Maseru is the capital and largest city of Lesotho. It serves as the administrative center for the Maseru District and is situated on the Caledon River, positioned directly on the border between Lesotho and South Africa.
The city was originally established as a police camp and was designated as the national capital after Lesotho became a British protectorate in 1869. It retained this status following the country's independence in 1966. According to the 2016 census, Maseru had a population of 330,760.
The name Maseru is derived from a Sesotho word that translates to "red sandstones."