World · permanent entity record · LA
Laos
Thirty-second orientation
Laos at a glance
- Capital
- Vientiane (Viangchan)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s); adjective: Lao or Laotian
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Government
- communist party-led state
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Languages
- Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history
Laos through time
Admitted to the United Nations
Laos became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04
Source history · changed fields only
Changes since the final CIA profile
| Field | Maintained Almanac value | Final CIA profile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,873,046World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025 | total: 7,953,556 (2024 est.) male: 3,966,320 female: 3,987,236CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-13 |
A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.
World Development Indicators · latest available observation
People, economy, and access
Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.
- Gross domestic product
- $18.3 billion
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Gross domestic product per person
- $2,325
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Life expectancy at birth
- 69.2 years
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Urban population
- 40.3%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Access to electricity
- 96.5%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- People using the internet
- 65.6%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.
Maintained profile
- Capital
- Vientiane (Viangchan)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
- Area
- 236,800 sq km
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
- Population
- 7,873,046
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Currency
- kips (LAK)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
- Languages
- Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s); adjective: Lao or Laotian
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
- Continent
- Asia
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “East and Southeast Asia.”
- Coastline
- 0 km (landlocked)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Climate
- tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Religions
- Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Flag colors
- red, blue, white
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
- National symbol
- elephant
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Highest point
- Phu Bia · 9,242 ft (2,817 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Lowest point
- Mekong River · 230 ft (70 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- NATO membership
- Not a member
- NATO, What is NATO? · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
- BRICS membership
- Not a member
- BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data
Final CIA World Factbook profile
This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.
CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b
Introduction1 fields
- Background
- Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years, Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century, when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. Following more than 15 years of civil war, the communist Pathet Lao took control of the government in 1975, ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a one party--the Lao People's Revolutionary Party--communist state. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in the late 1980s. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997 and the WTO in 2013. In the 2010s, the country benefited from direct foreign investment, particularly in the natural resource and industry sectors. Construction of a number of large hydropower dams and expanding mining activities have also boosted the economy. Laos has retained its official commitment to communism and maintains close ties with its two communist neighbors, Vietnam and China, both of which continue to exert substantial political and economic influence on the country. China, for example, provided 70% of the funding for a $5.9 billion, 400-km railway line between the Chinese border and the capital Vientiane, which opened for operations in 2021. Laos financed the remaining 30% with loans from China. At the same time, Laos has expanded its economic reliance on the West and other Asian countries, such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Nevertheless, despite steady economic growth for more than a decade, it remains one of Asia's poorest countries.
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Geography19 fields
- Location
- Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area
- total : 236,800 sq km land: 230,800 sq km water: 6,000 sq km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area - comparative
- about twice the size of Pennsylvania; slightly larger than Utah
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land boundaries
- total: 5,274 km border countries (5): Burma 238 km; Cambodia 555 km; China 475 km; Thailand 1,845 km; Vietnam 2,161 km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Terrain
- mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Elevation
- highest point: Phu Bia 2,817 m lowest point: Mekong River 70 m mean elevation: 710 m
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural resources
- timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 9.9% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 2.9% (2023 est.) forest: 56.8% (2023 est.) other: 33.3% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Major rivers (by length in km)
- Mènam Khong (Mekong) (shared with China [s], Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam [m]) - 4,350 km note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Major watersheds (area sq km)
- Pacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- most densely populated area is in and around the capital city of Vientiane; large communities are primarily found along the Mekong River along the southwestern border; overall density is considered one of the lowest in Southeast Asia
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Geography - note
- landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
People and Society35 fields
- Population
- total: 7,953,556 (2024 est.) male: 3,966,320 female: 3,987,236
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Nationality
- noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s) adjective: Lao or Laotian
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ethnic groups
- Lao 53.2%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 9.2%, Phouthay 3.4%, Tai 3.1%, Makong 2.5%, Katong 2.2%, Lue 2%, Akha 1.8%, other 11.6% (2015 est.) note: the Laos Government officially recognizes 49 ethnic groups, but the total number of ethnic groups is estimated to be well over 200
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Languages
- Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages major-language sample(s): ແຫລ່ງທີ່ຂາດບໍ່ໄດ້ສຳລັບຂໍ້ມູນຕົ້ນຕໍ່” (Lao) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Religions
- Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Age structure
- 0-14 years: 30.1% (male 1,214,429/female 1,181,845) 15-64 years: 65% (male 2,573,668/female 2,599,957) 65 years and over: 4.8% (2024 est.) (male 178,223/female 205,434)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Dependency ratios
- total dependency ratio: 53.7 (2024 est.) youth dependency ratio: 46.3 (2024 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 7.4 (2024 est.) potential support ratio: 13.5 (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Median age
- total: 25.8 years (2025 est.) male: 25 years female: 25.7 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Birth rate
- 19.22 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Death rate
- 6.07 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Net migration rate
- -0.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- most densely populated area is in and around the capital city of Vientiane; large communities are primarily found along the Mekong River along the southwestern border; overall density is considered one of the lowest in Southeast Asia
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 38.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Major urban areas - population
- 721,000 VIENTIANE (capital) (2023)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sex ratio
- at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maternal mortality ratio
- 112 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Infant mortality rate
- total: 34.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 39.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 31.6 deaths/1,000 live births
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Life expectancy at birth
- total population: 69 years (2024 est.) male: 67.4 years female: 70.7 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total fertility rate
- 2.19 children born/woman (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Drinking water source
- urban: 97.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 78.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 85.5% of population (2022 est.) urban: 2.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 21.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 14.5% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Health expenditure
- 2.7% of GDP (2021) 4.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Physician density
- 0.33 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Hospital bed density
- 1.3 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sanitation facility access
- urban: 100% of population (2022 est.) rural: 72% of population (2022 est.) total: 82.5% of population (2022 est.) urban: 0% of population (2022 est.) rural: 28% of population (2022 est.) total: 17.5% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Alcohol consumption per capita
- total: 8.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 3.62 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 4.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Tobacco use
- total: 24.1% (2025 est.) male: 41% (2025 est.) female: 7.2% (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Children under the age of 5 years underweight
- 24.3% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Currently married women (ages 15-49)
- 61.6% (2017 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Child marriage
- women married by age 15: 7.1% (2017) women married by age 18: 32.7% (2017) men married by age 18: 10.8% (2017)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Education expenditure
- 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 8.2% national budget (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Literacy
- total population: 75.6% (2023 est.) male: 85.1% (2023 est.) female: 66.7% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
- total: 9 years (2023 est.) male: 9 years (2023 est.) female: 9 years (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Environment10 fields
- Environmental issues
- unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; water pollution; limited access to potable water
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International environmental agreements
- party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 9.9% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 2.9% (2023 est.) forest: 56.8% (2023 est.) other: 33.3% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 38.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Carbon dioxide emissions
- 23.412 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 19.652 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 3.76 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Particulate matter emissions
- 20.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Waste and recycling
- municipal solid waste generated annually: 351,900 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.1% (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total water withdrawal
- municipal: 130 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 170 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 7.05 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total renewable water resources
- 333.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Government23 fields
- Country name
- conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic conventional short form: Laos local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao local short form: Mueang Lao (unofficial) abbreviation: Lao PDR etymology: name means "Land of the Lao [people];" it derives from the name of the country's founder, Lao
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Capital
- name: Vientiane (Viangchan) geographic coordinates: 17 58 N, 102 36 E time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name Viangchan means "city of sandalwood" in Laotian; the standard spelling reflects French influence
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Administrative divisions
- 17 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 prefecture* (kampheng nakhon); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxay, Champasak, Houaphanh, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang (Luang Prabang), Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun, Xekong, Xiangkhouang
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legal system
- civil law system similar in form to the French system
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Constitution
- history: previous 1947 (pre-independence); latest promulgated 13-15 August 1991 amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the president of the republic
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International law organization participation
- has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Citizenship
- citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Laos dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Executive branch
- chief of state: President THONGLOUN Sisoulith (since 22 March 2021) head of government: Prime Minister SONEXAY (also spelled SONXAI) Siphandon (since 30 December 2022) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and approved by the National Assembly election/appointment process: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (no term limits); prime minister nominated by the president, elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term most recent election date: 22 March 2021 election results: 2021: THONGLOUN Sisoulith (LPRP) elected president; National Assembly vote - 161-1; PHANKHAM Viphavanh (LPRP) elected prime minister; National Assembly vote - 158-3 2016: BOUNNHANG Vorachit (LPRP) elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA; THONGLOUN Sisoulith (LPRP) elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - NA expected date of next election: March 2026 note: President THONGLOUN Sisoulith is also general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legislative branch
- legislature name: National Assembly (Sapha Heng Xat) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 164 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 2/21/2021 parties elected and seats per party: Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) (158); Other (6) percentage of women in chamber: 22% expected date of next election: February 2026
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Judicial branch
- highest court(s): People's Supreme Court (consists of the court president and organized into criminal, civil, administrative, commercial, family, and juvenile chambers, each with a vice president and several judges) judge selection and term of office: president of People's Supreme Court appointed by the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the president of the republic for a 5-year term; vice presidents of the People's Supreme Court appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the National Assembly; appointment of chamber judges NA; tenure of court vice presidents and chamber judges NA subordinate courts: appellate courts; provincial, municipal, district, and military courts
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Political parties
- Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP note: other parties proscribed
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation in the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador PHOUKHONG Sisoulath (since 5 September 2025) chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416 FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923 email address and website: embasslao@gmail.com https://laoembassy.com/
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation from the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador Heather VARIAVA (since 5 February 2024) embassy: Ban Somvang Tai, Thadeua Road, Km 9, Hatsayfong District, Vientiane mailing address: 4350 Vientiane Place, Washington DC 20521-4350 telephone: [856] 21-48-7000 FAX: [856] 21-48-7040 email address and website: CONSLAO@state.gov https://la.usembassy.gov/
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International organization participation
- ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Independence
- 19 July 1949 (from France); 22 October 1953 (Franco-Lao Treaty recognizes full independence)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National holiday
- Republic Day (National Day), 2 December (1975)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Flag
- description: three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double-width), and red, with a large white disk centered in the blue band meaning: red stands for the blood shed for liberation, and blue for the Mekong River and prosperity; the white disk represents the full moon over the Mekong River and the unity of the people under the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, as well as the country's bright future
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National anthem(s)
- title: "Pheng Xat Lao" (Hymn of the Lao People) lyrics/music: SISANA Sisane/THONGDY Sounthonevichit history: music adopted 1945, lyrics adopted 1975; the anthem's lyrics were changed after the communist revolution that overthrew the monarchy in 1975
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National heritage
- total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Town of Luangphrabang; Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements; Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang - Plain of Jars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Economy32 fields
- Economic overview
- lower middle-income, industrial Southeast Asian economy; high inflation due to 2022 currency depreciation brought on by persistently high debt; new Laos-China railway and dry port; rising inequities; ongoing labor shortages
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
- $66.905 billion (2024 est.) $64.173 billion (2023 est.) $61.856 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP growth rate
- 4.3% (2024 est.) 3.7% (2023 est.) 2.7% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP per capita
- $8,600 (2024 est.) $8,400 (2023 est.) $8,200 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP (official exchange rate)
- $16.503 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Inflation rate (consumer prices)
- 23.1% (2024 est.) 31.2% (2023 est.) 23% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by sector of origin
- agriculture: 16.8% (2024 est.) industry: 29% (2024 est.) services: 43.5% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by end use
- household consumption: 65.7% (2016 est.) government consumption: 14% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 29% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 33.2% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -41.9% (2016 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Agricultural products
- cassava, root vegetables, rice, sugarcane, vegetables, bananas, maize, rubber, coffee, watermelons (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industries
- mining (copper, tin, gold, gypsum); timber, electric power, agricultural processing, rubber, construction, garments, cement, tourism
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industrial production growth rate
- 3.9% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Labor force
- 3.585 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Unemployment rate
- 1.3% (2024 est.) 1.2% (2023 est.) 1.3% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
- total: 2.2% (2024 est.) male: 2.4% (2024 est.) female: 2.1% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population below poverty line
- 18.3% (2018 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
- 38.8 (2018 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Average household expenditures
- on food: 50.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 7.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Household income or consumption by percentage share
- lowest 10%: 3% (2018 est.) highest 10%: 31.2% (2018 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Remittances
- 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.5% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Budget
- revenues: $2.288 billion (2022 est.) expenditures: $2.259 billion (2022 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Taxes and other revenues
- 12.1% (of GDP) (2022 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Current account balance
- $404.523 million (2023 est.) -$458.754 million (2022 est.) $431.636 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports
- $9.698 billion (2023 est.) $8.604 billion (2022 est.) $7.82 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - partners
- China 39%, Thailand 34%, Australia 4%, USA 4%, Cambodia 2% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - commodities
- electricity, fertilizers, gold, garments, paper (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports
- $8.596 billion (2023 est.) $7.983 billion (2022 est.) $6.527 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - partners
- Thailand 58%, China 36%, Japan 1%, Singapore 1%, Germany 1% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - commodities
- refined petroleum, cars, raw sugar, plastic products, trucks (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
- $1.77 billion (2023 est.) $1.576 billion (2022 est.) $1.951 billion (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Debt - external
- $9.619 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exchange rates
- kips (LAK) per US dollar - 17,688.874 (2023 est.) 14,035.227 (2022 est.) 9,697.916 (2021 est.) 9,045.788 (2020 est.) 8,679.409 (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Energy6 fields
- Electricity access
- electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity
- installed generating capacity: 12.738 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 12.803 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 38 billion kWh (2023 est.) imports: 955.095 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.447 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity generation sources
- fossil fuels: 23.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 76.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Coal
- production: 16.629 million metric tons (2023 est.) consumption: 15.944 million metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 1.065 million metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 22,000 metric tons (2023 est.) proven reserves: 62 million metric tons (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Petroleum
- refined petroleum consumption: 25,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Energy consumption per capita
- 34.463 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Communications6 fields
- Telephones - fixed lines
- total subscriptions: 1.3 million (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Telephones - mobile cellular
- total subscriptions: 4.96 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 65 (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadcast media
- 6 TV stations operating out of Vientiane, with half state-operated and half commercial; 17 provincial stations, with nearly all programming relayed via satellite from the state-operated stations in Vientiane; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems provide access to a wide range of foreign stations; state-controlled radio with state-operated Lao National Radio (LNR) broadcasting on 5 frequencies; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Internet users
- percent of population: 64% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadband - fixed subscriptions
- total: 183,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transportation4 fields
- Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
- RDPL
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Railways
- total: 422 km (2023) standard gauge: 422 km (2023) 1.435-m gauge (422 km overhead electrification)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Merchant marine
- total: 1 (2023) by type: general cargo 1
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Military and Security6 fields
- Military and security forces
- Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF; aka Lao People's Army): Lao People's Army (LPA, includes Riverine Force), Lao People's Air Force (LPAF); Self-Defense Militia Forces (2025) note: the Ministry of Public Security maintains internal security and is responsible for law enforcement; it oversees local, traffic, immigration, and security police, village police auxiliaries, and other armed police units
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military expenditures
- 0.2% of GDP (2019 est.) 0.2% of GDP (2018 est.) 0.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 0.2% of GDP (2016 est.) 0.2% of GDP (2015 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military and security service personnel strengths
- information limited and varied; estimated 30,000 active Armed Forces; estimated 100,000 Self-Defense Militia Forces (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
- the LPAF is armed with Chinese, Russian, and Soviet-era equipment and weapons (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military service age and obligation
- 18 years of age for voluntary military service; mandatory military service for men 18-35 with a minimum 18-month service obligation (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military - note
- the LPAF’s primary missions are border and internal security, including counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, and counter-narcotics operations, as well as protecting the regime; its defense partners include Cambodia, China, Russia, and Vietnam (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transnational Issues3 fields
- Refugees and internally displaced persons
- IDPs: 1,274 (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Trafficking in persons
- tier rating: Tier 3 — Laos does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore, Laos was downgraded to Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/laos/
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Illicit drugs
- USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.