5. South Africa and Lesotho
Border: Entirely surrounded by South Africa
Area: 909 km*
Est. Gross Domestic Product: $5 billion (Lesotho) / $812 billion (South Africa)*
Being the only nation totally above 1,000 meters, Lesotho, sometimes known as the Kingdom in the Sky, offers a singular geographical phenomenon. Lesotho is fully contained within South African territory, making its border with that country a remarkable example of an enclave. Lesotho's unique arrangement fosters a symbiotic partnership while preserving its political and cultural freedom.
Both South Africa and Lesotho ©arclient/Wikimedia
Eleven operational road crossings demarcate the border, which serves as a crucial conduit for trade, travel, and cross-cultural interactions between the two countries. Lesotho is surrounded, yet its rough terrain—mountains and rivers—serves as a natural fortress, protecting its independence and producing jaw-dropping vistas that live up to its moniker.