United Nations Population Fund

UNFPA Lesotho

A least developed country according to the Human Development Index, Lesotho is a landlocked country surrounded by South Africa. With more than half the population living below the poverty line, it faces major challenges including high HIV prevalence and a high maternal mortality rate. UNFPA initiatives in Lesotho, among others, provide support to reduce maternal mortality, prevent HIV, particularly among youth, reduce gender inequality, and develop quality data related to population issues.

Data overview View more

Population

Population, by age group, per cent
  •  
    Population aged 0-14
  •  
    Population aged 15-64
  •  
    Population aged 65+

Maternal and newborn health

Births attended by skilled health personnel, per cent, 2014-2019
  •  
    Births attended by skilled health personnel

Sexual and reproductive health

Contraceptive prevalence rate and unmet need
  •  
    CPR any method  
  •  
    Unmet need  

Education

Total net enrolment rate, percent

Fertility

Total fertility rate, per woman, 2021

Life expectancy

Life expectancy at birth (years), 2021

Harmful Practices

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Key results of Lesotho in 2020 View more

Sexual and reproductive health coordination body during crisis

During a humanitarian crisis, a functioning inter-agency sexual and reproductive health coordination body was in place

Youth participation in humanitarian response

During a humanitarian crisis, young people were included in decision-making mechanisms in all phases of humanitarian response

Rights of marginalized groups

Intervention models or strategies to empower marginalized and excluded groups to exercise their reproductive rights were rolled out

Census disaggregation

Census results disaggregated by age and sex were available and publically accessible online

Demographic dynamics

Demographic dynamics were integrated into their national development plans

Small area estimations

Small area estimations of sexual and reproductive health indicators were generated and used for programme planning

Life skills programmes for girls

93,982
Marginalized girls were reached with health, social and economic asset-building programmes

Advocacy platforms against harmful social norms

49
Communities developed advocacy platforms to eliminate discriminatory gender and sociocultural norms which affect women and girls

Child, early and forced marriage

7,500
Girls received, with support from UNFPA, prevention, protection services, and/or care related to child, early, and forced marriage

Community declarations on harmful practices

96
Communities made public declarations to eliminate harmful practices, with support from UNFPA, including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation

Minimum Initial Services Package

820
Health service providers and managers were trained on the minimum initial service package

Essential services for gender-based violence survivors

46
Women and girls who were subjected to violence have accessed the essential services package
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2020 Humanitarian results achieved for Lesotho View more
People reached with Dignity Kits in 0 countries
Appeal Country People reached with Dignity Kits
Women reached with sexual and reproductive health services, including antenatal and postnatal care, emergency obstetric and newborn care services in 0 countries
Appeal Country Women reached with sexual and reproductive health services, including antenatal and postnatal care, emergency obstetric and newborn care services
People reached with adolescent sexual and reproductive health services, supplies and information in 0 countries
Appeal Country Women reached with sexual and reproductive health services, including antenatal and postnatal care, emergency obstetric and newborn care services
Safe spaces supported by UNFPA (includes safe spaces for women, girls and youth) in 0 countries
Appeal Country Safe spaces supported by UNFPA (includes safe spaces for women, girls and youth
Health Facilities that provide Emergency Obstetric Care, supported by UNFPA in 0 countries
Appeal Country Health Facilities that provide Emergency Obstetric Care, supported by UNFPA
Personnel trained on various aspects of sexual and reproductive health, including the Minimum Initial Service Package in 0 countries
Appeal Country Personnel trained on various aspects of sexual and reproductive health, including the Minimum Initial Service Package
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Demographic Dividend: Lesotho View more

Population Pyramid

females
males
Population in thousands

Life Expectancy

Total fertility rate

Select year range
Year: 2018 Note: Years 2017 to 2100 are projected data.
i
Source: United Nations, Population Division, World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision
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News

In climate change-affected Lesotho, self-injected contraceptives empower women to choose their own future
News

In climate change-affected Lesotho, self-injected contraceptives empower women to choose their own future

Regina Mokoena has seen first-hand how drought and climate change are increasing the demand for family planning in her…

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To tackle sexual violence in Lesotho, programme targets men and boys
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To tackle sexual violence in Lesotho, programme targets men and boys

“Before, I never used a condom, and I would force myself violently onto girls and young women,” said Kabelo, 22, in…

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