Lesotho Population Density
People per sq. km of land area EN.POP.DNST
Lesotho's population density was 77.8 in 2025, ranked 131st globally. This represents a 2.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's population density stood at 77.8 in 2025, a rise of +1.7 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 77.8 by 2025. Lesotho ranked 131st globally.
Lesotho’s population density has risen steadily over the 64‑year series, climbing from a trough of 24.99 persons per square kilometre in 1961 to an all‑time peak of 77.82 in 2025, the figure that also places the kingdom at 131st in the global ranking. The upward trajectory reflects modest population growth combined with a relatively static land area of roughly 30,000 square kilometres, which compresses the resident count onto limited terrain. Compared with regional peers, Lesotho’s density is marginally below Serbia’s 78.51 and just above Tajikistan’s 77.99, while remaining higher than Eswatini’s 73.06, underscoring a pattern of densely settled land in southern Africa’s highlands. The persistent increase suggests that, absent significant out‑migration or expansion of habitable land, the density is likely to continue edging upward, potentially intensifying pressure on housing, agriculture and infrastructure in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Density | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 78.7 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 77.8 | - | - |
| 2025 | 77.8 | +1.7 | #131 |
| 2023 | 76.1 | +0.8 | #87 |
| 2022 | 75.3 | +0.8 | #88 |
| 2021 | 74.5 | +0.9 | #88 |
| 2020 | 73.6 | +0.9 | #88 |
| 2019 | 72.8 | +0.8 | #87 |
| 2018 | 71.9 | +0.9 | #87 |
| 2017 | 71.1 | +0.9 | #86 |
| 2016 | 70.2 | +0.9 | #86 |
| 2015 | 69.3 | +0.8 | #87 |
| 2014 | 68.5 | +0.8 | #86 |
| 2013 | 67.7 | +0.7 | #86 |
| 2012 | 67.0 | +0.7 | #85 |
| 2011 | 66.3 | +0.6 | #83 |
| 2010 | 65.8 | +0.5 | #83 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw population density improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's population density was 77.8 in 2025. Ranked 131st globally. This represents a 2.2% increase from the previous year.
Lesotho's population density peaked at 77.8 in 2025.
The lowest population density in Lesotho was 25.0 in 1961.
Lesotho ranks 131st globally in population density as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is EN.POP.DNST. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's population density is projected to reach 77.8 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population density of Lesotho in 2025 was 77.8. This ranks 131st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_population-density,
title = {Lesotho Population Density},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/population-density/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}