
Laos
🇱🇦 South-Eastern Asia · Lao People's Democratic Republic
How Laos ranks globally
About Laos
Laos (officially Lao People's Democratic Republic) is a country in South-Eastern Asia, with Vientiane as its capital. It is home to roughly 7.87 million people, giving a population density of about 33 people per square kilometre. The country covers 236,800 km² of land and shares land borders with 5 neighbouring countries. Its economy is valued at approximately $18.3B in nominal GDP (2025), and it records a Human Development Index of 0.617. The official currency is the Lao kip (LAK), and the main language is Lao.
Key indicators
💹 Economy
👥 People
🌍 Quality of Life
GDP over time
How Laos measures up
Did you know?
Laos is the 102nd most populous country in the world, with about 7.87 million people.
By land area it is the 82nd-largest country in the world, covering 236,800 km².
It has the world's 136th-largest economy by nominal GDP ($18.3B).
Laos shares land borders with 5 countries.
It is classed by the UN as a country of medium human development, with an HDI of 0.617.
Laos has a population density of about 33 people per square kilometre.
Quick quiz — do you know Laos?
What is the capital of Laos?
Travel & practical
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Neighbouring countries
More countries in Asia
Explore more: all countries · all comparisons