Lesotho: economy and key statistics
Lesotho is number 178 in the 311 Nations Index, with a GDP of $2.6 billion in 2025. GDP per person is $1,089. The economy grew by 2.0% in 2025. Unemployment is 16.3%. The economy is 56% services, 25% industry, 6% agriculture.
Part of the 311 Nations Index (311institute.com). Last updated .
National power
Lesotho is number 158 in the 311 National Power Index, scoring 19.0 out of 100: economic 32, technology 8, military 6 and human capital 38.
Economy at a glance
| Indicator | Latest figure | Year |
|---|---|---|
| GDP | $2.6 billion | 2025 |
| GDP (purchasing power) | $7.5 billion | 2025 |
| GDP per person | $1,089 | 2025 |
| Economic growth | +2.0% | 2025 |
| Inflation | 4.3% | 2025 |
| Unemployment | 16.3% | 2025 |
| Population | 2.4 million | 2025 |
| Labour force | 0.9 million | 2025 |
| Services share of GDP | 56% | 2025 |
| Industry share of GDP | 25% | 2025 |
| Manufacturing share of GDP | 12% | 2024 |
| Agriculture share of GDP | 6% | 2025 |
| Exports share of GDP | 50% | 2025 |
| Foreign direct investment | -0.2% of GDP | 2025 |
| High-tech share of manufactured exports | 0% | 2024 |
| R&D spending | 0.09% of GDP | 2023 |
| Internet users | 52% of people | 2024 |
Main export industries
Lesotho exported goods worth about $1.0bn in 2024. Its biggest export industries:
- Natural, cultured pearls: $0.2bn (23.5% of goods exports)
- Beverages, spirits and vinegar: $0.2bn (18.7% of goods exports)
- Apparel and clothing accessories: $0.2bn (17.1% of goods exports)
- Apparel and clothing accessories: $0.1bn (13.2% of goods exports)
- Wool, fine or coarse animal hair: $0.0bn (4.6% of goods exports)
Source: UN Comtrade, goods only (services exports are not included).
Other economies in Africa
- South Africa (#40)
- Nigeria (#50)
- Kenya (#62)
- Ethiopia (#67)
- Angola (#69)
- Ghana (#70)
- Côte d'Ivoire (#77)
- DR Congo (#81)
- Tanzania (#83)
- Uganda (#89)
- Sudan (#91)
- Cameroon (#92)
- Zimbabwe (#96)
- Senegal (#108)
- Mali (#114)
Questions and answers
How big is the economy of Lesotho?
Lesotho had a GDP of $2.6 billion in 2025, ranking number 178 in the 311 Nations Index.
What is GDP per person in Lesotho?
GDP per person in Lesotho was $1,089 in 2025.
How fast is the economy of Lesotho growing?
The economy of Lesotho grew by 2.0% in 2025.
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0).
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