Dumela! Welcome to the “Kingdom in the Sky”—Lesotho, a high-altitude, landlocked kingdom entirely surrounded by the territory of South Africa. There are around 2 million people living here, and the capital is Maseru, located right on the border. The official languages are Sesotho and English.

Lesotho covers about 30,355 square kilometers (11,720 square miles). To imagine its size, the country is roughly the same size as the state of Maryland in the U.S., or about the same size as Belgium. It is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) in elevation, making it the highest country on Earth.

The most popular sport is Football, though the country is also famous for its traditional mountain pony races. Their national animal is the Basotho Pony, which is essential for navigating the rugged mountain terrain.

The flag consists of horizontal stripes of blue, white, and green with a black Basotho hat in the center, where the blue represents rain, the white symbolizes peace, and the green stands for prosperity.

The food is hearty and designed for the mountain climate. You must try Papa, a thick cornmeal porridge that is the staple of almost every meal, often served with Moroho (sautéed greens). Another traditional favorite is Basotho Bread, a steamed or baked bread often enjoyed with stews. Because of the cold climate, you will also find a variety of soups and slow-cooked meats.

Lesotho is home to the Sani Pass, a world-famous, hair-raising mountain road that connects the kingdom to South Africa and features the “Highest Pub in Africa” at its peak. The country is famous for the Basotho Blanket, a colorful and intricately patterned wool blanket worn by locals as both a garment and a cultural status symbol. You can visit the Maletsunyane Falls, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa, where the water plunges into a spectacular gorge. Lesotho is also one of the few places in Africa where you can go Skiing at resorts like Afriski. Additionally, the country is a major source of water for the region, often called the “Water Tower of Southern Africa.”

From the ancient dinosaur footprints found in its rocks to the traditional mountain villages where life moves to the rhythm of the seasons, Lesotho is a land of dramatic peaks and quiet majesty. Kea leboha! That means “Thank you!”