Country Profile: Lesotho
Lesotho, officially known as the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country situated in Southern Africa, surrounded entirely by South Africa. It is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with over 80% of the nation perched above 1,800 meters. The population of approximately 2.2 million is predominantly Sotho, and the economy is classified as lower middle-income, heavily reliant on agriculture, remittances, and industrial production. The country has a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with a history of political instability marked by military interventions and electoral disputes.
Geography
Lesotho is located in Southern Africa, completely surrounded by South Africa, and is known for its highlands, plateaus, and mountainous terrain. The mean elevation is 2,161 meters, making it one of the highest countries in the world, with the highest point being Thabana Ntlenyana at 3,482 meters. The climate is temperate, featuring cool to cold, dry winters and hot, wet summers, while the country is vulnerable to periodic droughts.
- Area: 30,355 sq km
- Land boundaries: 1,106 km (with South Africa)
- Natural resources: water, agricultural land, diamonds
- Elevation: Over 80% above 1,800 m
- Irrigated land: 12 sq km (2013)
People and Society
The estimated population of Lesotho is 2,227,548, with a high percentage (approximately 62.7%) aged between 15 and 64 years. The country is ethnically homogeneous, with 99.7% of the population identifying as Sotho. The primary languages are Sesotho and English, and the predominant religion is Protestantism. Urbanization is increasing, with about 30.4% of the population living in urban areas, particularly in the capital, Maseru.
- Population: 2,227,548 (2024 est.)
- Median age: 23.9 years (2024 est.)
- Literacy rate: 90.4% (2024 est.)
- Urban population: 30.4% (2023)
- Birth rate: 22.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth: 60.2 years (2024 est.)
Economy
Lesotho's economy is categorized as lower middle-income, facing challenges such as high poverty rates and systemic corruption. The service sector accounts for 48% of the GDP, while agriculture constitutes 6.5%. The country has been investing in key infrastructure and renewable energy, with remittances from abroad making up about 22% of GDP. Economic growth is gradual, with a projected growth rate of 2.8% for 2024.
- GDP (PPP): $6.166 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita: $2,600 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 16.2% (2024 est.)
- Remittances: 22% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Poverty rate: 49.7% (2017 est.)
Government
Lesotho is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a bicameral Parliament comprising the National Assembly and the Senate. The current Prime Minister is Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, inaugurated in October 2022. The political landscape has seen significant changes, including coalition governments and constitutional reforms aimed at stabilizing governance after decades of political turmoil.
- Capital: Maseru
- Independence: 4 October 1966
- Government type: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Suffrage: Universal at age 18
- Constitution: Adopted on 2 April 1993
Military and Security
The Lesotho Defense Force is primarily tasked with maintaining the country's sovereignty, while internal security is managed by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service. The military is small, lightly armed, and predominantly consists of around 2,000 active personnel. Military expenditures represent about 1.5% of GDP.
- Military personnel: Approximately 2,000 (2025)
- Military expenditures: 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Voluntary military service age: 18-30 years
- No conscription in place
Energy
Energy access in Lesotho is limited, with about 50% of the population having electricity. The majority of electrical power is generated from hydroelectric sources, constituting 99.6% of total installed capacity. Coal and solar account for a minor proportion of energy production.
- Electricity access: 50% of total population (2022 est.)
- Installed capacity: 104,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 833 million kWh (2023 est.)
- Renewable energy: Dominated by hydroelectricity (99.6%)
Environment
Lesotho faces several environmental challenges, including overgrazing, soil erosion, and desertification. The country is actively engaged in various international environmental treaties and has adopted measures to manage its natural resources sustainably.
- Environmental issues: Soil erosion, overgrazing, desertification
- Total renewable water resources: 3.022 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- Waste recycled: 11.9% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)
Transportation
Transportation infrastructure in Lesotho includes a network of civil aircraft, with 34 airports projected by 2025. The rugged terrain presents challenges for road construction, affecting accessibility in various regions of the country.
- Airports: 34 (2025)
Communications
The telecommunications infrastructure is developing, with approximately 1.6 million mobile cellular subscriptions. Internet access stands at 48% of the population, and fixed-line subscriptions are limited.
- Mobile subscriptions: 1.6 million (2023 est.)
- Internet users: 48% of the population (2023 est.)
- Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station and 2 radio stations
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,227,548 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 30,355 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $6.166 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 16.2% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 22.9 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 60.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 50% | Total population (2022 est.) |
| Military Expenditures | 1.5% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
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