Lesotho, a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa, has experienced steady population growth over the past several decades. As of 2024, Lesotho's population is estimated to be around 2.3 million people, up from approximately 1.1 million in 1970. This growth has been influenced by factors such as high birth rates and improved healthcare, although it has been moderated by significant challenges, including a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which has impacted life expectancy and population structure. Urbanization is gradually increasing, with more people moving to cities like the capital, Maseru, in search of better economic opportunities. Despite these trends, Lesotho remains one of the less densely populated countries in the region, with much of its population living in rural, mountainous areas.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 726,182 | 23.9 |
| 1955 | 786,192 | 25.9 |
| 1960 | 858,551 | 28.3 |
| 1965 | 952,459 | 31.4 |
| 1970 | 1,067,136 | 35.2 |
| 1975 | 1,195,487 | 39.4 |
| 1980 | 1,362,309 | 44.9 |
| 1985 | 1,559,057 | 51.4 |
| 1990 | 1,693,761 | 55.8 |
| 1995 | 1,822,743 | 60 |
| 2000 | 1,889,117 | 62.2 |
| 2005 | 1,928,142 | 63.5 |
| 2010 | 1,993,907 | 65.7 |
| 2015 | 2,080,628 | 68.5 |
| 2020 | 2,162,195 | 71.2 |
| 2022 | 2,193,970 | 72.3 |
| 2023 | 2,210,646 | 72.8 |
| 2024 | 2,227,548 | 73.4 |
| 2025 | 2,244,643 | 73.9 |
| 2030 | 2,333,091 | 76.9 |
| 2035 | 2,423,048 | 79.8 |
| 2040 | 2,507,728 | 82.6 |
| 2045 | 2,580,445 | 85 |
| 2050 | 2,638,694 | 86.9 |
| 2055 | 2,685,850 | 88.5 |
| 2060 | 2,725,744 | 89.8 |
| 2065 | 2,757,772 | 90.9 |
| 2070 | 2,779,437 | 91.6 |
| 2075 | 2,788,573 | 91.9 |
| 2080 | 2,784,610 | 91.7 |
| 2085 | 2,768,160 | 91.2 |
| 2090 | 2,739,882 | 90.3 |
| 2095 | 2,699,969 | 88.9 |
| 2100 | 2,648,343 | 87.2 |
Data from US Census International Database