Lesotho - Public finance
Proceeds from membership in a common customs union with South Africa form the majority of government revenue. Lesotho receives aid from myriad sources, including the US, World Bank, United Kingdom, EU, and Germany.
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) estimates that in 2000 Lesotho's central government took in revenues of approximately $76 million and had expenditures of $80 million including capital expenditures of $15 million. Overall, the government registered a deficit of approximately $4 million. External debt totaled $715 million.
The following table shows an itemized breakdown of government revenues and expenditures. The percentages were calculated from data reported by the International Monetary Fund. The dollar amounts (millions) are based on the CIA estimates provided above.
| REVENUE AND GRANTS | 100.0% | 76 |
| Tax revenue | 74.0% | 56 |
| Non-tax revenue | 20.8% | 16 |
| Grants | 5.2% | 4 |
| EXPENDITURES | 100.0% | 80 |
| General public services | 17.5% | 14 |
| Defense | 6.3% | 5 |
| Public order and safety | 10.0% | 8 |
| Education | 26.3% | 21 |
| Health | 8.8% | 7 |
| Social security | … | … |
| Housing and community amenities | … | … |
| Recreation, cultural, and religious affairs | … | … |
| Economic affairs and services | 21.3% | 17 |
| Other expenditures | 3.8% | 3 |
| Interest payments | 3.8% | 3 |
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