Lesotho Rate of Natural Increase

Lesotho’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth and death rates, excluding migration—has been relatively modest compared to its neighbors. As of recent data, Lesotho’s RNI hovers around 1.1% per year, reflecting both a moderate birth rate and a relatively high death rate, largely influenced by the country's significant HIV/AIDS prevalence. In contrast, neighboring South Africa has a slightly lower RNI, close to 1.0%, also affected by similar health challenges but with a larger, more urbanized population. To the east, Mozambique exhibits a much higher RNI, exceeding 2.5%, due to higher fertility rates and a younger population, despite health challenges. Meanwhile, to the north, Botswana’s RNI is similar to Lesotho’s, at about 1.2%, as it too faces high mortality rates from HIV/AIDS, though it has made notable progress in reducing deaths. Overall, Lesotho’s RNI is lower than that of Mozambique but comparable to or slightly higher than that of South Africa and Botswana, reflecting regional demographic and health trends.

Data from US Census International Database