Here is what i have learned since then:
Cautionary Discretion: Some of these facts could be wrong, but I guess I won't know until I am there!
20 Facts of Lesotho
- Lesotho roughly translates to the land of the people who speak Sesotho. Therefore, Basotho (people of Lesotho) speak Sesotho. Also English is the 2nd Language.
- Lesotho is about the size of Maryland, and landlocked within South Africa with about two million citizens.
- Lesotho has the highest low point of any country in the world, therefore it is quite mountainous and perhaps I will become an avid marathon runner when my lungs adjust.
- 24% of the population is afflicted with HIV/AIDS and life expectancy is about 48 years.
- Peace Corps volunteers can get pretty good cellular access and internet on their phones. (really hoping this is true for me)
- Lesotho can range from 86°F in the summer to 0°F in the winter and because it is south of the equator, the seasons are flipped.
- Unemployment rate is 45% although a lot of Basotho are subsistence farmers and practice animal husbandry.
- The Peace Corps says it can be difficult for vegetarians to find food in some parts of Lesotho. (very excited for this)
- Lesotho produces 90% of its own electricity and provides electricity to parts of South Africa.
- In Maseru, the capital, there is a KFC, Sushi restaurant, and an Italian pizzeria.
- Lesotho has kept generally close ties to Ireland. Dangerous Alliance.
- Basotho dress extremely well. Time to up my game. Girls often wear high heels.
- Lesotho has an 82% literacy rate and females have a higher literacy rate than males.
- Peace Corps has had volunteers in Lesotho since 1967 with a brief intermission in 1998 due to political uprising.
- 49% of the population is under the poverty line.
- Traditional Basotho homes are round houses (rondavels) because locals believe evil spirits can hide in the corners.
- Children's classrooms can be up to 75 students.
- No malaria! Due to its high altitude tropical diseases are insignificant although waterborne diseases can be prevalent. Hopefully I have eaten enough clementines in my life to sustain a robust immune system.
- Afriski is one of the best ski resorts in Africa and even the world. Located in Lesotho it flourishes with tourists and backpackers every year.
- Lesotho is the Kingdom in the Sky.
Scout out some good vegetarian recipes for me!
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