Lesotho Fertility Rate
Total fertility rate SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
Lesotho's fertility rate was 2.55 in 2025, ranked 68th globally. This represents a 5.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's fertility rate stood at 2.55 in 2025, a decline of +0.14 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.55 by 2025. Lesotho ranked 68th globally.
Lesotho's fertility rate has exhibited a marked decline over the past six and a half decades, with a significant shift from a peak of 5.87 children per woman in 1976, to a trough of 2.55 children in 2025, according to World Bank data. This change represents a substantial reduction in the country's population growth rate, placing Lesotho at rank 68 globally in 2025. The fertility rate in Lesotho is comparable to that of Turkmenistan, which ranks closely at 2.62 children per woman, and slightly lower than Haiti's 2.55. The decline in fertility rate in Lesotho is consistent with global trends, particularly in regions with high levels of urbanization and education. However, the rate of decline appears to be slowing, with the 2025 figure marking a plateau in recent years. If Lesotho experiences a significant increase in female labor force participation and access to family planning services, it could potentially accelerate the fertility rate decline and further reduce population growth pressures.
Data & projection
| Year | Fertility Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 2.49 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.55 | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.55 | −0.14 | #68 |
| 2023 | 2.69 | −0.02 | #147 |
| 2022 | 2.72 | −0.05 | #147 |
| 2021 | 2.77 | −0.08 | #148 |
| 2020 | 2.85 | −0.08 | #149 |
| 2019 | 2.92 | −0.09 | #154 |
| 2018 | 3.02 | −0.09 | #156 |
| 2017 | 3.11 | −0.08 | #159 |
| 2016 | 3.18 | −0.04 | #160 |
| 2015 | 3.22 | −0.02 | #160 |
| 2014 | 3.24 | −0.04 | #158 |
| 2013 | 3.28 | −0.01 | #158 |
| 2012 | 3.30 | −0.05 | #156 |
| 2011 | 3.34 | +0.09 | #158 |
| 2010 | 3.25 | −0.06 | #150 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw fertility rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's fertility rate was 2.55 in 2025. Ranked 68th globally. This represents a 5.2% decrease from the previous year.
Lesotho's fertility rate peaked at 5.87 in 1976.
The lowest fertility rate in Lesotho was 2.55 in 2025.
Lesotho ranks 68th globally in fertility rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.TFRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's fertility rate is projected to reach 2.55 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fertility rate of Lesotho in 2025 was 2.55. This ranks 68th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_fertility-rate,
title = {Lesotho Fertility Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/fertility-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}