Though a seemingly insignificant little spot on the map of Africa, Lesotho's 11,000 square miles are one-third the size of Indiana or approximately the size of Vancouver Island. Its rugged mountain terrain limits access to the interior. A land with significant history and culture, Lesotho is home for 2 million people. Spectacular mountain scenery with the added attraction of snow during the winter months encourage tourism.

Scenic rocky slopes provide pasture for large flocks of Merino sheep and Angora goats producing wool and mohair as an important source of income. Only 15 percent of the land is tillable and industry is limited. South Africa has contracted with Lesotho to build several large dams and an extensive system to deliver water from the mountains to the heavily populated and industrialized areas of South Africa. Much of the male labor force has worked in South African mines. Recent layoffs at the mines have resulted in a high unemployment rate and thrown many families into desperate financial straits.

Over 90 percent of the people identify themselves as Christian though levels of commitment vary greatly. The Protestant church, established by the first French missionaries, comprises about one-third the population but there is a great shortage of trained leadership.