People and Society of Lesotho

Nationality

Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)

Ethnic Groups

Sotho 99.7%, Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3%,

Population

2,281,453

Population in Major Urban Areas

MASERU (capital) 239,000

Medical facilities in Lesotho are limited and there is no reliable ambulance service. Specialist care is available in Bloemfontein, South Africa, 90 miles west of Maseru. U.S. Embassy Maseru maintains a list of physicians and other health care professionals, but the Embassy does not guarantee service or provide recommendations. Many medicines are unavailable at facilities in Lesotho; travelers should carry with them an adequate supply of necessary medicines and/or prescription drugs, along with copies of their prescriptions. Lesotho has a very high HIV prevalence, currently estimated at 23 percent of the adult population. Tuberculosis is a serious health concern in Lesotho.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Lesotho is among the lowest in the world, reflecting the severe and compounding health challenges the country has faced over several decades. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy at birth in Lesotho stands at approximately 53 to 55 years, a figure that places the country near the bottom of global rankings and well below the sub-Saharan African average of roughly 62 years. The primary driver of this low life expectancy is the extraordinarily high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Lesotho has one of the highest HIV infection rates on the planet, with an adult prevalence rate estimated at around 20 to 22 percent — a burden that has dramatically shortened average lifespans, particularly among working-age adults. The epidemic has not only caused widespread mortality directly but has also left the population more vulnerable to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, which is itself a major cause of death in the country. Lesotho carries one of the highest tuberculosis incidence rates in the world, and the co-epidemic of HIV and TB represents one of the most serious public health crises in the region. Lesotho also struggles with a weak healthcare infrastructure. The country has a shortage of trained medical professionals, limited access to hospitals and clinics in rural highland areas, and persistent challenges in supplying essential medicines. Maternal and child mortality rates remain elevated, further pulling down the overall life expectancy figure. The maternal mortality ratio in Lesotho is among the highest in southern Africa, reflecting the dangers many women face during pregnancy and childbirth. Additional contributing factors include high rates of poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition, all of which undermine general health and reduce resilience to disease. The mountainous terrain of much of the country isolates many communities from health services, creating significant disparities between urban and rural populations. Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, are also becoming an increasing burden alongside the existing infectious disease challenges. There are, however, modest signs of improvement. Antiretroviral therapy programs have expanded meaningfully since the mid-2000s, and international health partnerships have helped increase access to HIV treatment and care. Efforts to scale up tuberculosis detection and treatment have also shown some progress. If current public health efforts are sustained and strengthened, gradual improvements in life expectancy are projected in the coming decades. Nevertheless, closing the gap with regional and global averages will require sustained investment in healthcare access, poverty reduction, and disease prevention.

Infant Mortality Rate

Lesotho faces one of the more challenging infant mortality situations in sub-Saharan Africa, though the country has made measurable progress over recent decades. The infant mortality rate — defined as the number of deaths among children under one year of age per 1,000 live births — stood at approximately 48 to 50 deaths per 1,000 live births in recent years, a figure that remains considerably higher than global and regional averages for middle-income nations. Several interconnected factors drive this elevated rate. HIV/AIDS continues to have a significant impact, as Lesotho carries one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV remains a concern, though national programs aimed at prevention have helped reduce transmission rates over time. Neonatal infections, pneumonia, diarrheal diseases, and complications during childbirth are among the leading direct causes of infant death. Access to quality healthcare is a persistent challenge. Lesotho is a landlocked, mountainous country where rural communities can face serious geographic barriers to reaching clinics and hospitals. Skilled birth attendance, while improving, is not universal, and gaps in antenatal care affect outcomes for both mothers and newborns. Malnutrition compounds these health risks. Stunting and underweight rates among young children remain elevated, weakening immune systems and increasing vulnerability to otherwise preventable illnesses. On a more positive note, the infant mortality rate in Lesotho has declined substantially from peaks recorded in the early 2000s, when the rate exceeded 80 deaths per 1,000 live births. Government initiatives supported by international health organizations have expanded immunization coverage, improved access to oral rehydration therapy, and strengthened maternal health services. These combined efforts reflect real progress, though significant work remains to bring Lesotho's infant mortality rate in line with broader global health targets, including those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Classroom

On average primary school starts at 6 years to 12 years, however, because of unknown reasons, some children start at a late age. Classrooms are always crowded, now more than before because education is considered free. Desks are short, books are few, so the teachers normally read to the children and write on the board for notes, tasks, exams and/or assignments. Children provide their own writing books, exam books, writing utensils and stationery. Government schools do not offer computer lessons.

Education Culture

For most families, education and communication in English are encouraged. Some families will ensure that their children are ready for the next day’s classes, encouraging the children to speak more English by conversing in English with them. Government schools don’t have Art, Drama and Music lessons; however, they have choirs and compete with other schools in singing.

Learning

A typical day at school starts with assembly, first and second periods, break, two more periods, lunch time, then younger children go home. The older ones go back to classes till about 2 o’clock. A typical period lasts about 30 minutes, break lasts for about 15 minutes and lunch break for about an hour. Some children bring lunch to school, but the schools provides lunch. A teacher would probably have between 20 and 30 children per class. Sesotho is their primary language at home, except for a few children. Children are encouraged, or pressured to communicate in English in their classrooms. The main subjects taught at primary level are Maths, English, Sesotho, Science and Geography. About 80% go on to secondary level, for those who do not, it is mainly because they failed or due to financial reasons, as secondary education is not free. Children get a hiding when they have been naughty. Sometimes they get a hiding in front of the whole school in assembly or get expelled, but this normally happens in cases of pregnancy and alcohol. The Headmaster/Principal is the deciding body of what is to happen, what punishment is to be implemented. The teachers report to the principal. Every child must wear a uniform, socks, a dress for the females and khaki shorts or long pants for the males, a shirt, jersey, a belt and black shoes. Teachers are normally greeted in class rooms and because they are encouraged to communicate in English, students greet the teachers in English except in Sesotho classes. A typical lunch meal brought from home is a bread or sandwich and juice. Meals provided by the schools deferrer according to days. Some days the children will eat beans and papa (maize meal), papa and cabbage and porridge.

To School

On a typical day, some children walk quite a distance to and from home because there is no money for transportation, they lost it or they have spent the money on sweets and snacks. Some children get picked up by hired mini-buses or taxis. Depending on how young the child is, the parent takes them to school. Most children walk home. Transportation is provided by business people who saw the business opportunity.

• Christian80.0%
• indigenous beliefs20.0%

Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa

• Sesotho
• English
• Xhosa
• Zulu

Crime Information

Lesotho has a high crime rate, and foreigners must remain vigilant at all times. Foreigners are frequently targeted and robbed, and have occasionally been car-jacked and killed. A number of U.S. citizens have reported incidents – including sexual assault, armed and unarmed confrontation, and home invasion – occurring in broad daylight. There are no indications that U.S. citizens are targeted due to their nationality. Crime can occur anywhere in Lesotho, but is most prevalent in urban areas. Crime scenes have included popular restaurants, poorly lit or unlit roads, and locations foreigners are known to frequent. Victims have included tourists, volunteer workers, and employees of non-governmental organizations. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid walking or driving at night. Extra caution should be exercised while walking through downtown Maseru, even in daylight hours, as there have been numerous recent incidents in the middle of the day. Residences with 24-hour guards are generally less likely to be targeted. Traveling alone or at night is particularly dangerous, due to limited street lighting and undeveloped road conditions. The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) is responsible for policing duties, but due to limited resources, LMPS response times can vary widely. U.S. citizens should report crime to the police and to the consular section of the U.S. Embassy. There is a serious problem with theft from baggage at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), a required transit point for air travel to Lesotho. Travelers are encouraged to secure their luggage with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locks, use an airport plastic wrapping service and avoid placing any items of value in checked luggage. Make an inventory of items in checked baggage to aid in claims processing if theft does occur. The claims processing procedure can be time-consuming. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Lesotho, you are subject to its laws, even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you or if you take pictures of certain government buildings. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but are still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Lesotho, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go. Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. Embassy as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.