Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Lesotho
Kingdom of Lesotho
CapitalMaseru
Population2,363,325
GDP$2.6bn
Area30,355 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Paramount chief MOSHOESHOE I consolidated what would become Basutoland in the early 19th century and made himself king in 1822. Continuing encroachments by Dutch settlers from the neighboring Orange Free State caused the king to enter into an 1868 agreement with the UK that made Basutoland first a British protectorate and, after 1884, a crown colony. After gaining independence in 1966, the country was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho. The Basotho National Party ruled the country during its first two decades. King MOSHOESHOE II was exiled in 1990, returned to Lesotho in 1992, was reinstated in 1995, and was then succeeded by his son, King LETSIE III, in 1996. Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after seven years of military rule.
In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody intervention by South African and Batswana military forces under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Subsequent constitutional reforms restored relative political stability. Peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002, but the National Assembly elections in 2007 were hotly contested, and aggrieved parties disputed how seats were awarded. In 2012, competitive elections saw Prime Minister Motsoahae Thomas THABANE form a coalition government -- the first in the country's history -- that ousted the 14-year incumbent, Pakalitha MOSISILI, who peacefully transferred power the following month. MOSISILI returned to power in snap elections in 2015 after the collapse of THABANE’s coalition government and an alleged attempted military coup. In 2017, THABANE returned to become prime minister but stepped down in 2020 after being implicated in his estranged wife’s murder. He was succeeded by Moseketsi MAJORO. In 2022, Ntsokoane Samuel MATEKANE was inaugurated as prime minister and head of a three-party coalition.
Reference: 2022, 2020, 2017, 2015In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody intervention by South African and Batswana military forces under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Subsequent constitutional reforms restored relative political stability. Peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002, but the National Assembly elections in 2007 were hotly contested, and aggrieved parties disputed how seats were awarded. In 2012, competitive elections saw Prime Minister Motsoahae Thomas THABANE form a coalition government -- the first in the country's history -- that ousted the 14-year incumbent, Pakalitha MOSISILI, who peacefully transferred power the following month. MOSISILI returned to power in snap elections in 2015 after the collapse of THABANE’s coalition government and an alleged attempted military coup. In 2017, THABANE returned to become prime minister but stepped down in 2020 after being implicated in his estranged wife’s murder. He was succeeded by Moseketsi MAJORO. In 2022, Ntsokoane Samuel MATEKANE was inaugurated as prime minister and head of a three-party coalition.
Geography
Location
Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 30,355 sq km
land: 30,355 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 30,355 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Maryland
Land boundaries
total: 1,106 km
border countries: South Africa 1,106 km
border countries: South Africa 1,106 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers
Terrain
mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains
Elevation
highest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m
lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m
mean elevation: 2,161 m
lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m
mean elevation: 2,161 m
Natural resources
water, agricultural and grazing land, diamonds, sand, clay, building stone
Land use
agricultural land: 77.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 65.9% (2023 est.)
forest: 1.1% (2023 est.)
other: 21.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 65.9% (2023 est.)
forest: 1.1% (2023 est.)
other: 21.1% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
12 sq km (2013)
Reference: 2013Major rivers (by length in km)
Orange river source (shared with South Africa and Namibia [m]) - 2,092 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km)
Population distribution
relatively higher population density in the western half of the nation, with the capital of Maseru and the smaller cities of Mafeteng, Teyateyaneng, and Leribe attracting the most people, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
periodic droughts
Geography - note
landlocked, surrounded by South Africa; mountainous, more than 80% of the country is 1,800 m (5,900 ft) above sea level
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)
adjective: Basotho
adjective: Basotho
Ethnic groups
Sotho 99.7%, other 0.3% (includes Kwena, Nguni (Hlubi and Phuthi), Zulu)
Languages
Sesotho (official), English (official), Phuthi, Xhosa, Zulu
Religions
Protestant 47.8% (Pentecostal 23.1%, Lesotho Evangelical 17.3%, Anglican 7.4%), Roman Catholic 39.3%, other Christian 9.1%, non-Christian 1.4%, none 2.3% (2014 est.)
Reference: 2014Age structure
0-14 years: 32% (male 358,137/female 353,618)
15-64 years: 62.7% (male 699,197/female 696,626)
65 years and over: 5.4% (2024 est.) (male 44,625/female 75,345)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 62.7% (male 699,197/female 696,626)
65 years and over: 5.4% (2024 est.) (male 44,625/female 75,345)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 59.6 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 51 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 8.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 11.6 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 51 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 8.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 11.6 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 23.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 23.4 years
female: 24.3 years
Reference: 2024male: 23.4 years
female: 24.3 years
Population growth rate
0.76% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
22.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
10.8 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
relatively higher population density in the western half of the nation, with the capital of Maseru and the smaller cities of Mafeteng, Teyateyaneng, and Leribe attracting the most people, as shown in this population distribution map
Major urban areas - population
202,000 MASERU (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.9 years (2014 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2014note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
478 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.4 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 93% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 65.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 74% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 34.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 26% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 65.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 74% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 34.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 26% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 10.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 13.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 13.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.24 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 93.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 62.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 71.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 6.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 37.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 28.3% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 62.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 71.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 6.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 37.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 28.3% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
16.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 3.56 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.98 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.82 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 1.98 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.82 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 22.8% (2025 est.)
male: 42.4% (2025 est.)
female: 4.1% (2025 est.)
male: 42.4% (2025 est.)
female: 4.1% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
12.5% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Currently married women (ages 15-49)
53.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 1% (2018)
women married by age 18: 16.4% (2018)
men married by age 18: 1.9% (2018)
Reference: 2018women married by age 18: 16.4% (2018)
men married by age 18: 1.9% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 11 years (2017 est.)
male: 11 years (2017 est.)
female: 11 years (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017male: 11 years (2017 est.)
female: 11 years (2017 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 610 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Sam Matekane | — | 2022-10-28 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Letsie III of Lesotho | — | 1996-02-07 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Kingdom of Lesotho
conventional short form: Lesotho
local long form: Kingdom of Lesotho
local short form: Lesotho
former: Basutoland
etymology: the name comes from the Sotho people, whose name means "dark-skinned;" Le- is a singular noun prefix; the former name, Basutoland, uses the plural noun prefix, Ba-
conventional short form: Lesotho
local long form: Kingdom of Lesotho
local short form: Lesotho
former: Basutoland
etymology: the name comes from the Sotho people, whose name means "dark-skinned;" Le- is a singular noun prefix; the former name, Basutoland, uses the plural noun prefix, Ba-
Capital
name: Maseru
geographic coordinates: 29 19 S, 27 29 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name means "[place of] red sandstones" in the Sesotho language
geographic coordinates: 29 19 S, 27 29 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name means "[place of] red sandstones" in the Sesotho language
Administrative divisions
10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and Roman-Dutch law; High Court and Court of Appeal review legislative acts
Constitution
history: previous 1959, 1967; latest adopted 2 April 1993 (effectively restoring the 1967 version)
amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional provisions, including fundamental rights and freedoms, sovereignty of the kingdom, the office of the king, and powers of Parliament, requires a majority vote by the National Assembly, approval by the Senate, approval in a referendum by a majority of qualified voters, and assent of the king; passage of amendments other than those specified provisions requires at least a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Parliament
Reference: 1993, 1967, 1959amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional provisions, including fundamental rights and freedoms, sovereignty of the kingdom, the office of the king, and powers of Parliament, requires a majority vote by the National Assembly, approval by the Senate, approval in a referendum by a majority of qualified voters, and assent of the king; passage of amendments other than those specified provisions requires at least a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Parliament
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996)
head of government: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel MATEKANE (28 October 2022)
cabinet: consists of the prime minister (appointed by the King on the advice of the Council of State), the deputy prime minister, and 18 other ministers; the prime minister is the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the National Assembly
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary but has no executive or legislative powers under the constitution; under traditional law, the College of Chiefs has the power to depose the monarch, determine next in line of succession, or serve as regent in the event that a successor is not of mature age
note: note: King LETSIE III previously occupied the throne from November 1990 to February 1995 while his father was in exile
Reference: 2022, 1996, 1995, 1990head of government: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel MATEKANE (28 October 2022)
cabinet: consists of the prime minister (appointed by the King on the advice of the Council of State), the deputy prime minister, and 18 other ministers; the prime minister is the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the National Assembly
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary but has no executive or legislative powers under the constitution; under traditional law, the College of Chiefs has the power to depose the monarch, determine next in line of succession, or serve as regent in the event that a successor is not of mature age
note: note: King LETSIE III previously occupied the throne from November 1990 to February 1995 while his father was in exile
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: National Assembly
number of seats: 122 (all directly elected)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 11/2/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) (56); Democratic Congress (DC) (29); All Basotho Convention (ABC) (8); Basotho Action Party (BAP) (6); Other (20)
percentage of women in chamber: 25%
expected date of next election: October 2027
Reference: 2027, 2022number of seats: 122 (all directly elected)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 11/2/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) (56); Democratic Congress (DC) (29); All Basotho Convention (ABC) (8); Basotho Action Party (BAP) (6); Other (20)
percentage of women in chamber: 25%
expected date of next election: October 2027
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate
number of seats: 33 (11 appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 10/7/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 21.2%
expected date of next election: November 2027
Reference: 2027, 2022number of seats: 33 (11 appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 10/7/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 21.2%
expected date of next election: November 2027
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president, such number of justices of appeal as set by Parliament, and the Chief Justice and the puisne judges of the High Court ex officio); High Court (consists of the chief justice and such number of puisne judges as set by Parliament)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and High Court chief justice appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; puisne judges appointed by the monarch on advice of the Judicial Service Commission, an independent body of judicial officers and officials designated by the monarch; judges of both courts can serve until age 75
subordinate courts: Magistrate Courts; customary or traditional courts; military courts
note: note: both the Court of Appeal and the High Court have jurisdiction in constitutional issues
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and High Court chief justice appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; puisne judges appointed by the monarch on advice of the Judicial Service Commission, an independent body of judicial officers and officials designated by the monarch; judges of both courts can serve until age 75
subordinate courts: Magistrate Courts; customary or traditional courts; military courts
note: note: both the Court of Appeal and the High Court have jurisdiction in constitutional issues
Political parties
All Basotho Convention or ABC
Alliance of Democrats or AD
Basotho Action Party or BAP
Basotho National Party or BNP
Democratic Congress or DC
Democratic Party of Lesotho or DPL
Lesotho People's Congress or LPC
Movement of Economic Change or MEC
National Independent Party or NIP
Popular Front for Democracy of PFD
Reformed Congress of Lesotho or RCL
Alliance of Democrats or AD
Basotho Action Party or BAP
Basotho National Party or BNP
Democratic Congress or DC
Democratic Party of Lesotho or DPL
Lesotho People's Congress or LPC
Movement of Economic Change or MEC
National Independent Party or NIP
Popular Front for Democracy of PFD
Reformed Congress of Lesotho or RCL
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Tumisang MOSOTHO (since 16 September 2022)
chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533
FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815
email address and website: lesothoembassy@verizon.net
https://www.gov.ls/
Reference: 2022chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533
FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815
email address and website: lesothoembassy@verizon.net
https://www.gov.ls/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Thomas HINES (since August 2024)
embassy: 254 Kingsway Avenue, Maseru
mailing address: 2340 Maseru Place, Washington DC 20521-2340
telephone: [266] 22312666
FAX: [266] 22310116
email address and website: USConsularMaseru@state.gov
https://ls.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2024embassy: 254 Kingsway Avenue, Maseru
mailing address: 2340 Maseru Place, Washington DC 20521-2340
telephone: [266] 22312666
FAX: [266] 22310116
email address and website: USConsularMaseru@state.gov
https://ls.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
4 October 1966 (from the UK)
Reference: 1966National holiday
Independence Day, 4 October (1966)
Reference: 1966Flag
description: three horizontal stripes of blue (top), white, and green; centered on the white stripe is a black mokorotlo, a traditional Basotho straw hat and national symbol
meaning: blue stands for rain, white for peace, and green for prosperity
history: the redesigned flag was introduced in 2006 to celebrate 40 years of independence
Reference: 2006meaning: blue stands for rain, white for peace, and green for prosperity
history: the redesigned flag was introduced in 2006 to celebrate 40 years of independence
National symbol(s)
mokorotio (Basotho hat)
National color(s)
blue, white, green, black
National anthem(s)
title: "Lesotho fatse la bo ntat'a rona" (Lesotho, Land of Our Fathers)
lyrics/music: Francois COILLARD/Ferdinand-Samuel LAUR
history: adopted 1967; music derives from an 1823 Swiss songbook
Reference: 1967lyrics/music: Francois COILLARD/Ferdinand-Samuel LAUR
history: adopted 1967; music derives from an 1823 Swiss songbook
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Maloti-Drakensberg Park
selected World Heritage Site locales: Maloti-Drakensberg Park
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lesotho official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Lesotho | — | — | — |
Economy
Economic overview
lower middle-income economy surrounded by South Africa; environmentally fragile and politically unstable; key infrastructure and renewable energy investments; dire poverty; urban job and income losses due to COVID-19; systemic corruption
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $6.166 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $6 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $5.893 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $6 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $5.893 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $2,600 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $2,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $2,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $2,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $2,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 6.5% (2024 est.)
industry: 31% (2024 est.)
services: 48% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 31% (2024 est.)
services: 48% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 92.9% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 35.6% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 28.3% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -1.1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 42.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -98.6% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 35.6% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 28.3% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -1.1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 42.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -98.6% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
milk, potatoes, maize, vegetables, fruits, sorghum, wheat, game meat, beans, wool (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts, construction, tourism
Industrial production growth rate
2.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
884,200 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 24.2% (2024 est.)
male: 17.7% (2024 est.)
female: 36.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 17.7% (2024 est.)
female: 36.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
49.7% (2017 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2017note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2017: 44.9 (2017 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2017note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.7% (2017 est.)
highest 10%: 32.9% (2017 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2017highest 10%: 32.9% (2017 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 22% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 22.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 22.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 22.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 22.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $1.13 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $1.256 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2022expenditures: $1.256 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2020: 3% of GDP (2020 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2020note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
30.4% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $84.393 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$151.577 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$268.876 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$151.577 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$268.876 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $983.027 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $885.789 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.07 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $885.789 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.07 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
South Africa 31%, Belgium 26%, USA 20%, UAE 8%, India 8% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
diamonds, garments, wool, power equipment, bedding (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $2.083 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $2.077 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $2.247 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $2.077 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $2.247 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 78%, China 10%, Taiwan 3%, Japan 1%, India 1% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fabric, trucks, garments, cotton fabric (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $1.008 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $854.089 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $771.278 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $854.089 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $771.278 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $928.019 million (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: maloti (LSL) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 18.329 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 18.45 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 16.356 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 14.779 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 16.459 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 18.329 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 18.45 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 16.356 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 14.779 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 16.459 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $84.393 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$151.577 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$268.876 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$151.577 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$268.876 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $983.027 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $885.789 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.07 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $885.789 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.07 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
South Africa 31%, Belgium 26%, USA 20%, UAE 8%, India 8% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
diamonds, garments, wool, power equipment, bedding (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $2.083 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $2.077 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $2.247 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $2.077 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $2.247 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 78%, China 10%, Taiwan 3%, Japan 1%, India 1% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fabric, trucks, garments, cotton fabric (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 104,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 833.009 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 453.992 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 102.88 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 833.009 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 453.992 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 102.88 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 99.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 99.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 57,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 81,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 1 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 24,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 81,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 1 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 24,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 7,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 8.117 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 7,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
478 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 10.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 13.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 13.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.24 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Obesity - adult prevalence rate
16.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 22.8% (2025 est.)
male: 42.4% (2025 est.)
female: 4.1% (2025 est.)
male: 42.4% (2025 est.)
female: 4.1% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 11 years (2017 est.)
male: 11 years (2017 est.)
female: 11 years (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017male: 11 years (2017 est.)
female: 11 years (2017 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and Roman-Dutch law; High Court and Court of Appeal review legislative acts
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president, such number of justices of appeal as set by Parliament, and the Chief Justice and the puisne judges of the High Court ex officio); High Court (consists of the chief justice and such number of puisne judges as set by Parliament)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and High Court chief justice appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; puisne judges appointed by the monarch on advice of the Judicial Service Commission, an independent body of judicial officers and officials designated by the monarch; judges of both courts can serve until age 75
subordinate courts: Magistrate Courts; customary or traditional courts; military courts
note: note: both the Court of Appeal and the High Court have jurisdiction in constitutional issues
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and High Court chief justice appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; puisne judges appointed by the monarch on advice of the Judicial Service Commission, an independent body of judicial officers and officials designated by the monarch; judges of both courts can serve until age 75
subordinate courts: Magistrate Courts; customary or traditional courts; military courts
note: note: both the Court of Appeal and the High Court have jurisdiction in constitutional issues
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) (2025)
note: note: the Lesotho Mounted Police Service is responsible for internal security and reports to the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police
note: note: the Lesotho Mounted Police Service is responsible for internal security and reports to the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 2,000 active Defense Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the LDF is lightly armed and has a small inventory of mostly older or second-hand equipment of European, South African, and US origin (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for voluntary military service for both men and women (women can serve in combat arms); no conscription (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) is responsible for the maintenance of the country's sovereignty and the preservation of internal security; in practice, external security is guaranteed by South Africa; the LDF is a small force that began in 1964 as the Police Mobile Unit (PMU); the PMU was designated as the Lesotho Paramilitary Force in 1980 and became the Royal Lesotho Defense Force in 1986; it was renamed the Lesotho Defense Force in 1993 (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1993, 1986, 1980International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Tumisang MOSOTHO (since 16 September 2022)
chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533
FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815
email address and website: lesothoembassy@verizon.net
https://www.gov.ls/
Reference: 2022chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533
FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815
email address and website: lesothoembassy@verizon.net
https://www.gov.ls/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Thomas HINES (since August 2024)
embassy: 254 Kingsway Avenue, Maseru
mailing address: 2340 Maseru Place, Washington DC 20521-2340
telephone: [266] 22312666
FAX: [266] 22310116
email address and website: USConsularMaseru@state.gov
https://ls.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2024embassy: 254 Kingsway Avenue, Maseru
mailing address: 2340 Maseru Place, Washington DC 20521-2340
telephone: [266] 22312666
FAX: [266] 22310116
email address and website: USConsularMaseru@state.gov
https://ls.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1966-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1966-10-17 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 610 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
7P
Airports
34 (2025)
Environment
Environmental issues
overgrazing; severe soil erosion; soil exhaustion; desertification; Highlands Water Project controls, stores, and redirects water to South Africa
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers
Land use
agricultural land: 77.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 65.9% (2023 est.)
forest: 1.1% (2023 est.)
other: 21.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 65.9% (2023 est.)
forest: 1.1% (2023 est.)
other: 21.1% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 30.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 2.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 2.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 1.148 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 175,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 973,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 175,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 973,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
17.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 73,500 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 11.9% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 11.9% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 20 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 20 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 3.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 20 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 3.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
3.022 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 7,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Broadcast media
1 state-owned TV station and 2 state-owned radio stations; most private broadcast media transmitters are connected to government radio signal towers; satellite TV subscription service available; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters obtainable (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.ls
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2,130,422 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 2,157,110 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 2,183,603 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 2,209,405 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 2,235,727 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 2,261,542 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 2,286,110 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 2,311,472 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 2,337,423 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 2,363,325 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $2,114,426,452 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $2,306,741,672 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $2,556,247,292 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $2,390,702,296 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $2,053,699,864 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $2,412,130,057 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $2,354,980,960 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $2,129,871,530 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $2,391,282,548 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $2,573,572,920 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 12,060 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 15,039 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 130,251 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 122,192 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 121,214 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 138,931 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 161,987 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 191,588 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 224,803 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 246,938 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -6,766 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -6,850 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -6,892 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -6,896 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -3,449 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -3,449 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -6,023 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -5,168 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -5,107 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -5,192 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,363,325 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 2,389,336 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 2,007,201 | 2016 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 15,039 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 0.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 246,938 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -5,192 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 27 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 31 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.728 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.055 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | -0.404 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.281 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 0.725 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.276 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.459 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Male legal since 1 February 2012; Female always legal | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Legal recognition since 1975 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $2,573,572,920 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $1,089 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 2.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 4.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 16.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 57.8 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 2.7 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 44.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 51.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 49.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 104.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 154.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 90.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 59.4% | 2017 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 6.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 60.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 34.9% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 12.6% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 56.3 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 1.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 70.3 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 0.4 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 86 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -29.5208° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 27.7167° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -29.5500° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 28.2500° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00, Africa/Maseru | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | constitutional monarchy | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:18