Pronounced (lə-su-tu), Lesotho gained its independence in 1966 from Great Britian. The country is known as the "Kingdom In The Sky" - for it has the distinction of being the highest elevated country on Earth, defined by having its highest lowest point (base altitude) at 4,593 ft. (1,400 m) - with over 80% situated above 5,906 ft. (1,800 m). It landmass measures around 11,720 mi² (30,355 km²). Lesotho also has the distinction of being 1 of only 2 countries on Earth whose entire country is completely surrounded by another country (being South Africa). And also its the southernmost landlocked country on Earth (1 of 48), as of 2011.