Lesotho/Society

Society in Lesotho

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
2.3M(2023)
Population Growth
1.1%(2023)
Fertility Rate
2.69(2023)
Death Rate
10.6 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-5.1K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
57.4 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
58.9 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
478 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
12.7%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
82%(2022)
Primary Enrollment
93.3%(2017)
Secondary Enrollment
59.8%(2017)
Tertiary Enrollment
9.7(2018)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
6.7%(2023)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
48%(2023)
Access to Electricity
57.3%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
74%(2022)
Urban Population
703K(2023)
Rural Population
1.6M(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Lesotho

  • Lesotho has an estimated population of 2.3M
    2023
    A steady annual growth rate of 1.1%
    2023
    supports sustained population expansion, providing a stable base for economic development. The fertility rate of 2.7 births per woman
    2023
    is above replacement level, ensuring sustainable long-term population stability without significant external migration. Net emigration of approximately 5K individuals annually (or 2.2 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    adds pressure to demographic transitions and workforce sustainability.
  • Regarding public health, The notably low life expectancy of 57.4 years
    2023
    underscores critical public health challenges that necessitate urgent and comprehensive interventions. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (58.9 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (478 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by a substantial health investment, with 12.7% of GDP allocated to healthcare expenditure
    2022
    .
  • Educational progress is reflected in a literacy rate of 82%
    2022
    , though continued efforts are needed to achieve universal literacy and enhance foundational skills. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 93% of children
    2017
    , secondary enrollment at 60%
    2017
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by robust public investment, with 6.7% of GDP dedicated to education spending
    2023
    , underscoring a strong commitment to human capital development.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the primarily rural population distribution (70% rural population
    2023
    ) presents distinct challenges for universal infrastructure provision, service access, and economic modernization. Furthermore, critical infrastructure gaps are evident, with electricity access at 57%
    2023
    and internet penetration at 48%
    2023
    severely limiting economic potential, hindering social development, and impeding digital integration.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

Managing demographic trends is crucial for long-term economic planning and workforce stability.

Public Health System

Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Expanding access to basic infrastructure, particularly electricity, remains a key bottleneck for broad-based development.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.