Lesotho: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Lesotho 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Lesotho: 141
  • Happiness Score Lesotho:3.186

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Lesotho. LS.

    Lesotho is a landlocked country located in southern Africa. It has a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy with a bicameral parliament. The country is known for its traditional attire, including the Basotho blanket and hat. Lesotho has a significant garment industry and is a major exporter of water to South Africa.

  • Lesotho is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation.
  • The country is also known as the “Kingdom in the Sky” because of its high mountainous terrain.
  • Lesotho has a highland climate and experiences snowfall in winter.
  • Lesotho: An Overview

    Early History: The area now known as Lesotho was originally inhabited by the San people and later by the Bantu-speaking people who migrated from the north. The kingdom of Basotho emerged in the early 19th century under the leadership of King Moshoeshoe I, who united various clans and established the nation.

    Kingdoms and Empires: The Basotho kingdom faced threats from the expanding Zulu Empire and the Boer settlers from the Cape Colony. Moshoeshoe I skillfully negotiated with the British and secured protection for his kingdom, which became the British protectorate of Basutoland in 1868.

    Colonial Period: Lesotho, formerly known as Basutoland, was a British protectorate from 1868 until its independence in 1966. The British maintained control over the territory’s external affairs, while the Basotho kingdom retained internal autonomy.

    Independence and Modern Era: Lesotho gained independence from Britain in 1966, and King Moshoeshoe II became the nation’s first constitutional monarch. Since then, Lesotho has experienced political instability, military coups, and constitutional crises. The country has also faced challenges related to poverty, unemployment, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

    Current Political Situation: Lesotho is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The prime minister is the head of government, while the king serves as the ceremonial head of state. The current prime minister is Samʼaka Taufaʼāhau Mataʼafa, who took office in 2022 following elections.

    International Relations: Lesotho is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and the Commonwealth of Nations. The country has close ties with South Africa, which surrounds it entirely, and relies heavily on the larger nation for economic and trade relations.

    Human Development and Economy: Lesotho’s economy is largely based on agriculture, manufacturing (mainly textiles), and remittances from migrant workers in South Africa. The country faces challenges related to poverty, unemployment, and income inequality. Lesotho has made progress in improving access to education and healthcare but still ranks low on the Human Development Index.

    Cultural Highlights: Lesotho has a rich cultural heritage rooted in the traditions of the Basotho people. The country is known for its vibrant music, traditional blankets and tapestries, and the iconic Basotho hat. Christianity and indigenous beliefs coexist in Lesotho, with the majority of the population identifying as Christian.

    Lesotho faces significant challenges related to poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and the impact of HIV/AIDS. However, the country has potential for growth in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy. Addressing issues of political instability, corruption, and economic inequality will be crucial for Lesotho’s future development.

    Travel Tips for Lesotho

    Here are some essential travel tips for tourists visiting Lesotho:

    • Best Time to Visit: Lesotho has a temperate climate, and the best times to visit are during the dry seasons of April-May and September-November.
    • Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, dress modestly, and ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
    • Safety Precautions: Exercise caution when traveling, especially in remote areas, and avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash.
    • Must-See Landmarks: Explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the Maluti Mountains, visit the historic Thaba Bosiu fortress, and experience the vibrant culture in the capital city of Maseru.
    • Culinary Experiences: Try traditional dishes such as papa (maize porridge), motoho (fermented bread), and grilled meat dishes.

Main facts

1. Location

Lesotho is an enclaved country situated in the southern African region, entirely surrounded by the territory of South Africa. It lies within the Drakensberg and Maluti mountain ranges.

2. Map References

Lesotho is located in Southern Africa.

3. Area – Comparative

Lesotho is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Maryland.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Lesotho shares a total land boundary of 909 km with South Africa.

5. Coastline

Lesotho is an entirely landlocked country with no coastline.

6. Maritime Claims

As a landlocked nation, Lesotho has no maritime claims.

7. Climate

Lesotho has a temperate climate with cool to cold, dry winters and hot, wet summers. Snowfall is common in the mountains during winter.

8. Terrain

Lesotho is predominantly mountainous, with the highest points of the Drakensberg and Maluti ranges. It also features high-veld plateaus and rolling hills.

9. Elevation Extremes

Highest point: Thabana Ntlenyana at 3,482 m
Lowest point: Makhaleng River at 1,400 m

10. Natural Resources

Lesotho’s natural resources include water, agricultural and grazing land, some diamonds and other minerals, and limited arable land.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The major rivers in Lesotho include the Orange, Makhaleng, Caledon, and Senqu. The country also has several notable artificial reservoirs, including the Katse and Mohale dams.

12. Natural Hazards

Lesotho is susceptible to periodic droughts and significant soil erosion caused by overgrazing and overcultivation.

13. Geography – Notes

Lesotho is the only independent country in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation. Its mountainous terrain and lack of coastline significantly influence its economy and infrastructure development.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 1.60%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 2,512. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 77.60%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -29.60998828.233608.
  • Capital: The capital of Lesotho is  Maseru
  • Major Cities:
    • Maseru – 330,760
    • Teyateyaneng – 45,881
    • Mafeteng – 61,876
    • Hlotse – 35,039
    • Mohale’s Hoek – 30,063
  • Population: 2,125,268
  • Area(Km2): 30355
  • Population Density( P/Km²):71. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:266
  • Official Language(s):Lesotho is Sesotho (official) 41%, English (official) 49.7%, other 9.3%
  • Currency:

Main Economic Indicators

Lesotho has a small, predominantly agricultural economy. Its economy is highly vulnerable to external shocks, relying heavily on remittances, revenue from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), and regional trade. Key challenges include high unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, and a lack of economic diversification. Notable policies aim to promote private sector development and investment, particularly in manufacturing and mining.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

6.1% (2022 est.)
5.2% (2021 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook

Credit Ratings

Moody’s: B3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: B (Stable)
Fitch: B (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 5.1%
Industry: 34.5%
Services: 60.4%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley
Industrial Products: clothing, footwear, road construction, food products, construction materials, household goods, furniture

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 886,700 (2022 est.)
Ranked 148th globally

Current Account Balance

-$251 million (2022 est.)
-$221 million (2021 est.)
Ranked 127th globally

Exports and Imports

Exports: $1.1 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: United States, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy
Main Commodities: clothing, footwear, road vehicles, wool and mohair, diamond laths
Imports: $2.3 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: South Africa, China, India, Germany, United States
Main Commodities: food, building materials, vehicles, machinery, medicines, petroleum products

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

$851.8 million (2022 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$2,460,072,444. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 31.60%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 13.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.70. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.41. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 23.41%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Nationality: Noun – Mosotho (plural – Basotho), Adjective – Basotho

Ethnic Groups

Major Ethnic Groups: Basotho (including mixed-race) 99.7%, Other 0.3% (European, Asian, and ethnic European)

Religions

Religious Affiliations: Christian 92.4% (Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 40%), Other 0.4%, None 7.2%

Age Structure

Population Distribution:

0-14 years: 31.8% (male 499,429/female 495,986)

15-64 years: 62.9% (male 947,525/female 1,024,534)

65 years and over: 5.3% (male 62,981/female 102,554) (2023 est.)

Dependency Ratios

Total Dependency Ratio: 59.5 (2023 est.)

Youth Dependency Ratio: 50.5 (2023 est.)

Elderly Dependency Ratio: 8.5 (2023 est.)

Median Age

Median Age: 25.1 years

Male: 24.4 years

Female: 25.8 years (2023 est.)

Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity: 16.6% of the adult population (2016)

Alcohol Consumption: 2.8 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)

Tobacco Use: 12.9% of adults aged 15 and over (2020)

HIV/AIDS Prevalence: 21.9% of the adult population (2020)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 53.7. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 79.4%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:26.81. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:14. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 3.14. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 29.2%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 607,508. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):16.90%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) is the military of Lesotho, consisting of the following branches:

  • Lesotho Ground Force – The ground combat branch of the LDF.
  • Lesotho Air Wing – A small air force focused on transport and reconnaissance roles.

Internal security is primarily the responsibility of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, a paramilitary police force.

Military Expenditures

Lesotho’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 1.7%
  • 2021: 1.6%
  • 2020: 1.7%
  • 2019: 1.5%
  • 2018: 1.4%

Lesotho ranks among the lower third of countries globally in terms of military expenditure as a percentage of GDP.

Personnel Strengths

The total active-duty military personnel in Lesotho is estimated to be around 2,000, with the following breakdown:

  • Lesotho Ground Force: Approximately 1,800 personnel
  • Lesotho Air Wing: Approximately 200 personnel

The Lesotho Mounted Police Service has an estimated strength of around 3,500 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Lesotho’s military equipment inventory primarily consists of light infantry weapons, transport vehicles, and a small number of aircraft. Some key equipment includes:

  • Small arms and light weapons
  • Armored personnel carriers
  • Transport and utility helicopters

There are no major ongoing or planned military acquisitions or development programs.

Military Service Age and Obligation

In Lesotho, military service is voluntary. The age range for voluntary military service in the Lesotho Defence Force is typically between 18 and 25 years old.

Military Deployments

Lesotho does not currently have any significant overseas military deployments. The country has contributed small contingents to United Nations peacekeeping missions in the past.

Strategic Military Notes

Given its small size and limited military capabilities, Lesotho’s defense strategy focuses primarily on territorial integrity and internal security. The Lesotho Defence Force plays a supporting role to the civilian authorities in maintaining law and order.

Lesotho is not a member of any major military alliances but maintains bilateral security cooperation with neighboring countries, particularly South Africa.

  • Armed Forces Size: 2000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.07
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 67.90%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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