pride.

Despite being bordered entirely by South Africa, Lesotho stands out as distinct with its own rich history and traditions. It has a population of about 2.2 million people, and most of them live in villages, where agriculture is the primary source of income.

Lesotho's capital city is Maseru, and it's the largest city in the country. It's a bustling metropolis with a vibrant nightlife and a thriving street food scene. If you're ever in Lesotho, make sure you try their traditional dish called pap and vleis.

Lesotho is also home to some of the country's highest peaks, including Thabana Ntlenyana, which is the highest peak in southern Africa at 3,482 meters above sea level. It's a popular destination for trekkers, hikers and mountaineers alike.

Despite its small size, Lesotho has managed to create its own unique identity, distinct from its larger neighbour. It's a fascinating country with breathtaking natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

If you haven't visited Lesotho yet, add it to your travel bucket list. You won't regret it. The Kingdom in the Sky is an experience like no other.

In summary, Lesotho is a tiny country entirely surrounded by South Africa. It's a unique enclave nation with its own laws, government, currency, and culture. Lesotho is a fascinating and stunning country that attracts visitors from all over the world. So, pack your bags and head out to explore the Kingdom in the Sky.

"What Country Is An Enclave Of (I.E., Completely Surrounded By) South Africa?" ~ bbaz

South Africa is a country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent that borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Mozambique. However, there is one country that is entirely surrounded by South Africa, known as Lesotho.

The Geography of Lesotho

Lesotho is a landlocked country and an enclave, entirely surrounded by South Africa. It spans over 30,000 square kilometers and is located on the southern edge of the Drakensberg Mountains. Lesotho's capital city, Maseru, is on the western border with South Africa and has a population of approximately 330,000 people.

The country's landscape is rugged, characterized by mountains, valleys, and high plateaus, with some areas reaching over 3,400 meters above sea level. The Maloti Mountains span across the eastern region and have many peaks over 3,000 meters, with Thabana Ntlenyana being the highest point in southern Africa, towering at 3,482 meters.

The People of Lesotho

The Basotho people, the country's largest ethnic group, make up over 99% of Lesotho's population, and the official language is Sesotho. However, English and Afrikaans are also spoken in urban areas by some citizens. Lesotho's population is estimated to be over two million.

Despite Lesotho's small size and challenging environment, the economy has seen some growth over the years, with the majority of the populace working in subsistence agriculture. In recent years, the government has focused on developing other economic sectors, such as tourism and manufacturing.

The History of Lesotho

Lesotho has a rich history that dates back centuries before South African colonization. The Basotho people, led by King Moshoeshoe I, were able to fight off British Colonization during the 19th century and keep their country independent.

The country was known as Basutoland and became a British protectorate in 1868, under a treaty signed by King Moshoeshoe. Basutoland became independent from Britain in 1966 and changed its name to Lesotho, which means the land of the people who speak Sesotho.

The Relationship With South Africa

Being an enclave, Lesotho depends heavily on South Africa for trade, transportation, and even electricity imports. The two countries have had a long-standing and sometimes challenging relationship. In the '70s and '80s, South Africa supported military coups that overthrew governments in Lesotho.

However, in recent years, the relationship has improved significantly, and the two countries have been working towards strengthening their ties in areas such as customs agreements, water management, and energy cooperation.

Tourism in Lesotho

Lesotho's unique geography and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for hiking, mountaineering, and cultural tourism.

The Sani Pass, a mountain pass that connects South Africa and Lesotho, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. The pass offers spectacular views and is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles.

Travelers who enjoy cultural tourism can visit traditional Basotho villages, which offer a glimpse into the local way of life. Additionally, visitors can explore Lesotho's rich history through the country's museums and historical landmarks.

Conclusion

Lesotho, known as the Kingdom in the Sky, is a small but fascinating country entirely surrounded by South Africa. Its rugged landscape, unique culture, and history offer visitors an unforgettable experience that makes Lesotho stand out from its neighbors.

The country's reliance on South Africa and its location within the region bring about unique challenges, but Lesotho has continued to grow and develop despite them. For anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable travel destination, Lesotho is undoubtedly one of Africa's best kept secrets.

Comparison of Countries Enclaved by South Africa

Introduction

In Southern Africa, there are four countries that are enclaved entirely by South Africa. These countries are Lesotho, eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), and the two relatively smaller countries of Botswana and Namibia. This article intends to compare these countries based on their geographical features, economy, population, and other significant factors.

Geographical Location

Lesotho is an enclaved country situated in the highlands of Southern Africa, while eSwatini lies on the Eastern border of South Africa. Botswana and Namibia, though not entirely enclaved by South Africa, share much of their borders with this country.

Country	Area (km²)	Capital City
Lesotho	30,355	Maseru
eSwatini	17,364	Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (royal)
Botswana	581,730	Gaborone
Namibia	825,615	Windhoek

Economy

Botswana has the strongest economy among the four countries, thanks to its abundant diamond resources. Namibia has a well-diversified economy, with mining and tourism being the two biggest revenue generators. Lesotho and eSwatini, on the other hand, have limited resources and are heavily dependent on South Africa for trade and employment opportunities.

Country	GDP (USD)	Major industries
Lesotho	2.7 billion	Textiles, footwear, apparel, diamonds, water, harnessing hydroelectric power
eSwatini	4.6 billion	Textiles, sugar, forestry, mining, tourism, agriculture
Botswana	18.4 billion	Diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat processing, tourism
Namibia	11.6 billion	Mining, fishing, tourism, agriculture

Population and Language

Lesotho is the smallest country in terms of population, while Namibia is the largest. The official languages of Lesotho and eSwatini are Sesotho and siSwati, respectively. However, English is widely spoken in Botswana and Namibia, making these two countries more accessible to international visitors.

Country	Population	Official Language
Lesotho	2.1 million	Sesotho and English
eSwatini	1.2 million	siSwati (official), English
Botswana	2.4 million	English (official), Setswana
Namibia	2.5 million	English (official), Afrikaans, German, Oshiwambo, Damara, Nama, Herero

Tourism

Each of these four countries has unique tourist attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. Namibia is known for its vast deserts and wildlife safaris, while eSwatini is famous for its vibrant traditional culture. Lesotho's scenic landscapes and snow-capped peaks appeal to nature lovers, and Botswana's Okavango Delta is a popular destination for safari enthusiasts.

Country	Top Tourist Attractions
Lesotho	AfriSki, Sehlabathebe National Park, Katse Dam, Sani Pass
eSwatini	Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Hlane Royal National Park, Mantenga Cultural Village, Ezulwini Valley
Botswana	Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Namibia	Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast, Fish River Canyon

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Lesotho and eSwatini rely heavily on South Africa for economic growth, Botswana and Namibia have established themselves as more self-sufficient nations with diversified economies. These four countries have unique cultural and natural attractions that make them worth visiting. Tourists should consider their preferences and interests before deciding on which country to visit.

What Country Is An Enclave of South Africa?

Introduction

South Africa is a country located in the southern part of Africa. It is bordered by many countries on its north, east, and west side. However, there is only one country that is completely surrounded by South Africa, which is Lesotho.Lesotho is a small country, covering approximately 30,000 square kilometers, with a population of around 2 million people. The kingdom of Lesotho is nestled in the Drakensberg Mountains, making it a unique and isolated country.

How to Get to Lesotho

Lesotho can be accessed by road or air. The most popular method of getting to Lesotho is by road. The country has three main border posts with South Africa, which are Maseru Bridge, Ficksburg Bridge, and Caledonspoort Border Post. Visitors can also fly into Moshoeshoe I International Airport, which is located in the capital city of Maseru.

What to See and Do in Lesotho

Although Lesotho is a small country, it offers many unique experiences for visitors. Here are a few things that tourists can do in Lesotho:

Explore the Mountain Kingdom

Lesotho is known as the Mountain Kingdom due to its high altitude location in the Drakensberg Mountains. Visitors can explore the stunning landscape by hiking, horseback riding, or taking a scenic drive through the mountains.

Visit Sehlabathebe National Park

Sehlabathebe National Park is located in the southeastern part of Lesotho. The park offers incredible views of the mountainous terrain and an opportunity to see rare species of birds and plants.

Experience Basotho Culture

The Basotho people are the indigenous people of Lesotho. Visitors can experience their unique culture by visiting traditional villages, participating in cultural festivals, and trying traditional cuisine.

Where to Stay in Lesotho

Lesotho has a range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. The capital city of Maseru has many hotels and guesthouses. Visitors looking for a more remote and secluded experience may prefer to stay in lodges or campsites located in the mountains.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lesotho is the only country that is completely surrounded by South Africa. It is a unique and isolated country known as the Mountain Kingdom. Visitors can enjoy a range of experiences in this small country, including exploring the stunning landscape, experiencing Basotho culture, and observing rare species of birds and plants. Whether visitors prefer a luxury hotel or a secluded mountain lodge, Lesotho has something for everyone.

What Country is an Enclave of (i.e., Completely Surrounded By) South Africa?

If you are interested in geography, then you may be wondering whether there is a country that is completely surrounded by another country. It turns out, there is one such country, and it is located in southern Africa. This country is known as Lesotho, and it is commonly referred to as an enclave of South Africa.

Lesotho is a landlocked country in the southeastern part of Africa. It is surrounded by South Africa on all sides, and it covers an area of approximately 30,355 square kilometers. The country has a population of just over two million people, and its capital city is Maseru.

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy, which means that it has a monarch as its head of state. The current king of Lesotho is Letsie III. The country also has a prime minister as its head of government. The current prime minister of Lesotho is Moeketsi Majoro.

Lesotho has a rich cultural heritage, and it is famous for its traditional blankets, which are worn by the Basotho people. The Basotho also have a traditional dance called the mokhibo, which is performed at celebrations and other social gatherings. Lesotho is also known for its beautiful natural landscape, including its mountains, valleys, and rivers.

Lesotho is a developing country, and it faces many challenges. The country has a high rate of poverty, and its economy is heavily dependent on agriculture. Lesotho also has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world, which has had a significant impact on the country's population and economy.

Despite these challenges, Lesotho is making progress in several areas. The country has made significant strides in improving its healthcare system, and it has implemented several programs aimed at reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Lesotho has also received foreign aid from several countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, to help support its development efforts.

Lesotho's relationship with South Africa is complex. The two countries share a long border, and many Basotho people live and work in South Africa. South Africa is also Lesotho's main trading partner and provides the country with access to its ports and other essential resources.

However, Lesotho has also had some disputes with South Africa over the years. In 1998, South Africa sent troops into Lesotho to help quell political violence that had erupted in the country. Some Basotho people saw this as an intrusion into their country's affairs and have criticized South Africa's involvement.

In conclusion, Lesotho is an enclave of South Africa and is located in southeastern Africa. Despite facing many challenges, this small country has a rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscape. Lesotho's relationship with South Africa is complex, with the two countries sharing a close economic and cultural connection but also experiencing some tension. If you are interested in learning more about Lesotho, we encourage you to do further research or visit the country yourself!

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What Country Is An Enclave Of (I.E., Completely Surrounded By) South Africa?

Overview of Enclaves

Enclaves are territories that are completely surrounded by another territory. They can represent unique challenges in terms of political and socio-economic relations, especially where there are differences in language, culture or religion between the enclaved state and the surrounding country.

People Also Ask about Enclaves

There are several related questions that people ask about enclaves including:

1. What is an enclave?
2. What is the difference between an enclave and an exclave?
3. What is the history of enclaves and how have they affected international relations?
4. Are there any famous examples of enclaves and how did they come about?
5. What are the benefits and disadvantages of being an enclave?

Answer: Lesotho

The answer to the question of which country is an enclave of South Africa is Lesotho. This small country is entirely surrounded by South Africa, making it one of only three independent states in the world that are enclaves, along with San Marino and Vatican City. Lesotho and South Africa share a deep history and cultural ties, with many Lesotho citizens working in South Africa and vice versa.

The relationship between South Africa and Lesotho has not always been without conflict, however, and border disputes are not uncommon. Nevertheless, the two countries maintain close diplomatic and economic ties, and Lesotho relies heavily on South Africa for both imports and exports.