Laos

Laos Quick Facts…

Official NameLao People’s Democratic Republic
Common NameLaos – /laʊs/
NationalityLao(s) or Laotian(s) – noun, Lao or Laotian – adjective
IndependenceReceived in 1953 (Franco-Lao Treaty recognizes full independence)
Administrative Divisions17 provinces and 1 prefecture
Total Population8.0 million (#103) with 38.2% urbanized – 2024 estimate
Major Urban AreasVientiane (capital city)
Major LanguagesLao (official), Khmer
Electricity Access100% of total population
Internet Access62% of total population
CurrencyKips (LAK)
Real GDP (PPP)$60.0 billion – 2022 estimate
Real GDP per Capita$7,900 (#154) – 2022 estimate
Total Area236,800 sq km / 91,429 sq mi (#84) with 2.5% water area
Geographic RegionAsia – Southeastern Asia
Bordering CountriesBurma, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Vietnam
Bordering Water BodiesNone

National Anthem: “Pheng Xat Lao” (Hymn of the Lao People)