Lesotho
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 2
Currency
💱 Lesotho loti
Languages
🗣️ English, Sotho
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 36 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Kingdom of Lesotho
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Mosotho
Independence
October 4, 1966 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.ls
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+266
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+02:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Maseru
ISO Alpha-2
LS
ISO Alpha-3
LSO
UN Code
426
Geographic Coordinates
-29.5,28.5
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
30,355#142 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
2,116,427#147 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
76.14
Highest Point (m)
3,482 (Thabana Ntlenyana)
Lowest Point (m)
1,400
Land Use
85.4% pasture, 10.9% arable land, 0.4% forest (2018)
Irrigated Land
200 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Temperate; summers warm, winters cold, dry, and windy.
Natural Resources
Water, diamonds, sand, clay, arable land.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
South Africa
Major Rivers
Orange River, Caledon River
Major Lakes
There are no major natural lakes in Lesotho.
Government Type
Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Administrative Divisions
10 districts
Legal System
Based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law.
Chief of State
King Letsie III
Head of Government
Prime Minister Sam Matekane
Cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections are held for the National Assembly; the most recent was October 2022.
Judicial Branch
High Court; Court of Appeal; magistrate courts.
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament (Senate and National Assembly).
Major Political Parties
Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), Democratic Congress (DC), All Basotho Convention (ABC)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Lesotho loti
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.57#184 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7.53#165 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,088.96#193 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.49
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
25.16
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
55.6
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.27#56 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
889,530
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
16.32#13 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2020)Checked September 29, 2026
2.99
Budget
Lesotho's budget is determined annually by the government.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.27#165 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.69#157 of 192
Foreign Reserves
The level of foreign reserves fluctuates; consult current financial reports.
Currency Exchange
Please consult a financial website or bank for current exchange rates.
GDP by Sector
Primarily services, followed by industry and agriculture.
Major Industries
Clothing, food, beverages, handicrafts, tourism.
Major Export Partners
South Africa, United States, EU.
Major Import Partners
South Africa, Asia, EU.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
90.45#100 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
23.8
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.5
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -1.5 migrants per 1,000 population (2022 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 22.7 years (2022 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
44.67#160 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 1.8% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
57.8#210 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 23% of adults are infected (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
12.61
Ethnic Groups
Basotho 99.7%, other 0.3%.
Religions
Christianity (primarily Catholic and Protestant).
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Sotho
Education
Education System
Education is compulsory from ages 6-13. The system includes primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Challenges include resource constraints and teacher shortages.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
12.1
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is a significant portion of the budget, but funding levels are still a challenge.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
National University of Lesotho is the primary university.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Basotho culture is rich in traditions, including distinctive blankets, hats, and music. Strong emphasis on community and family.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Moshoeshoe Day (2026-03-11)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Workers' Day (2026-05-01)
- Ascension Day (2026-05-14)
- Africa Day/ Heroes' Day (2026-05-25)
- King Letsie III's Birthday (2026-07-17)
- Independence Day (2026-10-04)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
- St. Stephen's Day (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Includes various genres, with local artists contributing to the music scene. Gospel music is popular.
Traditional Food
Includes papa (maize meal), moroho (leafy vegetables), and various meat dishes.
Sports
Soccer is the most popular sport. Rugby and netball are also played.
Major Festivals
Includes the Moshoeshoe's Day celebrations and other cultural events.
Famous People
Includes King Letsie III, and various athletes and artists.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Several historical and cultural sites exist.
UNESCO Sites
Maloti-Drakensberg Park (shared with South Africa).
Annual Tourist Visits
Relatively low, but growing slowly.
Tourism Overview
Focus on nature-based tourism, adventure activities, and cultural experiences.
Top Tourist Attractions
Maletsunyane Falls, Sani Pass, Thaba Bosiu, Sehlabathebe National Park.
Famous Cities
Maseru (capital).
National Parks
Sehlabathebe National Park.
Protected Areas
Protected areas exist, but further conservation is needed.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality. Check specific requirements.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise a high degree of caution due to crime.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index is variable; consult recent reports for specifics.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service; contact local providers for details.
Number of Hospitals
There are hospitals, along with clinics and other healthcare facilities; the exact number fluctuates.
Universal Healthcare
Healthcare is a significant challenge; access is limited, with public and private options. The government aims to improve access and quality.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, but may be limited, particularly in rural areas.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but response times can vary depending on location.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
112
Emergency Number (Fire)
112
Crime Rate
Moderate crime rate.
Safety Index
Moderate safety index.
Military Expenditure
Approximately 1.5% of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, but response times may be slow due to infrastructure limitations.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Around 50% access, with disparities between urban and rural areas.
Water Access
Variable access; improved water sources are available to a significant portion of the population.
Sanitation Access
Significant portion lacks access to improved sanitation facilities.
Railways
Limited railway infrastructure, primarily for freight.
Roadways
Limited road network, mostly unpaved, poor condition.
Transportation System
Roads are the primary mode of transport. Infrastructure is developing.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU)
Ports
Landlocked country, no seaports.
Public Transit
Limited public transport, primarily taxis and minibuses.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
51.8#158 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Around 70.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity.
Innovation Index
Low innovation index.
ICT Development Index
Low ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited number of TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Several radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.43#164 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data scarce; likely poor in urban areas due to emissions from vehicles and industries.
Water Pollution Level
High; polluted by sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited; potential for solar and hydropower is present, but utilization is low.
Environmental Issues
Soil erosion, overgrazing, deforestation, water pollution, and inadequate waste management.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, floods, soil erosion, and landslides.
Waste Management
Inadequate; limited infrastructure and improper disposal practices contribute to pollution.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and ozone depletion.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Embassies in several countries including US, UK, China and RSA.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth, African Union
Major Treaties
Not specified.
Visa-Free Countries
Not specified; depends on passport and destination.