Africa and the Middle East

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An intergovernmental organization established in 1951, IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.

  • 146 Members and 98 observers
  • More than 450 field locations
  • More than 7,800 staff working on more than 2,700 projects
  • More than US$ 1.3 billion expenditures in 2011

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Beware of fraudulent offers of migration assistance in the internet or email marketing.

Individuals considering migrating for whatever purpose or destination should take extreme caution in dealing with internet offers or email marketing in light of recent surge in fraudulent schemes.

Lesotho

Facts and Figures

IOM Member State since 2010

Capital: Maseru
Population (2011): 2.2 million
Area: 30,355 km sq
Languages: English (official), Sesotho (southern Sotho), Zulu, Xhosa
Currency: Loti (LSL)
GDP per Capita PPP (2010): USD 1,600
HDI Rank (2011): 160 of 187
Remittances (2011 estimate): USD 753 million
Net Migration Rate (2010-2015): -3.4 migrants /1,000 population
Immigrants (2010): 0.3%
Women as a Percentage of Immigrants (2010): 45.5%
Population under 15 (2011): 37%
Adult HIV Prevalence (2009): 24%

Sources and Definitions



Last updated:
Facts and figures: May 2012