Laos

Continent

Asia

Capital

Vientiane (Viangchan)

Population

7,953,556

Sub-Zones

General Information

Basic details about Laos

Population:: 7,953,556
Area:: 236,800 sq km
Currency:: kips
Languages:: Lao, French, English, various ethnic languages

Economic Overview

Key economic indicators for Laos

GDP:: $64.173 billion
GDP per Capita:: $8,400
GDP Growth:: 3.75%
Inflation:: 31.23%
Unemployment:: 1.18%
Public Debt:: 63.6% of GDP
Credit Rating:: CCC (2020)

Political System

Governance structure of Laos

Government Type:: communist party-led state
Head of State:: President THONGLOUN Sisoulith (since 22 March 2021)
Head of Government:: Prime Minister SONEXAY (also spelled SONXAI) Siphandon (since 30 December 2022)
Judiciary:: 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)
Administrative Divisions:: 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

Major Political Parties

Not specified

International Relations

Global position and alliances

UN Member:: Yes
EU Member:: No
Diplomatic Presence:: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Major Alliances and Organizations

ASEAN

Economic Sectors & Trade

Detailed economic breakdown

Major Economic Sectors

Agriculture

16.1% (2023 est.)

Industry

30.5% (2023 est.)

Services

44% (2023 est.)note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

Trade Volume

Exports:: $9.698 billion
Imports:: $8.596 billion

Major Trading Partners

China 39

Thailand 34

Australia 4

USA 4

Cambodia 2

Economic Outlook

Laos has a 3.75% GDP growth rate with 31.23% inflation. The economy is characterized by a strong agriculture sector.