Lesotho
Maseru · Africa · Southern Africa
Population
2.1M
World Bank, 2025
Area
30,355 km²
GDP
$2.3B
World Bank, 2025
GDP Per Capita
$971.908
World Bank, 2025
Life Expectancy
57.4 yrs
World Bank, 2025
Capital
Maseru
Lesotho is a country located in Southern Africa, with its capital in Maseru. As of 2025, it has a population of 2.1M and covers an area of 30,355 km². The economy of Lesotho has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.3B (World Bank, 2025), translating to a per-capita income of $971.908 with annual economic growth of 2.9%. Life expectancy in Lesotho stands at 57.4 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The official languages include English, Sotho, and the currency is the Lesotho loti (L). Lesotho shares land borders with 1 country.
How to Call Lesotho
The international calling code for Lesotho is +266. When calling from abroad, first dial your country's exit code (for example, 00 in Europe), then 266, then the local number.
Country Code
+266
Exit Code
00
Trunk Prefix
None
Format
+266 XXXX XXXX
Mobile Prefixes
5, 6
Example: To call a number in Lesotho from abroad, dial +266 5555 5555
How Large Is Lesotho's Economy?
Lesotho's GDP of $2.3B makes it a low-income economy by World Bank classification. GDP per capita of $972 is 56% below the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025). The most recent annual growth rate of 2.9% is below the global median of 3.1% (World Bank, 2025). The unemployment rate of 16.3% is 109% above the regional average of 7.8 (World Bank, 2025). Inflation of 6.1% is significantly above stable levels, at 1.7 times the global median. Lesotho's official currency is the Lesotho loti (L). As a UN member, Lesotho participates in multilateral trade frameworks.
GDP
$2.3B
World Bank, 2025
GDP Per Capita
$971.908
World Bank, 2025
GDP Growth
2.9%
Unemployment
16.3%
Inflation
6.1%
Currencies
LSL
What Are Lesotho's Demographics?
With 2.1M people, Lesotho is a nation of 2.1M people. At 70 people per km², the country is moderately populated. Life expectancy stands at 57.4 years, 14.6 years below the global average of 72 years. Infant mortality of 55.4 per 1,000 live births is 26% above the regional average of 44 (World Bank, 2025). The country recognizes 2 official languages, including English and Sotho.
Population
2.1M
World Bank, 2025
Life Expectancy
57.4 yrs
World Bank, 2025
Infant Mortality
55.4 per 1k
Literacy Rate
—
Languages
English, Sotho
CO₂ Per Capita
—
Where Is Lesotho Located?
Lesotho covers 30,355 km² (12,000 sq miles) and shares land borders with 1 country. The country sits within the Africa region, Southern Africa subregion, spanning Africa. Its small land area and landlocked position shape its connectivity with neighbours. Maseru serves as the seat of government and administrative capital of Lesotho. The country spans 1 time zone. Recognized internationally by ISO codes LS and LSO, Lesotho is an independent sovereign state and a full UN member. Its 2 currencies (LSL, ZAR) reflect its participation in multilateral trade and monetary frameworks.
Area
30,355 km²
Region
Africa
Subregion
Southern Africa
Capital
Maseru
Timezones
UTC+02:00
Continents
Africa
Border Countries
Data sourced from World Bank Open Data. Last updated: April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lesotho
What is the population of Lesotho?
Lesotho has a population of 2.1M as of 2025, according to World Bank data. Life expectancy is 57.4 years.
What is the capital of Lesotho?
The capital of Lesotho is Maseru. It serves as the country's administrative and political center.
What is the GDP of Lesotho?
Lesotho's GDP is $2.3B as of 2025 (World Bank). GDP per capita is $971.908. The economy grew at 2.9% in 2025.
What is the life expectancy in Lesotho?
The average life expectancy in Lesotho is 57.4 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The infant mortality rate is 55.4 per 1,000 live births.
What region is Lesotho in?
Lesotho is located in Africa, specifically in Southern Africa. It is part of the continent of Africa.
What is the size of Lesotho?
Lesotho covers an area of 30,355 km² (11,720 square miles). The population density is approximately 69.7 people per km².
What currency does Lesotho use?
Lesotho uses the Lesotho loti (L) with currency code LSL.
What language is spoken in Lesotho?
The official languages of Lesotho are English, Sotho.
Is Lesotho a member of the United Nations?
Yes, Lesotho is a member of the United Nations.
What is Lesotho's GDP?
Lesotho's GDP is $2.3B (World Bank, 2025). This places it among Africa's economies by total output.
What is Lesotho's GDP per capita?
Lesotho's GDP per capita is $972, which is 56% below the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025).
What is Lesotho's inflation rate?
Lesotho's inflation rate is 6.1%, significantly above stable levels, at 1.7 times the global median (World Bank, 2025).
What is the population density of Lesotho?
Lesotho has a population density of 70 people per km², making it moderately populated.
What is the life expectancy in Lesotho?
Life expectancy in Lesotho is 57.4 years, 14.6 years below the global average of 72 years (World Bank, 2025).
What is the total area of Lesotho?
Lesotho has a total land area of 30,355 km² (12,000 sq miles). This measurement covers the country's total sovereign territory as recorded by international geographic databases.
How many countries does Lesotho border?
Lesotho shares land borders with 1 country (identified by the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 codes: ZAF). These borders define the country's overland connections to the wider region.
What is the calling code for Lesotho?
The international calling code for Lesotho is +266. To call Lesotho from abroad, dial your country's exit code (00), then 266, followed by the local number.
How do I call Lesotho from the US?
To call Lesotho from the United States, dial 011 + 266 + the local phone number. For example: 011-266-5555 5555.
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