Laos

Country in Asia

In brief

Population: 7.9M (2025). World rank 102 of 216; in Asia, 31 of 49. Area: 236,800 km². World rank 85 of 249; in Asia, 22 of 50. GDP per person: $2,325 (2025). World rank 172 of 210 (1 = best); in Asia, 40 of 47. From 2015 to 2025: population 6.8M → 7.9M, GDP $14.4B → $18.3B, and GDP per person $2,121 → $2,325.

State

Official name: Lao People's Democratic Republic
Local name: ສປປລາວ
Capital: Vientiane
Region: Asia
Form of government: Communist party-led state
UN member: Yes

Key figures

Population: 7,873,046 2025
Area: 236,800 km²
GDP: $18.3B 2025
GDP per person: $2,325 2025
Life expectancy: 69.2 years 2024

Practical information

Languages: Lao
Currency: Laotian Kip (LAK)
Time zones: UTC+7
Calling code: +856
Emergency numbers: 190, 191, 195
Driving side: Right
Plug types: A, B, C, E, F
Mains voltage: 230 V