Lesotho
- Capital:
- Maseru
- Continent:
- Africa
- Region(s):
- Southern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa
- Largest Cities:
- Maseru, Maputsoe, Mohale's Hoek
- Abbreviation:
- LSO
2,389,336
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
2,389,336
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
Lesotho's population is projected to be 3,277,008 by 2097.
Historical
Switch the toggle to see projected data.
| Year ↓ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2,389,336 | 1.1% | 147 |
| 2025 | 2,363,325 | 1.12% | 147 |
| 2020 | 2,235,727 | 1.19% | 147 |
| 2019 | 2,209,405 | 1.18% | 147 |
| 2018 | 2,183,603 | 1.23% | 147 |
| 2017 | 2,157,110 | 1.25% | 146 |
| 2015 | 2,104,611 | 1.06% | 146 |
| 2010 | 1,996,251 | 0.44% | 147 |
| 2005 | 1,953,076 | -0.51% | 146 |
| 2000 | 2,003,913 | 0.53% | 143 |
| Year ↑ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2,389,336 | 1.1% | 147 |
| 2032 | 2,546,490 | 1.06% | 148 |
| 2037 | 2,680,080 | 1.03% | 145 |
| 2042 | 2,808,544 | 0.94% | 141 |
| 2047 | 2,927,865 | 0.84% | 142 |
| 2052 | 3,033,468 | 0.71% | 142 |
| 2057 | 3,119,743 | 0.56% | 141 |
| 2062 | 3,190,885 | 0.45% | 140 |
| 2067 | 3,243,285 | 0.33% | 140 |
| 2072 | 3,282,697 | 0.24% | 140 |
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Maseru has a metropolitan area population of 517,905, comprising 21.68%% of Lesotho's total population.
| Rank | City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | % of National Pop. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maseru | 517,905 | 21.68% |
| 2 | Maputsoe | 97,482 | 4.08% |
| 3 | Mohale's Hoek | 69,929 | 2.93% |
| 4 | Hlotse | 69,223 | 2.9% |
| 5 | Butha-Buthe | 63,921 | 2.68% |
| 6 | Mafeteng | 58,177 | 2.43% |
| 7 | Teyateyaneng | 32,297 | 1.35% |
| 8 | Qacha's Nek | 30,142 | 1.26% |
| 9 | Thaba-Tseka | 26,396 | 1.1% |
| 10 | Mokhotlong | 21,652 | 0.91% |
As of 2026, Lesotho has a total population of 2,389,336, ranking as the 147th most populous nation in the world.
Lesotho has a net population change of approximately 72 people per day, driven by 151 births, 66 deaths, and net emigration of 13 people.
Lesotho represents 0.03% of the total global population and 0.15% of Africa's population.
Lesotho has a population density of 78.7 people per km² (approximately 203.8 per mi²), making it the 134th most densely populated country in the world.
Currently, 42.07% of the population resides in urban areas, a figure that is increasing annually.
*Rates last updated: June 16, 2026
As of 2026, the largest ethnicity in Lesotho is Sotho (99.7%) .
As of 2026, Protestant is the largest religion in Lesotho, comprising 47.8% of the population.