# Orange River

> major river of southern Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q181475](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q181475)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orange-river

## Summary
The Orange River is a major river of southern Africa, also known by the aliases Senqu River and Gariep. It serves as the geographical lowest point for the nation of Lesotho and is the location of the Augrabies Falls in South Africa.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Major river of southern Africa.
- **Aliases**: Senqu River, Gariep.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -28.896611111111, Longitude 29.017944444444; Latitude -28.630833333333, Longitude 16.45.
- **Lesotho Geography**: Forms the lowest point of Lesotho at an elevation of 1,400 meters.
- **Global Distinction**: The river's elevation at Lesotho's border constitutes the highest lowest point of any country globally.
- **Confluence**: Lesotho's lowest point is located at the confluence of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers.
- **Augrabies Falls**: Features the Augrabies Falls, a waterfall situated on the river in the Northern Cape, South Africa.

## FAQs
**What are the other names for the Orange River?**
The Orange River is also referred to as the Senqu River and Gariep.

**Where is the Orange River located?**
It is a major watercourse in southern Africa, with documented coordinates placing it in regions including Lesotho and South Africa.

**What is the connection between the Orange River and Lesotho?**
The river marks the lowest point of Lesotho at 1,400 meters above sea level, specifically at the confluence with the Makhaleng Rivers.

**What is significant about the Augrabies Falls?**
The Augrabies Falls is a waterfall located on the Orange River within the Northern Cape province of South Africa.

**Why is the Orange River's elevation in Lesotho notable?**
Because the river forms Lesotho's lowest point at 1,400 meters, Lesotho holds the record for the highest lowest point of any country in the world.

## Why It Matters
The Orange River is geographically vital as it defines the physical boundaries and elevation extremes of the region it traverses. Its role as the lowest point of Lesotho (at 1,400 meters) underpins the country's unique status as the only independent state entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation, earning it the nickname "The Kingdom in the Sky." Additionally, the river supports significant natural landmarks such as the Augrabies Falls, contributing to the hydrological and tourism landscape of South Africa's Northern Cape.

## Notable For
- **Highest Lowest Point**: Forms the lowest point of Lesotho at 1,400 meters, the highest lowest point of any country.
- **Augrabies Falls**: Hosts the Augrabies Falls waterfall in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
- **Aliases**: Recognized by multiple names including Senqu River and Gariep.
- **Regional Geography**: Acts as a major geographical feature in southern Africa, interacting with the Makhaleng Rivers.

## Body

### Geography and Course
The Orange River is classified as a larger natural watercourse and a major river of southern Africa. It is identified by specific geographic coordinates, including -28.896611111111 latitude and 29.017944444444 longitude, as well as -28.630833333333 latitude and 16.45 longitude. The river is known by several aliases, including the Senqu River and Gariep.

### Regional Significance in Lesotho
The river plays a pivotal role in the geography of Lesotho. It serves as the nation's lowest point, situated at an elevation of 1,400 meters above sea level. This specific point is located at the confluence of the Orange River and the Makhaleng Rivers. This elevation is geographically significant because it ensures that Lesotho is the only country in the world with its entire territory above 1,000 meters, resulting in the nation's distinction as having the "highest lowest point" globally.

### Notable Features
The Orange River is the site of the Augrabies Falls, a prominent waterfall located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. This feature highlights the river's importance in the regional landscape and natural geography of the areas it traverses.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames
4. KBpedia