Laos Map: Geographical and Demographic Information

What You Need to Know About Laos

Laos, officially the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is a one-party communist state landlocked in Southeast Asia. The official language is Lao and the capital, as well as the largest city, is Vientiane. The currency used is the Kip (LAK).

The country covers approximately 236,800 km², making it the 80th largest in the world. Its population is estimated at 7.9 million inhabitants in 2025, which corresponds to a relatively low density of about 34 inhabitants per km². The inhabitants are called Laotians.

The population is young, with a median age of about 25 years. The life expectancy is 69.5 years on average (67.3 years for men and 71.8 years for women).

The telephone code is +856. Laos is a member of several international organizations, including the ASEAN, the AIIB, the Francophonie, and the G33.

Table – Laos: Geographical and Demographic Information

Element	Key Information
Total area	236,800 km²
Capital	Vientiane
Neighboring countries	China, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam
Coastline	None (landlocked country)
Estimated population	~7.9 million inhabitants (2025)
Population density	~33 inhabitants/km²
Relief	Mountains and plateaus, Mekong plain
Climate	Monsoon tropical: dry season (Nov-Apr), rainy season (May-Oct)
Official language	Lao
Economic resources	Hydroelectricity, agriculture (rice), timber, minerals
Special feature	The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia

Additional Points on the Map of Laos

• Laos is a landlocked country with no access to the sea, located in the heart of the Indochinese peninsula.
• The Mekong runs through the country from north to south and forms a natural border with Thailand.
• The physical map shows a very mountainous territory, poorly suited for intensive agriculture.
• The capital Vientiane is situated on the banks of the Mekong.
• The demographic map reveals a low density compared to its neighbors.

Which countries border Laos?

The neighbors of Laos are Burma, China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, which border it respectively to the northwest, west, south, and east. Here are the lengths of the borders:

• Laos-China: 200 km
• Laos-Burma: 150 km
• Laos-Thailand: 1000 km
• Laos-Vietnam: 1000 km
• Laos-Cambodia 150km

Its mountainous territory crossed by the Mekong makes it a strategic country at the heart of Indochina.

Population of Laos

The population of Laos is estimated at around 7.9 million inhabitants in 2025, with a population growth rate of about 1.2%. The fertility rate is around 2.5 children per woman.

The birth rate is about 22 ‰, while the death rate remains low, around 6 ‰. The life expectancy is 69.5 years on average (67.3 years for men and 71.8 years for women), slightly lower than that of other Southeast Asian countries.

The male/female ratio is balanced, close to 99 men for 100 women. The migration rate is low and remains slightly negative.

The population is mainly composed of Lao Loum (Lowland Laos) at about 68%, followed by the Lao Theung (Midland Laos, ~22%) and the Lao Soung (mountain minorities, ~9%). Religiously, Theravāda Buddhism is largely dominant, practiced by about 65% of the population, while the rest mainly follow animism and some other faiths.

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The colors of the Laos flag

The flag of Laos consists of three horizontal stripes:

• Red – Blue – Red, the blue stripe being twice as wide as the two red stripes.
• In the center of the blue stripe is a white disc.

Meaning of the colors

• Red: the blood shed for the independence and liberation of the people.
• Blue: the Mekong River, symbol of prosperity and fertility.
• White: the full moon, representing unity, harmony, and the bright future of the country.

The best places to visit in Laos

Vientiane

Unlike major Asian capitals, Vientiane feels more like a small, quiet town. The atmosphere is relaxed and the city still retains traces of French colonization, visible in its urban planning and gastronomy.
Among the must-see sites:

• the Patuxai Victory Monument, nicknamed the Victory Arch,
• the Wat Si Saket, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city,
• the Buddha Park, located outside the city, with more than 200 impressive statues.
  Walking along the banks of the Mekong at sunset and enjoying local cafés is a typically Viennese experience.

Vang Vieng

Surrounded by mountains and caves, Vang Vieng is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Hiking, climbing, kayaking, and quad biking are practiced there. Once known for its lively parties, the town now also attracts those seeking untouched nature, with its rivers and spectacular karst landscapes.

Luang Prabang

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia. A former royal capital, it is full of Buddhist temples, colonial houses, and traditional markets.
Visitors come to attend the monks’ morning ceremony, explore the Kuang Si waterfalls, or admire the sunset over the Mekong. The city also charms with its cuisine blending Lao traditions and French influences, as well as its night market rich in local crafts.

Pakse

Located in the south of the country, Pakse is the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau, known for its coffee plantations and spectacular waterfalls. The city is also an ideal starting point to explore the temples of Champassak, including the famous Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Savannakhet

The second largest city in Laos, Savannakhet is a charming stop to discover a mix of French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples. It is also known for its calm atmosphere, traditional markets, and its role as a commercial crossroads between Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Where the cities are located on the map of Laos

Vientiane

On the map of Laos, Vientiane is located in the southwest part of the country, on the banks of the Mekong, at the border with Thailand.

• Geographical coordinates: 17° 58′ N, 102° 37′ E

Vang Vieng

The town of Vang Vieng is located in Vientiane province, in the central-west part of the country. It is crossed by the Nam Song river, a tributary of the Mekong.

• Geographical coordinates: 18° 56′ N, 102° 27′ E

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, the capital of the province of the same name, is located in the north-central part of the country. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and architectural heritage.

Geographical coordinates: 19° 53′ 20″ N, 102° 08′ 00″ E

Climate map of Laos

Laos has a humid tropical climate marked by three main seasons:

• Rainy season: from May to October, under the influence of the monsoon.
• Cool and dry season: from November to February, with milder temperatures.
• Hot and dry season: from March to April, with often high temperatures.

Rainfall varies greatly depending on the region:

• Bolovens Plateau: up to 3,700 mm per year, one of the wettest areas in the country.
• Vientiane (capital): about 1,700 mm per year.

Temperatures average:

• Winter: between 10 °C and 23 °C, a mild rather than cold season.
• Summer: between 25 °C and 40 °C, with peaks above 42 °C in the plains.

Topography plays a major role:

• Mountainous areas remain cooler, even in summer.
• Plains and plateaus experience the highest heat.

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Economic Map of Laos

The economy of Laos is undergoing a transition. Formerly organized according to a centralized socialist model, it has been opening up for several decades to foreign investments, private ownership, and international trade, notably under the influence of the Chinese model.

The country benefits from rapid growth, although its per capita income remains low compared to its neighbors. The main economic drivers are:

• Hydropower: Laos is nicknamed the “battery of Southeast Asia” thanks to its dams.
• Textiles and agriculture: production of rice, coffee (notably on the Bolovens Plateau), timber, and rubber.
• Tourism: developing, supported by UNESCO (Luang Prabang, Vat Phou).

However, the country still faces:

• High poverty,
• Lack of infrastructure,
• its landlocked situation, which limits its exports.

Laos is a member of the ASEAN and the WTO, which facilitates its regional integration. It also has a stock exchange (LSX), enhancing its attractiveness to foreign investors.

Key Economic Data (2025)

• Currency: Kip (LAK)
• Status: developing country
• Nominal GDP: ~ 19.1 billion USD
• GDP (PPP): ~ 58.1 billion USD
• Annual GDP growth: ~ 6%
• GDP per capita (nominal): ~ 2,680 USD
• GDP per capita (PPP): ~ 8,100 USD
• Population below poverty line (≤ 3.20 USD/day): ~ 59%
• Human Development Index (HDI): 0.604
• Employment rate: ~ 37%
• Unemployment rate: ~ 9%

Administrative and Demolinguistic Data

Administrative Subdivisions

Administratively, Laos is divided into 17 provinces plus one municipality and one special region. These last two are: Kampheng nakhon and Khetphiset.

Here are the 17 provinces:

• Attapeu
• Bokèo
• Borikhamxay
• Champassack
• Houaphan
• Khammouane
• Louang Nam Tha
• Louang Prabang
• Oudômxay
• Phôngsaly
• Saravane
• Savannakhét
• Vientiane (city)
• Vientiane (province)
• Sayaboury (Xaignabury)
• Saysômboun (special region)
• Sékong and Xiang Khouang

The second level of subdivision consists of 142 districts which are further divided into 11,386 villages.

Demolinguistic Data

There are more than 130 Laotian ethnic groups including several subgroups and lineages.

Lao-Thai:

• Lao
• Phouthai
• Thais
• Lü
• Gnouanes
• Youngs
• Saek
• Thaïs Neua.

Kuemu (Khmou)

• Pray
• Singmou
• Khom
• Thene
• Idou
• Bit
• Lamed
• Samtao
• Katang
• Makong
• Try
• Trieng
• Ta-oi
• Yeh
• Brao
• Harak
• Katou
• Oi
• Krieng
• Yarou
• Yeh
• Souai
• Gnaheune
• Lavy
• Kabkae
• Khmer
• Toum
• Ngouane
• Meuan
• Kri

Sino-Tibetan including eight groups:

• Akha
• Sing
• Sali
• Lahou
• Sila
• Hayi
• Lolo
•  

Hmong-Mien

• Hmong
• Mien (Yao).

FAQ – Laos map: 3 questions