Which country completely surrounds the independent country of Lesotho?

South Africa completely surrounds the independent country of Lesotho.

Lesotho is a landlocked enclave in southern Africa, and it is the only independent country in the world that is entirely surrounded by another country. Its territory lies within South Africa’s borders, including the mountainous areas of the Maloti and Drakensberg ranges.

The country was formerly known as Basutoland and became independent from the United Kingdom on 4 October 1966. Its capital and largest city is Maseru, located near the western border with South Africa.

Lesotho’s high elevation has earned it the nickname “Kingdom in the Sky.” Although Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia are neighbouring countries in southern Africa, none entirely encircles another sovereign state. Lesotho’s geographic position is therefore a clear example of an enclave at the country level.