Introduction
Background
Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang. 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. In 1975, the communist Pathet Lao took control of the government. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988.
Geography
Area
total : 236,800 sq km
land: 230,800 sq km
water: 6,000 sq km
Climate
tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)
Natural resources
timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones
People and Society
Population
total: 7,953,556
Ethnic groups
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.)
Languages
Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages
Religions
Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.)
Population growth rate
1.26% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
communist party-led state
Capital
name: Vientiane (Viangchan)
Executive branch
chief of state: President THONGLOUN Sisoulith (since 22 March 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister SONEXAY Siphandon (since 30 December 2022)
Legislative branch
summary: unicameral National Assembly (164 seats)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Sisavath INPHACHANH (since 7 June 2022)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Michelle OUTLAW (since August 2023)
Economy
Economic overview
lower middle-income, socialist Southeast Asian economy; one of the fastest growing economies; declining but still high poverty; natural resource rich; new anticorruption efforts; already high and growing public debt; service sector hit hard by COVID-19
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$64.173 billion (2023 est.)
$61.856 billion (2022 est.)
$60.225 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$8,400 (2023 est.)
$8,200 (2022 est.)
$8,100 (2021 est.)
Exports
$8.604 billion (2022 est.)
$7.82 billion (2021 est.)
$6.461 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners
Thailand 35%, China 29%, Vietnam 10%, Australia 4%, US 3% (2022)
Exports - commodities
electricity, gold, rubber, fertilizers, paper (2022)
Imports
$7.772 billion (2022 est.)
$6.527 billion (2021 est.)
$5.816 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners
Thailand 56%, China 26%, Vietnam 8%, Malaysia 3%, Singapore 1% (2022)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, gold, electrical machinery, raw sugar, plastic products (2022)
Page last updated: Monday, September 09, 2024
