This small mountainous kingdom surrounded by South Africa is ideally suited for mountain hikers and lovers of such scenery. All of Lesotho is over 1/2 mile in elevation. The country is very picturesque and the people friendly. One of the most beautiful attractions is the 600 ft Maletsunyane Falls at Semonkong.
Capital: Maseru
Population: 2,128,950 (July 1999 est.)
Area: 30,350 sq km
Language: Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa
Time: GMT +2
Electricity: 240 Volts AC
Geography: The country is landlocked and surroounded by South Africa. The terrain is mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains
Tipping: It is not customary to tip in Lesotho
Shopping: Many shops will open by 8 Am and close for lunch reopening at 1:30 or 2 PM and close again at 5-6 PM. Most shops are open on Saturday morning and almost all will be closed after 1 PM. Sundays no stores are open.
Food and Drink: It is recommended not to drink tap water but, instead, drink soft drinks and bottled water.
Social: Although largely Roman Catholic, the general population places an emphasis on their ancestors who are considered to be intermediaries between themselves and outside forces. The people are friendly and speak English.
Business: Business attire should be conservative. Business cards are recommended.
Money and Banks
Banking: Banks are open by 9 Am and stay open until the early afternoon. Weekends all banks are closed.
Currency: 1 loti (L) = 100 lisente - maloti (M) is the plural form of loti
Money Exchange: Best at banks. Exchange kiosks are available but do charge greater commission rates.
Credit cards: Visa, Master Cards and American Express
Climate
The country is temperate - cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers
| 