Country Profile: Laos

Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand to the west and Vietnam to the east. With a population of approximately 7.95 million as of 2024, the nation is home to a rich tapestry of ethnic groups and cultures. The economy is classified as lower-middle-income, primarily driven by agriculture, industry, and services, but faces challenges such as high inflation and external debt. Governed as a one-party communist state, Laos has seen gradual economic reforms while maintaining close ties with communist neighbors like China and Vietnam.

Geography

Laos is situated in Southeast Asia, sharing borders with Burma, Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. The country's terrain is predominantly rugged mountains, with substantial forest areas, and it features the Mekong River as a crucial waterway along its western boundary with Thailand.

Total Area: 236,800 sq km, about twice the size of Pennsylvania.
Highest Point: Phu Bia rises to 2,817 m.
Climate: Characterized as a tropical monsoon, with a rainy season lasting from May to November.

People and Society

As of 2024, Laos has an estimated population of 7,953,556, with a youthful demographic where 30.1% are between 0-14 years old. The nation's predominant religion is Buddhism, followed by a diverse array of ethnic groups, with the Lao people making up over half of the population.

Urban Population: 38.2% of total population (2023).
Literacy Rate: Approximately 85% (2015).
Median Age: 25.4 years (2024).

Economy

Laos has a lower-middle-income economy that has shown growth due to investments in natural resources, particularly hydropower and mining. However, the country faces challenges such as high inflation and ongoing labor shortages.

GDP (PPP): $66.905 billion (2024 est.).
Real GDP Growth Rate: Projected at 4.3% (2024).
Unemployment Rate: Estimated at 1.3% (2024).

Government

Laos operates as a communist party-led state, with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party holding power since the 1975 revolution. The country is divided into 17 provinces, governed under a system that combines civil law and political oversight from the party.

Capital: Vientiane (new spelling reflects French influence).
Suffrage: Universal at age 18.
Last Election: Held on 22 March 2021.

Military and Security

The Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF) encompasses the army, air force, and militia forces. The military's primary missions involve internal security and defense partnerships with regional allies.

Active Personnel: Estimated at 30,000.
Compulsory Military Service: Begins at age 18.
Military Budget: 0.2% of GDP (2019 est.).

Energy

Laos is rich in hydropower resources, and as of 2022, it boasts 100% electricity access for its population. The majority of its electricity generation comes from hydroelectric sources.

Installed Capacity: 12.738 million kW (2023).
Electricity Consumption: 12.803 billion kWh (2023).
Hydroelectric Contribution: 76.5% of total power generation (2023).

Environment

Laos faces several environmental issues, including deforestation and soil erosion, exacerbated by its reliance on agriculture and natural resources. The government is a party to multiple international environmental agreements.

Forested Area: 71.6% of land (2022 est.).
Urbanization Rate: 2.99% annual increase (2020-25 est.).
Water Pollution: Significant challenge impacting rural and urban areas.

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in Laos includes roads, railways, and air travel, providing critical links between urban and rural areas.

Total Railways: 422 km (2023).
Airports: 20 expected by 2025.
Merchant Marine: Comprises 1 general cargo ship.

Communications

Laos has made strides in improving its telecommunications, with a significant percentage of the population having access to mobile and internet services.

Internet Users: 64% of population (2023).
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 4.82 million (2021).
Fixed-line Subscriptions: 1.3 million (2021).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	7,953,556 (2024)
Area	236,800 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$66.905 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	1.3%	2024 est.
Birth Rate	19.8 births/1,000	2024 est.
Life Expectancy	69 years	2024 est.
Literacy Rate	85%	2015 est.