
Basotho Scorecard
Country profile
Lesotho is a high-altitude, landlocked kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa, renowned for its rugged mountain terrain and traditional Basotho culture. It has a population of 2.3 million, a population growth rate of 1.10%, and a median age of 21.43 years.
Its history features a legacy of indigenous leadership and adaptation under colonial influences, which have contributed to a strong sense of national identity.
Today, Lesotho is focused on improving economic opportunities and preserving its unique cultural heritage through community traditions and artisanal crafts.
Its capital city is Maseru.
How does Lesotho compare to other countries?
Economic Development
GDP per Capita (PPP) in Lesotho improved by 4.3% from 2022 to 2023
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Unemployment Rate in Lesotho improved by 1.9% from 2023 to 2024
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Inflation Rate in Lesotho improved by 3.6% from 2023 to 2024
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Income Inequality in Lesotho improved by 12.3% from 2002 to 2017
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Health and Social Development
Life Expectancy in Lesotho improved by 1.0% from 2022 to 2023
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Infant Mortality Rate in Lesotho improved by 3.8% from 2022 to 2023
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Human Development showed no change from 2021 to 2022
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Suicide Mortality Rate in Lesotho improved by 14.1% from 2020 to 2021
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World Happiness Report in Lesotho worsened by 9.3% from 2021 to 2023
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Freedom in the World showed no change from 2023 to 2024
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Education
Completion of Upper Secondary Education in Lesotho worsened by 68.4% from 2018 to 2019
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Governance and Security
Corruption Perception in Lesotho improved by 5.4% from 2022 to 2023
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Control of Corruption in Lesotho worsened by 37.8% from 2022 to 2023
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Government Effectiveness in Lesotho worsened by 7.4% from 2022 to 2023
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Political Stability in Lesotho worsened by 6.9% from 2022 to 2023
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Rule of Law in Lesotho worsened by 1.5% from 2022 to 2023
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Voice and Accountability in Lesotho worsened by 40.0% from 2022 to 2023
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Environmental Sustainability and Energy
CO2 Emissions per Capita showed no change from 2022 to 2023
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Air Pollution (PM2.5) in Lesotho worsened by 10.7% from 2019 to 2020
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Renewable Energy Consumption in Lesotho improved by 3.9% from 2021 to 2022
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