Lesotho is a country in Southern Africa, Africa. In 2025 it has about 2.4 million people (UN estimate), the 143rd most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1966Population: 143rd
Lesothoレソト
Region
Southern Africa, Africa
Population
about 2.4 million (143rd)
Area
30,355 km² (135th)
UN member since
October 17, 1966
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Lesotho in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 2.4 million, the 143rd most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/52 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 30,355 km², the 135th largest of the 193. That is about 1/12 of Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 78.
Joining the United Nations
Lesotho joined the United Nations on October 17, 1966.
That was 10 years after Japan joined in 1956.
Countries that joined on the same day: Botswana.
Think about it
Q1Compare Lesotho’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Lesotho on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Lesotho, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 5 UN member states in Southern Africa. The one with the most people is South Africa.