
19.3% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 277,466 current smokers in Lesotho
39.2% of men are current smokers but only 0.4% of women
Smoking in Lesotho
There has been an upwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Lesotho. In 2000 the prevalence was estimated to be 17%; this increased to 25.5% in 2015, with a projection to increase to 33.5% by 2025. This increase in prevalence has been driven entirely by men's smoking, which increased from 36% to 52% between 2000 and 2015 and is projected to increase further to 67% by 2025 according to WHO trend data. Women's smoking during the same period remained low in comparison, at around 0.6% in 2000, decreasing to 0.3% projected into 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
2,168
Deaths
In Lesotho, 2168 people die each year due to tobacco smoking.
19.3%
tobacco smoking
The prevalence of current tobacco smoking among adults is 19.3%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Lesotho
In Lesotho, there is no specific law regulating vaping. It is unclear whether e-cigarettes can be imported for personal use based on online references.
Some online sources claim that e-cigarettes are available, but it is uncertain how common they are. There are no data on restrictions for vaping in public places, but it is encouraged to use them only in private spaces.
If you have firsthand experience with vaping in Lesotho, please share your insights with the GSTHR team.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Lesotho
Lesotho does not have specific laws regarding Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), including their sale, purchase, or importation for personal use. If you have any relevant and accurate information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Snus
in Lesotho
There are no online sources providing information on specific regulations regarding Snus in Lesotho. However, information obtained from an industry source in 2014 shows that Snus is permitted in the country. If you have any relevant or firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Pouches
in Lesotho
Nicotine pouches are a relatively new product which can provide users of high-risk tobacco with an alternative that poses fewer risks to their health. Read more about nicotine pouches in our briefing paper