About the Lesotho Loti
The Loti was introduced in 1980, replacing the South African Rand at par. However, the Rand remains legal tender, and the Loti is pegged to it at a 1:1 ratio.
'Loti' and 'Sente' are the Sesotho words for 'mountain' and 'cent', respectively, reflecting the country's nickname, the 'Mountain Kingdom'.
Interesting Facts
Pegged to the Rand
The Loti is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand as part of the Common Monetary Area. The Rand is also legal tender throughout Lesotho.
The Mountain Kingdom's Money
The currency's name, 'Loti', means 'mountain' in Sesotho, a fitting name for a country entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation.
Portraits of Royalty
The banknotes of Lesotho feature portraits of the nation's royalty, including the current monarch, King Letsie III.
Historical Timeline
Lesotho gains independence and continues to use the South African Rand.
The Loti is introduced and pegged 1:1 to the Rand.
Denominations
Banknotes
Coins
Security Features
Quick Facts
- ISO Code
- LSL
- Symbol
- M
- Numeric Code
- 426
- Subunit
- Sente (1/100)
- Introduced
- 1980-01-01
Central Bank
- Name
- Central Bank of Lesotho
- Headquarters
- Maseru, Lesotho
- Founded
- 1978
- Current Governor
- Emmanuel Maluke Letete (since 2022)
Economic Data
- Reserve Currency Share
- 0.0%
- Forex Volume Share
- 0.0%
- Inflation Rate
- 6.8%
- Interest Rate
- 7.75%
Exchange Rates
What Affects the LSL Exchange Rate?
Ready to Convert LSL?
Get real-time exchange rates and convert Lesotho Loti to any currency.
