Lesotho GDP per Capita
GDP divided by midyear population NY.GDP.PCAP.CD
Lesotho's gdp per capita was $1,001 in 2025, ranked 173rd globally. This represents a 3.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's gdp per capita stood at $1,001 in 2025, a rise of +$29 from 2024. The IMF projects $1,001 by 2025. Lesotho ranked 173rd globally.
Lesotho’s gross domestic product per capita has risen from a post‑colonial low of 46.95 in 1960 to 1,001.08 in 2025, placing the country 173rd globally and situating it between peers such as Mali (1,013.64) and Sierra Leone (979.51). The ascent peaked in 2011 at 1,280.73, a level that has not been reclaimed despite modest growth in the subsequent decade. The long‑run trajectory reflects structural constraints in a small, landlocked economy heavily dependent on remittances and South African trade, which have limited the translation of macro‑growth into per‑capita gains. Periodic setbacks, including the 2008–2009 global financial shock and recurring droughts, have dampened momentum, while recent modest reforms in fiscal policy and investment in tourism have helped sustain a gradual upward path. Continued diversification of the economic base and improved regional integration are likely to determine whether Lesotho can close the gap with higher‑ranked peers and sustain a higher per‑capita income trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | GDP per Capita | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | $1,138 | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | $1,084 | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | $1,062 | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | $1,037 | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | $1,024 | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | $1,001 | - | - |
| 2025 | $1,001 | +$29 | #173 |
| 2024 | $972 | +$22 | #186 |
| 2023 | $916 | −$70 | #188 |
| 2022 | $1,030 | −$41 | #189 |
| 2021 | $1,067 | +$138 | #187 |
| 2020 | $919 | −$125 | #188 |
| 2019 | $1,082 | −$43 | #187 |
| 2018 | $1,171 | +$54 | #184 |
| 2017 | $1,069 | +$40 | #183 |
| 2016 | $992 | −$47 | #185 |
| 2015 | $1,121 | −$61 | #184 |
| 2014 | $1,174 | +$43 | #188 |
| 2013 | $1,151 | −$49 | #186 |
| 2012 | $1,218 | −$44 | #179 |
| 2011 | $1,281 | +$116 | #179 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw gdp per capita improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's gdp per capita was $1,001 in 2025. Ranked 173rd globally. This represents a 3.0% increase from the previous year.
Lesotho's gdp per capita peaked at $1,281 in 2011.
The lowest gdp per capita in Lesotho was $47 in 1960.
Lesotho ranks 173rd globally in gdp per capita as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's gdp per capita is projected to reach $1,001 by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The gdp per capita of Lesotho in 2025 was $1,001. This ranks 173rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_gdp-per-capita,
title = {Lesotho GDP per Capita},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/gdp-per-capita/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}