Urbanization Growth in Lesotho from 1990 to 2023

Lesotho’s urbanization rate grew from 14.0% in 1990 to 30.4% in 2023, showing a steady increase as more people moved towards urban areas. During the 1990s, urbanization was limited, with the country’s mountainous terrain and rural economy hindering rapid urban migration. However, as economic opportunities concentrated in cities like Maseru, urban migration accelerated, especially in the 2000s. By 2023, Lesotho had reached over 30% urbanization, indicating that economic diversification and improved infrastructure were drawing people to urban areas. As the government continues to focus on economic development and urban planning, Lesotho’s cities are gradually becoming centers of growth, though challenges remain in accommodating this rising urban population and ensuring sustainable development in the face of limited resources.