Lesotho
Kingdom of Lesotho
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.76%
Situated in Southern Africa, Lesotho has a population of approximately 2.12 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. This landlocked territory spans 30,355 km² with a density of 70 people per km². Its capital is Maseru, and official languages include English and Sotho, while the Lesotho loti serves as the national currency.
Population
2,116,427
Area
30,355 km²
Density
70/km²
World Rank
#148
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 24.1 per thousand against deaths at 10.7 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 34.5% of residents under 15 and 3.9% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Maseru
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Southern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English, Sotho
- Currencies
- Lesotho loti (L), South African rand (R)
- Calling Code
- +266
- Top-Level Domain
- .ls
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 2,116,427
- Land Area
- 30,355 km²
- Population Density
- 70 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.76%
- Annual Growth
- +16,085 people
- Daily Growth
- +44 people
- World Population Share
- 0.03%
- Coordinates
- -29.50°, 28.50°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $972 classifies Lesotho as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment is a pressing concern at 16.3%, far exceeding the global benchmark of 5.8%. The Gini index of 44.9 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
57.4 years
GDP per Capita
$972
Birth Rate
24.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
10.7 per 1,000
Urban Population
43.7%
Fertility Rate
2.69 births/woman
Infant Mortality
55.4 per 1,000
Unemployment
16.3%
Literacy Rate
90.5%
Internet Users
48.0%
Under 15
34.5%
Over 65
3.9%
Health Spending
12.6% GDP
Gini Index
44.9
Age Distribution
0-14 years
731K
15-64 years
1.3M
65+ years
82K
Urbanization
About 43.7% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Maseru serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 5192.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
924,455
43.7%
1.2M
56.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy is 57.4 years, considerably below the world average of 72.8, underscoring urgent public-health challenges. An infant mortality rate of 55.4 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. The literacy rate of 90.5% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Lesotho
Lesotho has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Lesotho is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Lesotho participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2,116,427 |
| 2030 | 2,181,756 |
| 2035 | 2,266,793 |
| 2040 | 2,355,678 |
| 2045 | 2,448,526 |
| 2050 | 2,545,458 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Lesotho.
Largest Cities in Lesotho
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Lesotho by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lesotho?
The population of Lesotho is approximately 2.1 million as of 2026, making it #148 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Lesotho?
The capital of Lesotho is Maseru.
What languages are spoken in Lesotho?
The main languages spoken in Lesotho are English, Sotho.
How big is Lesotho?
Lesotho covers an area of 30,355 km² with a population density of 70 people per km².
Is Lesotho growing or shrinking?
Lesotho is growing at a rate of 0.76% per year, adding approximately 16,085 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Lesotho?
The average life expectancy in Lesotho is 57.4 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Lesotho?
The GDP per capita of Lesotho is $972.