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Flag of Lesotho
LS · Africa

Lesotho

Lesotho is a sovereign country in Southern Africa bordered by South Africa. Maseru is the capital; key languages include English and Sotho; the listed currencies are Lesotho loti (LSL) and South African rand (ZAR); population is about 2.4M.

Capital
Maseru
Currency
Lesotho loti (LSL), South African rand (ZAR)
Languages
English, Sotho
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Flag of South Africa
ZA · Africa

South Africa

South Africa occupies the southern tip of Africa, where Atlantic and Indian Ocean routes meet. It is known for mineral wealth, biodiversity, major cities, wildlife, 11 official languages, and modern democratic institutions.

Capital
Pretoria
Currency
South African rand (ZAR)
Languages
Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
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Data battlecard

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Population

Lesotho2.4M
UN DESA · 2026 medium projection
South Africa65.5M
UN DESA · 2026 medium projection

GDP

Lesotho$2.6B
2025 · current USD
South Africa$427.2B
2025 · current USD

GDP per person

Lesotho$1.1K
2025 · current USD
South Africa$6.6K
2025 · current USD

GDP growth

Lesotho2.0%
2025 annual growth
South Africa1.1%
2025 annual growth

Life expectancy

Lesotho58.6 years
UN DESA · 2026 medium projection
South Africa66.7 years
UN DESA · 2026 medium projection

Area

Lesotho30,355 km²
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South Africa1,221,037 km²
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Median age

Lesotho22.1 years
UN DESA · 2026 medium projection
South Africa28.9 years
UN DESA · 2026 medium projection

Urban share

Lesotho44.7%
World Bank · 2025
South Africa63.8%
World Bank · 2025

Guess bigger

Which has more people?

Lesotho
South Africa
Reveal answer

South Africa leads this comparison with 65.5M people.

Sovereign country profile

Lesotho essentials

Subregion
Southern Africa
Time zones
Profile-specific value pending
Driving side
Left
Plug types
Profile-specific value pending
Emergency
Check official guidance
  • Maseru is the capital city.
  • Lesotho covers 30,355 km².
  • Lesotho is landlocked.
Sovereign country profile

South Africa essentials

Subregion
Southern Africa
Time zones
South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2)
Driving side
Left
Plug types
Type C / M / N
Emergency
112 mobile; police 10111; ambulance 10177
  • Pretoria is the capital city.
  • South Africa covers 1,221,037 km².
  • South Africa has coastal access.