Lesotho is the African country—and the only independent country in the world—located entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation.
This unusual geography results from Lesotho’s position in the Maloti and Drakensberg mountain systems of southern Africa. The country is completely surrounded by South Africa, making it the world’s largest high-altitude enclave. Even its lowest point, where the Makhaleng and Orange—or Senqu—rivers meet, is about 1,400 meters above sea level.
Lesotho’s highest point is Thabana Ntlenyana, which rises to 3,482 meters. More than 80 percent of the country lies above 1,800 meters, helping give it a cooler climate than nearby areas at the same latitude. Winters can bring heavy snow to the highlands.
A common mix-up is to choose Ethiopia or Rwanda because both are famous for high plateaus and mountain landscapes. However, each has substantial areas below 1,000 meters. Lesotho’s distinction concerns the elevation of the entire country, not merely its average altitude or highest peaks.