Laos

The population of Laos is approximately 8M (2024).

The capital of Laos is Vientiane.

Laos's GDP per capita is $2.3K (2024).

Life expectancy in Laos is 69.23 years (2024).

Laos covers 236,800 km² (91,429 sq mi).

Laos is sparsely populated, averaging 34 people per km², below the global average of 60.

Laos's population is growing steadily at 1.4% per year, in line with global averages.

Based on GDP per capita, Laos falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $2.3K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

The official language of Laos is Lao.

Laos uses the Lao kip (₭) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Laos are January, February, December, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show the population of Laos is approximately 8.0 million people. The country ranks 102 globally in terms of total population and 8 within the South-Eastern Asia subregion. Approximately 39.6% of the population lives in urban areas, with the growth rate currently estimated at 1.4% annually.

Yes, Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, covering an area of 236800 km² (91429 sq mi). It shares its borders with China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Despite having no coastline, the country utilizes the Mekong River for transportation, fishing, and significant hydropower generation.

The latest projections indicate a GDP per capita of 2303 USD for Laos. This places the nation at a global rank of 171 and 9 within South-Eastern Asia. The total GDP is approximately 16.5 billion USD, supported by a steady annual economic growth rate of 4.1% driven by energy and resource exports.

The adult literacy rate in Laos is approximately 75.6%, based on the latest available data. This figure ranks the country 129 out of 170 nations globally. While educational attainment has improved across the country, the government continues to focus on improving access to schooling for diverse ethnic groups in remote regions.

The current life expectancy at birth in Laos is 69.2 years. This places the country at a global rank of 157 for longevity. Improvements in public health infrastructure and maternal care have contributed to this figure, though geographic challenges remain in providing medical services to those living in isolated mountain villages.

Recent statistics show that 65.6% of the population in Laos uses the internet. This level of digital penetration ranks the country 144 globally. The expansion of mobile networks has been crucial in connecting rural communities, allowing for greater access to information and digital services in a topographically challenging environment.

According to the latest ranking, Laos is 102nd in the world out of 215 countries. Regionally, it holds the 31st position in Asia and the 8th spot within the South-Eastern Asia subregion. This placement reflects its status as a smaller, landlocked nation compared to its high-population neighbors like Vietnam and Thailand.

The estimated 2026 population density of Laos is 34.6 people per km² (89.6 sq mi). This is significantly lower than many of its neighbors, ranking 166th globally and 43rd in Asia for density. Much of the land remains mountainous and forested, which limits the available space for human settlement.

Recent data indicates that the population of Laos is growing at an annual rate of 1.36%. Current estimates show a net increase of approximately 289 people every day through natural growth and migration. This sustained expansion is supported by a crude birth rate of 20.9 births per 1,000 people and improving healthcare.

According to latest official data, the fertility rate in Laos is 2.397 births per woman, which ranks 81st highest in the world. While this rate has gradually declined from historical peaks, it remains high enough to ensure continued population growth. The current rate is significantly higher than those seen in more urbanized regional neighbors.

Approximately 39.6% of the population in Laos resides in urban areas, according to recent official statistics. While this indicates that the majority of the country remains rural, the urbanization rate has been increasing as people move toward Vientiane and other trade hubs. This places Laos 171st globally for urbanization levels.