Laos is located in South-Eastern Asia, and its capital is Vientiane. It has a population of approximately 7,769,819 and covers an area of about 236,800 km². Its official currency is the Lao kip (LAK).
What stands out
People & place
32.8 /km² across 236,800 km²
Laos has a recorded population of 7,769,819 and a reported surface area of 236,800 km².
Economic snapshot
$16.50 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $16.50 billion and GDP per capita at $2,124 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia known for its mountainous terrain, rich cultural heritage, and Buddhist traditions.
Located between Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar, Laos features the Mekong River along its western border, rugged highlands, plateaus, and dense tropical forests.
Laotian culture is heavily influenced by Theravada Buddhism, with vibrant festivals such as Pi Mai (Lunar New Year), traditional music, dance, and weaving of silk textiles.
From the ancient Kingdom of Lan Xang (14th‑18th centuries) to French colonial rule and the establishment of a communist state in 1975, Laos has a complex history marked by resilience and cultural continuity.
Key facts
Capital: Vientiane
Population: ~7.5 million (2023 est.)
Official language: Lao
Currency: Lao kip (LAK)
Area: 237,955 km²
Time zone: Indochina Time (UTC+7)
UN member since 1955
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Laos has a recorded population of approximately 7,769,819 people.
How big is Laos?
Laos covers an area of about 236,800 km².
What is the population density of Laos?
Laos has a population density of roughly 32.8 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Laos?
Laos has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $16.50 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Laos?
Laos has a GDP per capita of approximately $2,124.
What currency is used in Laos?
Laos uses the Lao kip (LAK), with the symbol ₭.
Where is Laos located?
Laos is located in South-Eastern Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Laos?
The native name of Laos is ສປປລາວ.
What are people from Laos called?
People from Laos are referred to as Lao, Laotian.
What is the phone calling code for Laos?
The international dialing code for Laos is +856.
What is the internet domain for Laos?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Laos is .la.
What time zone is Laos in?
Laos uses the Asia/Vientiane time zone.
What is Laos known for?
Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia known for its mountainous terrain, rich cultural heritage, and Buddhist traditions.
South-Eastern Asia