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East Asia & Pacific / LAO

Lao PDR

Lao PDR flag
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2021 Factbook flag mirror; image identity has not been individually audited. Source.

Last updated: October 29, 2026

World Bank directory: capital Vientiane · 18.5826°, 102.177° · sourceRetrieved 2026-10-29 · single source, unverified; directory metadata may be stale.
Lao PDR: CIA World Factbook map from 2021; original boundary notes preserved.
ⓘCIA World Factbook map, February 2021 media edition. Identity reviewed; current boundaries have not been audited. visual contact sheet or original identity check; does not verify current boundaries Boundaries, place names and designations may be dated or disputed; original annotations retained. SHA-256: b42e6deb48596fc58f1fa81419d52962e4f3f131ed60331d4f2e5b0dc7281a2c. Provenance and inspection record.

Introduction

Background:1

Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years, Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century, when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. Following more than 15 years of civil war, the communist Pathet Lao took control of the government in 1975, ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a one party--the Lao People's Revolutionary Party--communist state. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in the late 1980s. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997 and the WTO in 2013.

In the 2010s, the country benefited from direct foreign investment, particularly in the natural resource and industry sectors. Construction of a number of large hydropower dams and expanding mining activities have also boosted the economy. Laos has retained its official commitment to communism and maintains close ties with its two communist neighbors, Vietnam and China, both of which continue to exert substantial political and economic influence on the country. China, for example, provided 70% of the funding for a $5.9 billion, 400-km railway line between the Chinese border and the capital Vientiane, which opened for operations in 2021. Laos financed the remaining 30% with loans from China. At the same time, Laos has expanded its economic reliance on the West and other Asian countries, such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Nevertheless, despite steady economic growth for more than a decade, it remains one of Asia's poorest countries.

Geography

Location:2

Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:3

18 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:4

Southeast Asia

Area:5

Surface area: 236,800 square kilometers (2024)

total:236,800 sq km
land:230,800 sq km
water:6,000 sq km

Area - comparative:7

about twice the size of Pennsylvania; slightly larger than Utah

Land boundaries:8

total:5,274 km
border countries (5):Burma 238 km; Cambodia 555 km; China 475 km; Thailand 1,845 km; Vietnam 2,161 km

Coastline:9

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:10

none (landlocked)

Climate:11

tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)

Terrain:12

mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Elevation:13

highest point:Phu Bia 2,817 m
lowest point:Mekong River 70 m
mean elevation:710 m

Natural resources:14

timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Land use:15

agricultural land:9.9% (2023 est.)
arable land:5.3% (2023 est.)
permanent crops:1.7% (2023 est.)
permanent pasture:2.9% (2023 est.)
forest:56.8% (2023 est.)
other:33.3% (2023 est.)

Irrigated land:16

4,410 sq km (2022)

Major rivers (by length in km):17

Mènam Khong (Mekong) (shared with China [s], Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam [m]) - 4,350 km

note:[s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth

Major watersheds (area sq km):18

Pacific Ocean drainage:Mekong (805,604 sq km)

Population distribution:19

most densely populated area is in and around the capital city of Vientiane; large communities are primarily found along the Mekong River along the southwestern border; overall density is considered one of the lowest in Southeast Asia

Natural hazards:20

floods, droughts

Geography - note:21

landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand

People and Society

Population:22

Population: 7,873,046 people (2025)

total:7,953,556 (2024 est.)
male:3,966,320
female:3,987,236

Nationality:24

noun:Lao(s) or Laotian(s)
adjective:Lao or Laotian

Ethnic groups:25

Lao 53.2%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 9.2%, Phouthay 3.4%, Tai 3.1%, Makong 2.5%, Katong 2.2%, Lue 2%, Akha 1.8%, other 11.6% (2015 est.)

note:the Laos Government officially recognizes 49 ethnic groups, but the total number of ethnic groups is estimated to be well over 200

Languages:26

Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages

major-language sample(s)
major-language sample(s):ແຫລ່ງທີ່ຂາດບໍ່ໄດ້ສຳລັບຂໍ້ມູນຕົ້ນຕໍ່” (Lao)
major-language sample(s):The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

Religions:27

Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.)

Age structure:28

0-14 years:30.1% (male 1,214,429/female 1,181,845)
15-64 years:65% (male 2,573,668/female 2,599,957)
65 years and over:4.8% (2024 est.) (male 178,223/female 205,434)

Dependency ratios:29

total dependency ratio:53.7 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio:46.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio:7.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio:13.5 (2024 est.)

Median age:30

total:25.4 years (2024 est.)
male:25 years
female:25.7 years

Population growth rate:31

Population growth rate: 1.32 % annually (2025)

1.26% (2024 est.)

Birth rate:33

Crude birth rate: 20.93 births per 1,000 people (2024)

19.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Death rate:35

Crude death rate: 6.19 deaths per 1,000 people (2024)

6.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Net migration rate:37

-1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Population distribution:38

most densely populated area is in and around the capital city of Vientiane; large communities are primarily found along the Mekong River along the southwestern border; overall density is considered one of the lowest in Southeast Asia

Urbanization:39

Urban population: 40.31 % of population (2025)

urban population:38.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization:2.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Major urban areas - population:41

721,000 VIENTIANE (capital) (2023)

Sex ratio:42

at birth:1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years:1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years:0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.87 male(s)/female
total population:1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Maternal mortality ratio:43

Maternal mortality ratio: 112 deaths per 100,000 live births (2023)

112 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

Infant mortality rate:45

Infant mortality rate: 27.2 deaths per 1,000 live births (2024)

total:35.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male:39.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female:31.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:47

Life expectancy at birth: 69.23 years (2024)

total population:69 years (2024 est.)
male:67.4 years
female:70.7 years

Total fertility rate:49

Total fertility rate: 2.4 births per woman (2024)

2.24 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Gross reproduction rate:51

1.1 (2024 est.)

Drinking water source:52

At least basic drinking water services: 95.86 % of population (2024)

improved
urban:97.1% of population (2022 est.)
rural:78.5% of population (2022 est.)
total:85.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved
urban:2.9% of population (2022 est.)
rural:21.5% of population (2022 est.)
total:14.5% of population (2022 est.)

Health expenditure:54

Current health expenditure: 1.33 % of GDP (2023)

Health expenditure (as % of GDP):2.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget):4.3% of national budget (2022 est.)

Physician density:56

Physicians: 0.33 per 1,000 people (2022)

0.33 physicians/1,000 population (2022)

Hospital bed density:58

1.3 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)

Sanitation facility access:59

At least basic sanitation services: 88.73 % of population (2024)

improved
urban:100% of population (2022 est.)
rural:72% of population (2022 est.)
total:82.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved
urban:0% of population (2022 est.)
rural:28% of population (2022 est.)
total:17.5% of population (2022 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate:61

5.3% (2016)

Alcohol consumption per capita:62

total:8.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer:3.62 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine:0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits:4.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols:0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Tobacco use:63

total:24.1% (2025 est.)
male:41% (2025 est.)
female:7.2% (2025 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight:64

24.3% (2023 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49):65

60.1% (2023 est.)

Child marriage:66

women married by age 15:7.1% (2017)
women married by age 18:32.7% (2017)
men married by age 18:10.8% (2017)

Education expenditure:67

Government education expenditure: 1.23 % of GDP (2023)

Education expenditure (% GDP):1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget):8.2% national budget (2024 est.)

Literacy:69

Adult literacy rate: 75.64 % of people aged 15 and over (2023)

total population:75.6% (2023 est.)
male:85.1% (2023 est.)
female:66.7% (2023 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):71

total:9 years (2023 est.)
male:9 years (2023 est.)
female:9 years (2023 est.)

Environment

Environmental issues:72

unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; water pollution; limited access to potable water

International environmental agreements:73

party to:Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified:none of the selected agreements

Climate:74

tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)

Land use:75

agricultural land:9.9% (2023 est.)
arable land:5.3% (2023 est.)
permanent crops:1.7% (2023 est.)
permanent pasture:2.9% (2023 est.)
forest:56.8% (2023 est.)
other:33.3% (2023 est.)

Urbanization:76

urban population:38.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization:2.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions:77

total emissions:23.412 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke:19.652 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids:3.76 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Particulate matter emissions:78

20.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Waste and recycling:79

municipal solid waste generated annually:351,900 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled:15.1% (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal:80

municipal:130 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial:170 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural:7.05 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total renewable water resources:81

333.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Government

Country name:82

conventional long form:Lao People's Democratic Republic
conventional short form:Laos
local long form:Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao
local short form:Mueang Lao (unofficial)
abbreviation:Lao PDR
etymology:name means "Land of the Lao [people];" it derives from the name of the country's founder, Lao

Government type:83

communist party-led state

Capital:84

name:Vientiane (Viangchan)
geographic coordinates:17 58 N, 102 36 E
time difference:UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology:the name Viangchan means "city of sandalwood" in Laotian; the standard spelling reflects French influence

Administrative divisions:85

17 provinces ( khoueng , singular and plural) and 1 prefecture* ( kampheng nakhon ); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxay, Champasak, Houaphanh, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang (Luang Prabang), Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun, Xekong, Xiangkhouang

Legal system:86

civil law system similar in form to the French system

Constitution:87

history:previous 1947 (pre-independence); latest promulgated 13-15 August 1991
amendment process:proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the president of the republic

International law organization participation:88

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Citizenship:89

citizenship by birth:no
citizenship by descent only:at least one parent must be a citizen of Laos
dual citizenship recognized:no
residency requirement for naturalization:10 years

Suffrage:90

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:91

chief of state:President THONGLOUN Sisoulith (since 22 March 2021)
head of government:Prime Minister SONEXAY (also spelled SONXAI) Siphandon (since 30 December 2022)
cabinet:Council of Ministers appointed by the president and approved by the National Assembly
election/appointment process:president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (no term limits); prime minister nominated by the president, elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term
most recent election date:22 March 2021
election results
election results:2021: THONGLOUN Sisoulith (LPRP) elected president; National Assembly vote - 161-1; PHANKHAM Viphavanh (LPRP) elected prime minister; National Assembly vote - 158-3
election results:BOUNNHANG Vorachit (LPRP) elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA; THONGLOUN Sisoulith (LPRP) elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - NA
expected date of next election:March 2026

Legislative branch:92

legislature name:National Assembly (Sapha Heng Xat)
legislative structure:unicameral
number of seats:164 (all directly elected)
electoral system:plurality/majority
scope of elections:full renewal
term in office:5 years
most recent election date:2/21/2021
parties elected and seats per party:Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) (158); Other (6)
percentage of women in chamber:22%
expected date of next election:February 2026

Judicial branch:93

highest court(s):People's Supreme Court (consists of the court president and organized into criminal, civil, administrative, commercial, family, and juvenile chambers, each with a vice president and several judges)
judge selection and term of office:president of People's Supreme Court appointed by the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the president of the republic for a 5-year term; vice presidents of the People's Supreme Court appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the National Assembly; appointment of chamber judges NA; tenure of court vice presidents and chamber judges NA
subordinate courts:appellate courts; provincial, municipal, district, and military courts

Political parties:94

Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP

note:other parties proscribed

Diplomatic representation in the US:95

chief of mission:Ambassador PHOUKHONG Sisoulath (since 5 September 2025)
chancery:2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:[1] (202) 332-6416
FAX:[1] (202) 332-4923
email address and website
email address and website:embasslao@gmail.com
email address and website:https://laoembassy.com/

Diplomatic representation from the US:96

chief of mission:Ambassador Heather VARIAVA (since 5 February 2024)
embassy:Ban Somvang Tai, Thadeua Road, Km 9, Hatsayfong District, Vientiane
mailing address:4350 Vientiane Place, Washington DC 20521-4350
telephone:[856] 21-48-7000
FAX:[856] 21-48-7040
email address and website
email address and website:CONSLAO@state.gov
email address and website:https://la.usembassy.gov/

International organization participation:97

ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Independence:98

19 July 1949 (from France); 22 October 1953 (Franco-Lao Treaty recognizes full independence)

National holiday:99

Republic Day (National Day), 2 December (1975)

Flag:100

description:three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double-width), and red, with a large white disk centered in the blue band
meaning:red stands for the blood shed for liberation, and blue for the Mekong River and prosperity; the white disk represents the full moon over the Mekong River and the unity of the people under the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, as well as the country's bright future

National symbol(s):101

elephant

National color(s):102

red, white, blue

National anthem(s):103

title:"Pheng Xat Lao" (Hymn of the Lao People)
lyrics/music:SISANA Sisane/THONGDY Sounthonevichit
history:music adopted 1945, lyrics adopted 1975; the anthem's lyrics were changed after the communist revolution that overthrew the monarchy in 1975

National heritage:104

total World Heritage Sites:3 (all cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales:Town of Luangphrabang ; Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements; Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang - Plain of Jars

Economy

Economic overview:105

lower middle-income, industrial Southeast Asian economy; high inflation due to 2022 currency depreciation brought on by persistently high debt; new Laos-China railway and dry port; rising inequities; ongoing labor shortages

Real GDP (purchasing power parity):106

$66.905 billion (2024 est.)

$64.173 billion (2023 est.)

$61.856 billion (2022 est.)

note:data in 2021 dollars

Real GDP growth rate:107

4.3% (2024 est.)

3.7% (2023 est.)

2.7% (2022 est.)

note:annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Real GDP per capita:108

$8,600 (2024 est.)

$8,400 (2023 est.)

$8,200 (2022 est.)

note:data in 2021 dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):109

GDP: 18,302,970,218.59 current US dollars (2025)

$16.503 billion (2024 est.)

note:data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Inflation rate (consumer prices):111

23.1% (2024 est.)

31.2% (2023 est.)

23% (2022 est.)

note:annual % change based on consumer prices

GDP - composition, by sector of origin:112

agriculture:16.8% (2024 est.)
industry:29% (2024 est.)
services:43.5% (2024 est.)
note:figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

GDP - composition, by end use:113

household consumption:65.7% (2016 est.)
government consumption:14% (2016 est.)
investment in fixed capital:29% (2016 est.)
investment in inventories:0% (2016 est.)
exports of goods and services:33.2% (2016 est.)
imports of goods and services:-41.9% (2016 est.)
note:figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Agricultural products:114

cassava, root vegetables, rice, sugarcane, vegetables, bananas, maize, rubber, coffee, watermelons (2023)

note:top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Industries:115

mining (copper, tin, gold, gypsum); timber, electric power, agricultural processing, rubber, construction, garments, cement, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:116

3.9% (2024 est.)

note:annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Labor force:117

3.585 million (2024 est.)

note:number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Unemployment rate:118

1.3% (2024 est.)

1.2% (2023 est.)

1.3% (2022 est.)

note:% of labor force seeking employment

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):119

total:2.2% (2024 est.)
male:2.4% (2024 est.)
female:2.1% (2024 est.)
note:% of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Population below poverty line:120

18.3% (2018 est.)

note:% of population with income below national poverty line

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:121

38.8 (2018 est.)

note:index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Average household expenditures:122

on food:50.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco:7.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:123

lowest 10%:3% (2018 est.)
highest 10%:31.2% (2018 est.)
note:% share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Remittances:124

1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)

1.5% of GDP (2022 est.)

1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)

note:personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Budget:125

revenues:$2.288 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures:$2.259 billion (2022 est.)
note:central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

Public debt:126

58.4% of GDP (2016 est.)

Taxes and other revenues:127

12.1% (of GDP) (2022 est.)

note:central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Current account balance:128

$404.523 million (2023 est.)

-$458.754 million (2022 est.)

$431.636 million (2021 est.)

note:balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Exports:129

$9.698 billion (2023 est.)

$8.604 billion (2022 est.)

$7.82 billion (2021 est.)

note:balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports - partners:130

China 39%, Thailand 34%, Australia 4%, USA 4%, Cambodia 2% (2023)

note:top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Exports - commodities:131

electricity, fertilizers, gold, garments, paper (2023)

note:top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Imports:132

$8.596 billion (2023 est.)

$7.983 billion (2022 est.)

$6.527 billion (2021 est.)

note:balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Imports - partners:133

Thailand 58%, China 36%, Japan 1%, Singapore 1%, Germany 1% (2023)

note:top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Imports - commodities:134

refined petroleum, cars, raw sugar, plastic products, trucks (2023)

note:top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:135

$1.77 billion (2023 est.)

$1.576 billion (2022 est.)

$1.951 billion (2021 est.)

note:holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Debt - external:136

$9.619 billion (2023 est.)

note:present value of external debt in current US dollars

Exchange rates:137

Currency:kips (LAK) per US dollar -

17,688.874 (2023 est.)

14,035.227 (2022 est.)

9,697.916 (2021 est.)

9,045.788 (2020 est.)

8,679.409 (2019 est.)

Energy

Electricity access:138

electrification - total population:100% (2022 est.)

Electricity:139

installed generating capacity:12.738 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption:12.803 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports:38 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports:955.095 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses:2.447 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources:140

fossil fuels:23.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar:0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity:76.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste:0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Coal:141

production:16.629 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption:15.944 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports:1.065 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports:22,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves:62 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Petroleum:142

refined petroleum consumption:25,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Energy consumption per capita:143

Total energy consumption per capita 2023:34.463 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines:144

total subscriptions:1.3 million (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:18 (2022 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular:145

total subscriptions:4.82 million (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:65 (2021 est.)

Broadcast media:146

6 TV stations operating out of Vientiane, with half state-operated and half commercial; 17 provincial stations, with nearly all programming relayed via satellite from the state-operated stations in Vientiane; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems provide access to a wide range of foreign stations; state-controlled radio with state-operated Lao National Radio (LNR) broadcasting on 5 frequencies; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible

Internet country code:147

.la

Internet users:148

percent of population:64% (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions:149

total:183,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:2 (2022 est.)

Transportation

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:150

RDPL

Airports:151

20 (2025)

Railways:152

total:422 km (2023)
standard gauge:422 km (2023) 1.435-m gauge (422 km overhead electrification)

Merchant marine:153

total:1 (2023)
by type:general cargo 1

Military and Security

Military and security forces:154

Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF; aka Lao People's Army): Lao People's Army (LPA, includes Riverine Force), Lao People's Air Force (LPAF); Self-Defense Militia Forces (2025)

note:the Ministry of Public Security maintains internal security and is responsible for law enforcement; it oversees local, traffic, immigration, and security police, village police auxiliaries, and other armed police units

Military expenditures:155

0.2% of GDP (2019 est.)

0.2% of GDP (2018 est.)

0.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

0.2% of GDP (2016 est.)

0.2% of GDP (2015 est.)

Military and security service personnel strengths:156

information limited and varied; estimated 30,000 active Armed Forces; estimated 100,000 Self-Defense Militia Forces (2025)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:157

the LPAF is armed with Chinese, Russian, and Soviet-era equipment and weapons (2024)

Military service age and obligation:158

18 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; minimum 18-month service obligation (2023)

Military - note:159

the LPAF’s primary missions are border and internal security, including counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, and counter-narcotics operations, as well as protecting the regime; its defense partners include Cambodia, China, Russia, and Vietnam (2025)

Transnational Issues

Refugees and internally displaced persons:160

IDPs:1,274 (2024 est.)

Trafficking in persons:161

tier rating:Tier 3 — Laos does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore, Laos was downgraded to Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/laos/

Illicit drugs:162

USG identification
USG identification:major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)

Additional observations

Real GDP growth163
4.54 % annual change (2025)
Consumer price inflation164
7.74 % annual change (2025)
Unemployment (modeled ILO estimate)165
1.19 % of labor force (2025)
Access to electricity166
96.5 % of population (2024)
Renewable energy share of total final energy consumption167
49.2 % (2022)
Individuals using the internet168
65.59 % of population (2024)

Historical observations

Notes & sources

  1. Background. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  2. Location. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  3. Geographic coordinates. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  4. Map references. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  5. Area. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. The archived total area has no reference year and territorial coverage may differ from World Bank surface area. World Bank: 236,800 square kilometers (2024). Reference: 236,800 square kilometers. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  6. Surface area. Surface area: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. The archived total area has no reference year and territorial coverage may differ from World Bank surface area. World Bank: 236,800 square kilometers (2024). Reference: 236,800 square kilometers. ↩
  7. Area - comparative. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  8. Land boundaries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  9. Coastline. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  10. Maritime claims. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  11. Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  12. Terrain. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  13. Elevation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  14. Natural resources. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  15. Land use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  16. Irrigated land. Reference edition; observation: 2022. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  17. Major rivers (by length in km). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  18. Major watersheds (area sq km). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  19. Population distribution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  20. Natural hazards. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  21. Geography - note. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  22. Population. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 7,873,046 people (2025). Reference: 7,953,556 people (2024). Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  23. Population. Population: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 7,873,046 people (2025). Reference: 7,953,556 people (2024). ↩
  24. Nationality. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  25. Ethnic groups. Reference edition; observation: 2015 est.. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  26. Languages. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  27. Religions. Reference edition; observation: 2015 est.. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  28. Age structure. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  29. Dependency ratios. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  30. Median age. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  31. Population growth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  32. Population growth rate. Population growth rate: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  33. Birth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  34. Crude birth rate. Crude birth rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  35. Death rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  36. Crude death rate. Crude death rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  37. Net migration rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  38. Population distribution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  39. Urbanization. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  40. Urban population. Urban population: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  41. Major urban areas - population. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  42. Sex ratio. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  43. Maternal mortality ratio. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  44. Maternal mortality ratio. Maternal mortality ratio: observation 2023; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  45. Infant mortality rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  46. Infant mortality rate. Infant mortality rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  47. Life expectancy at birth. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  48. Life expectancy at birth. Life expectancy at birth: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  49. Total fertility rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  50. Total fertility rate. Total fertility rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  51. Gross reproduction rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  52. Drinking water source. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  53. At least basic drinking water services. At least basic drinking water services: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. This separately sourced basic-service observation is shown alongside the reference edition’s improved/unimproved categories. It does not replace those category totals. ↩
  54. Health expenditure. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  55. Current health expenditure. Current health expenditure: observation 2023; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  56. Physician density. Reference edition; observation: 2022. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  57. Physicians. Physicians: observation 2022; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  58. Hospital bed density. Reference edition; observation: 2021. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  59. Sanitation facility access. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  60. At least basic sanitation services. At least basic sanitation services: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. This separately sourced basic-service observation is shown alongside the reference edition’s improved/unimproved categories. It does not replace those category totals. ↩
  61. Obesity - adult prevalence rate. Reference edition; observation: 2016. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  62. Alcohol consumption per capita. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  63. Tobacco use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  64. Children under the age of 5 years underweight. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  65. Currently married women (ages 15-49). Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  66. Child marriage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  67. Education expenditure. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  68. Government education expenditure. Government education expenditure: observation 2023; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  69. Literacy. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  70. Adult literacy rate. Adult literacy rate: observation 2023; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  71. School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  72. Environmental issues. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  73. International environmental agreements. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  74. Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  75. Land use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  76. Urbanization. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  77. Carbon dioxide emissions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  78. Particulate matter emissions. Reference edition; observation: 2019. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  79. Waste and recycling. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  80. Total water withdrawal. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  81. Total renewable water resources. Reference edition; observation: 2022. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  82. Country name. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  83. Government type. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  84. Capital. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  85. Administrative divisions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  86. Legal system. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  87. Constitution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  88. International law organization participation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  89. Citizenship. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  90. Suffrage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  91. Executive branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  92. Legislative branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  93. Judicial branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  94. Political parties. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  95. Diplomatic representation in the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  96. Diplomatic representation from the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  97. International organization participation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  98. Independence. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  99. National holiday. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  100. Flag. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  101. National symbol(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  102. National color(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  103. National anthem(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  104. National heritage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  105. Economic overview. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  106. Real GDP (purchasing power parity). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  107. Real GDP growth rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  108. Real GDP per capita. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  109. GDP (official exchange rate). Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 18,302,970,218.59 current US dollars (2025). Reference: 16,503,000,000 current US dollars (2024). Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  110. GDP. GDP: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 18,302,970,218.59 current US dollars (2025). Reference: 16,503,000,000 current US dollars (2024). ↩
  111. Inflation rate (consumer prices). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  112. GDP - composition, by sector of origin. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  113. GDP - composition, by end use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  114. Agricultural products. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  115. Industries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  116. Industrial production growth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  117. Labor force. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  118. Unemployment rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  119. Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  120. Population below poverty line. Reference edition; observation: 2018. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  121. Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  122. Average household expenditures. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  123. Household income or consumption by percentage share. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  124. Remittances. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  125. Budget. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  126. Public debt. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  127. Taxes and other revenues. Reference edition; observation: 2022. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  128. Current account balance. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  129. Exports. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  130. Exports - partners. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  131. Exports - commodities. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  132. Imports. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  133. Imports - partners. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  134. Imports - commodities. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  135. Reserves of foreign exchange and gold. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  136. Debt - external. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  137. Exchange rates. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  138. Electricity access. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  139. Electricity. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  140. Electricity generation sources. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  141. Coal. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  142. Petroleum. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  143. Energy consumption per capita. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  144. Telephones - fixed lines. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  145. Telephones - mobile cellular. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  146. Broadcast media. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  147. Internet country code. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  148. Internet users. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  149. Broadband - fixed subscriptions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  150. Civil aircraft registration country code prefix. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  151. Airports. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  152. Railways. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  153. Merchant marine. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  154. Military and security forces. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  155. Military expenditures. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  156. Military and security service personnel strengths. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  157. Military equipment inventories and acquisitions. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  158. Military service age and obligation. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  159. Military - note. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  160. Refugees and internally displaced persons. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  161. Trafficking in persons. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  162. Illicit drugs. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:33 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  163. Real GDP growth. Real GDP growth: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Gross domestic product is the total income earned through the production of goods and services in an economic territory during an accounting period. It can be measured in three different ways: using either the expenditure approach, the income approach, or the production approach. This indicator denotes the percentage change over each previous year of the constant price (base year 2015) series in United States dollars. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?format=json ↩
  164. Consumer price inflation. Consumer price inflation: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Inflation as measured by the consumer price index reflects the annual percentage change in the cost to the average consumer of acquiring a basket of goods and services that may be fixed or changed at specified intervals, such as yearly. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG?format=json ↩
  165. Unemployment (modeled ILO estimate). Unemployment (modeled ILO estimate): observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment. The ILO modeled estimate is not necessarily directly comparable with national unemployment measures. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS?format=json ↩
  166. Access to electricity. Access to electricity: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Access to electricity is the percentage of population with access to electricity. Electrification data are collected from industry, national surveys and international sources. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS?format=json ↩
  167. Renewable energy share of total final energy consumption. Renewable energy share of total final energy consumption: observation 2022; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Renewable energy consumption is the share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS?format=json ↩
  168. Individuals using the internet. Individuals using the internet: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/IT.NET.USER.ZS?format=json ↩
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Countries & territories

Same-year values. Equal values share a rank.

Sources & method

Ranks cover available countries and territories, using the same indicator, source unit and reference year. Unrounded source values determine ties. Coverage is not a sovereign-country or complete global ranking; national definitions may differ. Missing values and other years are excluded. The information icon preserves the original number, unit and evidence.

RankCountry or territoryValue
Source information