Lesotho Exchange Rate
Official exchange rate (LCU per US$, period average) PA.NUS.FCRF
Lesotho's exchange rate was 19.10 in 2025, ranked 90th globally. This represents a 4.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's exchange rate stood at 19.10 in 2025, a rise of +0.77 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 19.10 by 2025. Lesotho ranked 90th globally.
Lesotho’s official exchange rate has risen dramatically from a low of 0.71 in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 19.10 in 2025, placing the country 90th globally among 2025 observations. The trough of 0.68 in 1974 marks the only period when the Lesotho rand was marginally stronger than the baseline, after which a persistent depreciation set in, reflecting macro‑economic pressures, fiscal deficits and the close integration with the South African rand, which shares the same 2025 level of 19.10. Over the 66‑year series, the currency’s devaluation outpaces that of peer Czechia, whose 2025 rate stands at 22.89, and is comparable to Namibia’s 19.09. The sustained weakening suggests that without structural reforms, such as tightening fiscal policy and diversifying exports, the Lesotho rand is likely to continue its downward trajectory, keeping it near the lower end of the global ranking.
Data & projection
| Year | Exchange Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 20.58 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 19.84 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 19.10 | - | - |
| 2025 | 19.10 | +0.77 | #90 |
| 2024 | 18.33 | −0.12 | #115 |
| 2023 | 18.45 | +2.09 | #114 |
| 2022 | 16.36 | +1.58 | #112 |
| 2021 | 14.78 | −1.68 | #111 |
| 2020 | 16.46 | +2.01 | #113 |
| 2019 | 14.45 | +1.21 | #112 |
| 2018 | 13.23 | −0.09 | #112 |
| 2017 | 13.32 | −1.39 | #113 |
| 2016 | 14.71 | +1.95 | #116 |
| 2015 | 12.76 | +1.91 | #115 |
| 2014 | 10.85 | +1.20 | #116 |
| 2013 | 9.66 | +1.45 | #116 |
| 2012 | 8.21 | +0.95 | #117 |
| 2011 | 7.26 | −0.06 | #111 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw exchange rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's exchange rate was 19.10 in 2025. Ranked 90th globally. This represents a 4.2% increase from the previous year.
Lesotho's exchange rate peaked at 19.10 in 2025.
The lowest exchange rate in Lesotho was 0.68 in 1974.
Lesotho ranks 90th globally in exchange rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is PA.NUS.FCRF. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's exchange rate is projected to reach 19.10 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The exchange rate of Lesotho in 2025 was 19.10. This ranks 90th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_exchange-rate,
title = {Lesotho Exchange Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/exchange-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}