Capital of Lesotho: Maseru
The capital of Lesotho is Maseru. Lesotho sits in Africa, has a population of 2,305,825, and uses the LSL. Official languages include Sesotho, English.
Quick facts
- Capital: Maseru
- Continent: Africa
- Population: ~2,305,825
- Area: 30,355 km²
- Population density: 76.0 people per km²
- Official languages: Sesotho, English
- Currency: LSL
- ISO code: LS
How big is Lesotho?
By population, Lesotho ranks 145th in the world, holding roughly 0.03% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 138th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Lesotho has 76.0 people per square kilometre, which is somewhat above the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Africa, Lesotho is the 45th most populous country of 54.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Lesotho in population are Gabon (2,388,992) and Slovenia (2,119,675).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Belgium (30,528 km²) and Armenia (29,743 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Sesotho is listed as an official language of Lesotho alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Lesotho uses the LSL, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Lesotho in Africa
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Africa is the block Lesotho belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Lesotho and a page on the flag of Lesotho.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Lesotho?
The capital of Lesotho is Maseru.
What is the population of Lesotho?
About 2,305,825, making it the 145th most populous country in the world.
How big is Lesotho?
30,355 square kilometres, ranking 138th by land area, at a density of 76.0 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Lesotho use?
The LSL, which no other country uses.