Lesotho Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Lesotho
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated September 17, 2024
Lesotho recorded 38.2 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2008, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Lesotho #11 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 17% over the past decade (from 45.8 in 2007). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Lesotho at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
38.2 /100k
Safety Rank
#185 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2008
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2008)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 17% over the past decade (from 45.8 in 2007). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Lesotho Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Lesotho:
Reissued after periodic review with changes to overall Travel Advisory level from level 1 to level 2 due to an increase in crime. Exercise increased caution in Lesotho due to crime . Country Summary: Crime is common in Lesotho and sporadic armed robberies and carjackings occur. Local police may lack the resources to respond in a timely manner to criminal incidents. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Lesotho.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Lesotho Population & Demographics
Population of 2,337,423, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lesotho safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Lesotho at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include crime. The homicide rate of 38.2 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Lesotho?
Lesotho has an intentional homicide rate of 38.2 per 100,000 people (2008, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #11 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Lesotho?
Lesotho is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Lesotho compare to other countries?
Lesotho's homicide rate of 38.2 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Africa average of 7.6.