Lesotho is an enclave within the Republic of South Africa, with an area of 30,355 sq km (11,720 sq mi), extending 248 km (154 mi) NNE – SSW and 181 km (112 mi) ESE – WNW . Comparatively, the area occupied by Lesotho is slightly smaller than the state of Maryland.
It is bordered on the E by the South African province of Natal, on the S by Cape Province, and on the W and N by the Orange Free State, with a total boundary length of 909 km (565 mi). Lesotho claims that Basotho lands now part of South Africa were unjustly taken by force in the 19th century.
Lesotho's capital city, Maseru, is located on the country's northwest border.
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