Fertility Rate: Lesotho
Lesotho's fertility rate is currently 2.664 births per woman as of 2024. # Lesotho Fertility Rate Lesotho's fertility rate stands at 2.
Current (2024)
2.664 births per woman
-1.1% y/y
Peak (1976)
5.871 births per woman
Low (2024)
2.664 births per woman
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1960–2024 · 65 pts
Fertility Rate — Lesotho
1960 — 2024
Fertility Rate — Lesotho
Analysis# Lesotho Fertility Rate
Lesotho's fertility rate stands at 2.664 births per woman in 2024, representing a dramatic decline from its 1976 peak of 5.871. Over the past 64 years, the rate has fallen 53.9%, marking one of southern Africa's most significant demographic shifts. The country now sits at its lowest recorded level since 1960, reflecting broader patterns of reduced family sizes across the region.
The decline accelerated notably after 2015, when the rate was 3.217. Year-over-year decreases have been consistent, averaging roughly 0.05 births per woman annually through 2024. This sustained downward trajectory suggests Lesotho's fertility will likely stabilize around current levels or continue its gentle decline, driven by increased female education, improved contraceptive access, and changing economic pressures on families.
Historical Data
65 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2.664 births per woman | -1.11% |
| 2023 | 2.694 births per woman | -0.81% |
| 2022 | 2.716 births per woman | -1.91% |
| 2021 | 2.769 births per woman | -2.71% |
| 2020 | 2.846 births per woman | -2.67% |
| 2019 | 2.924 births per woman | -3.05% |
| 2018 | 3.016 births per woman | -2.87% |
| 2017 | 3.105 births per woman | -2.36% |
| 2016 | 3.18 births per woman | -1.15% |
| 2015 | 3.217 births per woman | -0.68% |
| 2014 | 3.239 births per woman | -1.34% |
| 2013 | 3.283 births per woman | -0.39% |
| 2012 | 3.296 births per woman | -1.41% |
| 2011 | 3.343 births per woman | +2.86% |
| 2010 | 3.25 births per woman | -1.78% |
| 2009 | 3.309 births per woman | -2.45% |
| 2008 | 3.392 births per woman | -1.45% |
| 2007 | 3.442 births per woman | +0.82% |
| 2006 | 3.414 births per woman | -0.41% |
| 2005 | 3.428 births per woman | -2.28% |
Show all 65 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3.508 births per woman | -3.07% |
| 2003 | 3.619 births per woman | -1.71% |
| 2002 | 3.682 births per woman | +1.43% |
| 2001 | 3.63 births per woman | +0.69% |
| 2000 | 3.605 births per woman | -1.77% |
| 1999 | 3.67 births per woman | -3.80% |
| 1998 | 3.815 births per woman | -4.19% |
| 1997 | 3.982 births per woman | -1.87% |
| 1996 | 4.058 births per woman | -1.62% |
| 1995 | 4.125 births per woman | -2.02% |
| 1994 | 4.21 births per woman | -3.55% |
| 1993 | 4.365 births per woman | -3.88% |
| 1992 | 4.541 births per woman | -2.99% |
| 1991 | 4.681 births per woman | -2.74% |
| 1990 | 4.813 births per woman | -3.04% |
| 1989 | 4.964 births per woman | -2.74% |
| 1988 | 5.104 births per woman | -2.26% |
| 1987 | 5.222 births per woman | -1.79% |
| 1986 | 5.317 births per woman | -1.56% |
| 1985 | 5.401 births per woman | -1.41% |
| 1984 | 5.478 births per woman | -1.47% |
| 1983 | 5.56 births per woman | -1.28% |
| 1982 | 5.632 births per woman | -1.09% |
| 1981 | 5.694 births per woman | -0.90% |
| 1980 | 5.746 births per woman | -0.74% |
| 1979 | 5.789 births per woman | -0.58% |
| 1978 | 5.823 births per woman | -0.43% |
| 1977 | 5.848 births per woman | -0.39% |
| 1976 | 5.871 births per woman | +0.79% |
| 1975 | 5.825 births per woman | +1.25% |
| 1974 | 5.753 births per woman | +1.14% |
| 1973 | 5.688 births per woman | -0.11% |
| 1972 | 5.694 births per woman | -0.04% |
| 1971 | 5.696 births per woman | -0.04% |
| 1970 | 5.698 births per woman | -0.11% |
| 1969 | 5.704 births per woman | -0.37% |
| 1968 | 5.725 births per woman | -0.35% |
| 1967 | 5.745 births per woman | -0.19% |
| 1966 | 5.756 births per woman | -0.28% |
| 1965 | 5.772 births per woman | +0.12% |
| 1964 | 5.765 births per woman | -0.19% |
| 1963 | 5.776 births per woman | -0.19% |
| 1962 | 5.787 births per woman | +0.03% |
| 1961 | 5.785 births per woman | +0.02% |
| 1960 | 5.784 births per woman | — |
Related Data
Other Metrics
For Lesotho
Compare Fertility Rate
Same metric, other countries
Demographics
People & population data