Laos
- Capital:
- Vientiane
- Continent:
- Asia
- Region(s):
- Southeast Asia
- Largest Cities:
- Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse
- Abbreviation:
- LAO
7,974,017
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
7,974,017
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
Laoss' population is projected to be 9,394,350 by 2097.
Historical
Switch the toggle to see projected data.
| Year ↓ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7,974,017 | 1.36% | 103 |
| 2025 | 7,873,046 | 1.39% | 103 |
| 2020 | 7,346,533 | 1.5% | 104 |
| 2019 | 7,237,636 | 1.54% | 104 |
| 2018 | 7,128,045 | 1.57% | 104 |
| 2017 | 7,018,147 | 1.58% | 106 |
| 2015 | 6,801,645 | 1.43% | 106 |
| 2010 | 6,334,194 | 1.54% | 106 |
| 2005 | 5,869,523 | 1.56% | 104 |
| 2000 | 5,431,212 | 1.96% | 103 |
| Year ↑ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7,974,017 | 1.36% | 103 |
| 2032 | 8,536,451 | 1.12% | 103 |
| 2037 | 8,947,243 | 0.94% | 102 |
| 2042 | 9,305,406 | 0.79% | 99 |
| 2047 | 9,605,806 | 0.64% | 100 |
| 2052 | 9,845,849 | 0.5% | 97 |
| 2057 | 10,019,089 | 0.35% | 99 |
| 2062 | 10,125,228 | 0.21% | 100 |
| 2067 | 10,166,112 | 0.08% | 101 |
| 2072 | 10,145,163 | -0.04% | 102 |
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Vientiane has a metropolitan area population of 680,798, comprising 8.54%% of Laos' total population.
| Rank | City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | % of National Pop. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vientiane | 680,798 | 8.54% |
| 2 | Luang Prabang | 82,630 | 1.04% |
| 3 | Pakse | 81,748 | 1.03% |
| 4 | Savannakhet | 72,911 | 0.91% |
| 5 | Phonsavan | 64,021 | 0.8% |
| 6 | Houayxay | 51,765 | 0.65% |
| 7 | Oudomxai | 47,243 | 0.59% |
| 8 | Phonthong | 43,477 | 0.55% |
| 9 | Luang Namtha | 41,050 | 0.51% |
| 10 | Paklay | 39,932 | 0.5% |
As of 2026, Laos has a total population of 7,974,017, ranking as the 103rd most populous nation in the world.
Laos has a net population change of approximately 273 people per day, driven by 438 births, 135 deaths, and net emigration of 30 people.
Laos represents 0.1% of the total global population and 0.16% of Asia's population.
Laos has a population density of 34.5 people per km² (approximately 89.5 per mi²), making it the 178th most densely populated country in the world.
Currently, 24.36% of the population resides in urban areas, a figure that is increasing annually.
*Rates last updated: June 16, 2026
As of 2026, the largest ethnicity in Laos is Lao (53.2%) , followed by Other (11.6%) .
As of 2026, Buddhist is the largest religion in Laos, comprising 64.7% of the population.