Area comparison map:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:
total: 546 km
[see also: Land boundaries - total country ranks ]
border countries (2): Mozambique 108 km, South Africa 438 km

Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)
[see also: Coastline country ranks ]

Maritime claims:
none (landlocked)

Climate:
varies from tropical to near temperate
More Climate Details

Terrain:
mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains

Elevation:
mean elevation: 305 m
[see also: Elevation - mean elevation country ranks ]
lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m
highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

Natural resources:
asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Land use:
agricultural land: 68.3% (2011 est.)
[see also: Land use - agricultural land country ranks ]
arable land: 9.8% (2011 est.)
[see also: Land use - arable land country ranks ]
permanent crops: 0.8% (2011 est.)
[see also: Land use - permanent crops country ranks ]
permanent pasture: 57.7% (2011 est.)
[see also: Land use - permanent pasture country ranks ]
forest: 31.7% (2011 est.)
[see also: Land use - forest country ranks ]
other: 0% (2011 est.)
[see also: Land use country ranks ]

Irrigated land:
500 sq km (2012)
[see also: Irrigated land country ranks ]

Population distribution:
because of its mountainous terrain, the population distribution is uneven throughout the country, concentrating primarily in valleys and plains

Natural hazards:
drought

Environment - current issues:
limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; population growth, deforestation, and overgrazing lead to soil erosion and soil degradation

Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:
landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa