Bearded Vulture
This rare bird, known locally as the lammergeier, soars over Lesotho's mountain peaks and is one of the few animals that cracks open bones by dropping them onto rocks from high in the sky.
Flag of Lesotho
Field Report
Lesotho is a small mountain kingdom tucked entirely inside the country of South Africa in the southern part of the African continent. Its land is so rugged and high that shepherds on horseback are still one of the best ways to travel between villages perched among the peaks. About two million people called the Basotho live there, and many of them have heard the name of Jesus, though there is still much work to be done in bringing the full truth of the gospel to every corner of this sky-high kingdom.
From the Field Notebook
Bearded Vulture
This rare bird, known locally as the lammergeier, soars over Lesotho's mountain peaks and is one of the few animals that cracks open bones by dropping them onto rocks from high in the sky.
Basotho Pony
Bred for centuries in the highland terrain of Lesotho, the sturdy Basotho pony is still used by shepherds to travel mountain paths that no car or truck could ever reach.
Maloti Minnow
This small freshwater fish is found only in the rivers of the Maloti Mountains inside Lesotho, making it one of the rarest fish found in all of southern Africa.
Papa
A thick, smooth porridge made from maize meal, papa is the steady center of most Basotho meals and has a mild, slightly earthy flavor that pairs with nearly any stew or vegetable.
Moroho
Wild or garden leafy greens cooked down with onion and sometimes tomato, moroho is a simple side dish with a soft, savory taste that has fed Basotho families for generations.
Liqhoa
Dried and cooked sorghum or millet kernels, liqhoa has a nutty, slightly smoky flavor and is a traditional food that people in the highlands eat especially during colder months.
Lesotho is one of only three countries in the world that sits entirely inside another country, surrounded on every side by South Africa.
The entire country of Lesotho sits above 1,400 meters in elevation, making it the highest low point of any country on Earth — even its valleys are high up in the mountains.
Lesotho is called the Kingdom in the Sky, and its capital city, Maseru, sits on the border with South Africa along the Caledon River.
The Basotho blanket, a thick woven blanket worn draped over the shoulders, is considered formal and traditional dress — even government officials and the king wear them at important events.
Lesotho has a surprisingly high literacy rate compared to many of its neighbors, and the country has had more women able to read and write than men for many decades, partly because boys were traditionally sent to herd animals rather than attend school.
Daily Life
57
Years life expectancy
90%
Can read and write
93%
Kids go to school
Missions Field Report
Lesotho is home to 8 distinct people groups — 1 of them haven’t yet heard about Jesus.
Most Lesotho's people follow Christianity (89.3%). Evangelical Christians make up about 13.0% of the population.
What People Believe
Unreached People Groups
These are communities of people who haven’t had the chance to hear about Jesus yet. They need missionaries — and they need kids like you to pray for them.
Deaf
13,000 people
Prayer Journal
Tick each one as you pray. God hears every word.