Where do most people in Lesotho live?

Most of the population in Lesotho lives in the western lowlands, a region that experiences a significantly higher population density than the rest of the country. Specifically, nearly three-fourths of the population resides within a narrow corridor, approximately 25 miles (40 km) wide, that stretches along the Caledon River.1

While there has been a notable trend of migration toward the capital city, Maseru, since the country gained independence in 1966, the majority of the population—about three-fourths—remains rural. These residents typically cluster in small villages, which are often situated on the plains. In contrast, the mountainous regions that cover two-thirds of the country are more thinly settled, serving primarily as areas for seasonal grazing and limited agriculture.12