Country Name |
Kingdom of Lesotho |
Continent |
Africa |
Surface area |
30,400 km2 |
Capital |
Maseru |
Population |
2,244,000 (approx.) |
Language |
English |
Currency |
Lesotho Loti (LSL) |
Time zone |
+1hr compared to Italy |
Area code for Italy |
0039 |
Area code from Italy |
00266 |
Yellow fever vaccination is not required.
Cholera is spread by the consumption of contaminated food and water. Vaccination is recommended, especially if you intend to travel to rural areas where the disease is widespread and there is limited access to clean water.
Hepatitis A is generally transmitted through contaminated food and water, or through close physical contact with an infected person, while hepatitis B is transmitted through exposure to infected body fluids and blood.
Infection typically occurs through contact with the saliva of an infected animal, usually through bites, scratches or licks near open wounds or membranes (mouth, nose, eyes). The most common vectors are dogs and bats, but cases of infection in other domestic animals have also been reported.
Caused by toxins released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, there is an endemic risk of contracting tetanus throughout the country.
Bacterial in origin, typhoid fever is transmitted through contaminated food and drink, especially in regions with inadequate sanitary conditions.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial airborne disease. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers at risk of developing severe symptoms or of coming into contact with infected individuals. It is likewise recommended for all travellers under the age of 16 who plan to reside in the country for more than 3 months.
Chikungunya and West Nile virus are to be found in certain areas of the Caribbean. Transmitted by insect bites and with no vaccine, it is important to take preventive measures with behavioural prophylaxes.
The following vaccinations are strongly recommended as these diseases can be contracted anywhere in the world. Experts advise that you protect yourself and other travellers by making sure you are up-to-date with all of the recommended vaccinations. This will allow you to travel safely, while minimising the risk of exposure to infection.
Lesotho is a landlocked enclave within the territory of South Africa. The region has the highest elevation in South Africa. In fact, the Drakensberg mountain range in the east portion is home to Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m), the highest peak in the country. The lowest elevations in the western portion consist of a highland region that lies between 1,500 and 1,800 metres above sea level.
The climate is mainly dry, with most of the rainfall concentrated in the summer season between October and April. Average temperatures are around 10 °C, with significant annual fluctuations that can drop below freezing point during the colder months, making snowfall a common sight in the mountain regions.