Country Profile: Laos

Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia characterized by its mountainous terrain and rich natural resources. The population is approximately 7.95 million, with a significant portion residing in urban areas like the capital, Vientiane. Laos has experienced economic growth in recent years due to foreign investment and infrastructural developments, particularly in hydropower and mining sectors, but continues to face challenges such as high inflation and poverty. Governed by a single-party communist state, Laos maintains close ties with China and Vietnam while gradually opening to Western economies.

Geography

Laos is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, and China. The country spans an area of 236,800 square kilometers, predominantly consisting of rugged mountains and some plains. Its climate is classified as tropical monsoon, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The Mekong River forms a substantial part of the western boundary and is vital for transportation and agriculture.

Total area: 236,800 sq km
Land boundaries: Totaling 5,274 km with neighboring countries.
Highest point: Phu Bia at 2,817 m.
Climate: Tropical monsoon with pronounced wet and dry seasons.
Forest coverage: Approximately 56.8% of total land.

People and Society

Laos has a population of about 7.95 million (2024 estimate) with a median age of 25.4 years. The society is diverse, with the major ethnic group being Lao, comprising 53.2% of the population. The country practices Buddhism predominantly, and literacy rates are approximately 75.6%. Urbanization is gradual, with 38.2% of the population residing in urban areas, primarily around Vientiane.

Population (2024): 7,953,556
Major ethnic group: Lao (53.2%).
Buddhism adherents: 64.7% of the population.
Literacy rate: 75.6% (2023 estimate).
Urban population growth rate: 2.99% annually.

Economy

Laos has a lower middle-income economy that is transitioning towards industrialization. It has seen real GDP growth, estimated at 4.3% for 2024, driven by sectors like mining and hydropower. However, it faces challenges such as high inflation, largely due to past currency depreciation. The economy also struggles with social inequality and ongoing labor shortages.

GDP (PPP, 2024): $66.905 billion
Real GDP per capita (2024): $8,600
GDP growth rate: 4.3% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 1.3% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line: 18.3% (2018 est.)

Government

Laos is governed as a one-party communist state led by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. The capital city, Vientiane, functions under a civil law system influenced by French legal traditions. The political structure includes a unicameral National Assembly with elections every five years. The current president is THONGLOUN Sisoulith, and the next elections are expected in March 2026.

Government type: Communist party-led state.
Capital: Vientiane.
Legislative body: National Assembly consists of 164 seats; last election held in March 2021.
Suffrage: Universal for those 18 years and older.
Constitution: Promulgated on 13-15 August 1991.

Military and Security

The Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF) consists of land and air forces tasked with national security, including counterterrorism and counter-narcotics operations. Military service is mandatory for individuals aged 18 years with a minimum service requirement of 18 months. The country maintains military relationships with regional partners including Vietnam and China.

Active military personnel: Estimated 30,000.
Self-Defense Militia Forces: Approximately 100,000 expected by 2025.
Military expenditure: 0.2% of GDP (consistent rate since 2016).
Compulsory service age: 18 years.
Primary military equipment: Mixture of Chinese and Russian origins.

Energy

Laos is richly endowed with hydroelectric resources. As of 2022, the country achieved 100% electrification, primarily relying on hydroelectric power for its energy needs. In 2023, Laos had an installed electricity generating capacity of 12.738 million kW, with hydroelectricity comprising 76.5% of this capacity.

Installed capacity: 12.738 million kW (2023).
Electricity consumption: 12.803 billion kWh (2023).
Electricity exports: 38 billion kWh (2023).
Coal production: 16.629 million metric tons (2023).
Total energy consumption per capita: 34.463 million Btu/person (2023).

Environment

Laos faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, unexploded ordnance from past conflicts, and water pollution. The country is party to various international environmental agreements such as the Paris Agreement and has made commitments to mitigate biodiversity loss and combat climate change.

Carbon dioxide emissions: 23.412 million metric tonnes (2023).
Forests cover: Approximately 56.8% of the total land area.
Total renewable water resources: 333.5 billion cubic meters (2022).
Annual municipal solid waste: 351,900 tons (2024 est.).
Percent of solid waste recycled: 15.1% (2022 est.).

Transportation

Laos has a developing transportation network, which includes a total of 422 km of railways and 20 airports as of 2025. Its investment in a new railway line connecting to China has significantly improved infrastructure and regional connectivity.

Railways total: 422 km (2023).
Airports: 20 (2025).
Civil aircraft registration code: RDPL.
Merchant marine vessels: 1 (2023).
Road network: improving but specifics not detailed.

Communications

The communications sector in Laos is growing, with a significant percentage of the population having access to mobile and internet services. As of 2023, 64% of the population are internet users, while fixed-line telephony is relatively limited.

Mobile subscriptions: 4.82 million (2021).
Internet users: 64% of the population (2023).
Fixed broadband subscriptions: 183,000 (2022).
Fixed telephone subscriptions: 1.3 million (2021).
Telecommunications growth: Increasing access and modernization.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	7,953,556	Estimated for 2024
Area	236,800 sq km	Total area
Real GDP (PPP)	$66.905 billion	Estimated for 2024
Energy consumption per capita	34.463 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Birth rate	19.8 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment rate	1.3%	Estimated for 2024
Life expectancy at birth	69 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy rate	75.6%	Estimated for 2023
Percent of population below poverty	18.3%	Estimated for 2018
Electrification	100%	Total population with electricity access (2022 est.)