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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?

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Economic Development

GDP per Capita (PPP) in Lesotho improved by 4.3% from 2022 to 2023

Unemployment Rate in Lesotho improved by 1.9% from 2023 to 2024

Inflation Rate in Lesotho improved by 3.6% from 2023 to 2024

Income Inequality in Lesotho improved by 12.3% from 2002 to 2017

Health and Social Development

Life Expectancy in Lesotho improved by 1.0% from 2022 to 2023

Infant Mortality Rate in Lesotho improved by 3.8% from 2022 to 2023

Human Development showed no change from 2021 to 2022

Suicide Mortality Rate in Lesotho improved by 14.1% from 2020 to 2021

World Happiness Report in Lesotho worsened by 9.3% from 2021 to 2023

Freedom in the World showed no change from 2023 to 2024

Education

Completion of Upper Secondary Education in Lesotho worsened by 68.4% from 2018 to 2019

Governance and Security

Corruption Perception in Lesotho improved by 5.4% from 2022 to 2023

Control of Corruption in Lesotho worsened by 37.8% from 2022 to 2023

Government Effectiveness in Lesotho worsened by 7.4% from 2022 to 2023

Political Stability in Lesotho worsened by 6.9% from 2022 to 2023

Rule of Law in Lesotho worsened by 1.5% from 2022 to 2023

Voice and Accountability in Lesotho worsened by 40.0% from 2022 to 2023

Environmental Sustainability and Energy

CO2 Emissions per Capita showed no change from 2022 to 2023

Air Pollution (PM2.5) in Lesotho worsened by 10.7% from 2019 to 2020

Renewable Energy Consumption in Lesotho improved by 3.9% from 2021 to 2022