Maseru District

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Maseru District is one of Lesotho’s districts. Its capital is Maseru, which is also the country’s capital and the only city in Lesotho. The city sits on the western border with South Africa along the Caledon River. Maseru District borders Berea to the north, Thaba-Tseka to the east, Mohale’s Hoek to the south, and Mafeteng to the southwest.

The district covers 4,279 square kilometers (about 14% of Lesotho) and had a 2016 population of about 519,186, giving a density of roughly 121 people per square kilometer. The area code is +266 and the time zone is UTC+2. The Human Development Index is around 0.56, which is classified as medium.

Maseru District contains 18 constituencies and 23 community councils. The western highlands have a temperate, humid climate with elevations of about 1,500–1,800 meters and around 100 cm of rain yearly, mainly from October to April. The economy blends urban activity in Maseru with agriculture in surrounding areas; maize is the main crop, with beans, sorghum, and wheat also grown. In 2009 about 21,000 hectares were planted, producing maize and other crops. By 2008, many people in the district were employed outside farming as well. The district is governed through district, ward, and village committees, with elections overseen by the Independent Electoral Commission; local elections were first held in 2005 and the latest in 2011, resulting in numerous community and urban councils and one municipal council.