How Big Is Lesotho?
Lesotho, located in Africa, is the 140th largest country in the world, covering approximately 30,355 square kilometers (11,720 square miles). That's about 1.2 times the size of Maryland. It is home to approximately 2.2 million people.
Lesotho on the Map
Lesotho's Geography
Within Africa, Lesotho is the 43rd largest of 55 countries, sitting between Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea. With 72 people per km², it is less densely populated than the African average of 103 per km².
How Far Across Is Lesotho?
Lesotho stretches approximately 234 km (145 mi) from north to south — roughly the length of Long Island, and 237 km (147 mi) from east to west — roughly the distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. At highway speeds, it would take roughly 3 hours to drive across.
How Many Times Does Lesotho Fit?
Similar in Size
How Big Is Lesotho Compared to Well-Known Places?
| Place | Area | vs Lesotho |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 2,706 km² (1,045 sq mi) | 11× smaller |
| Lesotho | 30,355 km² (11,720 sq mi) | — |
| Belgium | 30,528 km² (11,787 sq mi) | about the same size |
| Switzerland | 41,277 km² (15,937 sq mi) | 36% larger |
| Netherlands | 41,543 km² (16,040 sq mi) | 37% larger |
| South Korea | 99,720 km² (38,502 sq mi) | 3.3× larger |
More Countries in Africa
Explore Lesotho
Lesotho at a Glance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 30,355 km² (11,720 sq mi) |
| World Size Rank | #140 of 236 |
| Capital | Maseru |
| Population Density | 72 per km² |
| Population | 2.2 million people |
| Coastline | 0 km |
| Life Expectancy | 59.6 years |
| GDP per Capita | $2,500 USD |