Laos/Society

Society in Laos

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
7.7M(2023)
Population Growth
1.4%(2023)
Fertility Rate
2.42(2023)
Death Rate
6.2 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-10.3K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
69.0 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
39 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
112 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
2%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
87.5%(2022)
Primary Enrollment
91.5%(2018)
Secondary Enrollment
54.5%(2023)
Tertiary Enrollment
14.9(2023)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
1.2%(2023)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
63.6%(2023)
Access to Electricity
96.5%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
85.5%(2022)
Urban Population
2.9M(2023)
Rural Population
4.7M(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Laos

  • Laos has an estimated population of 7.7M
    2023
    A steady annual growth rate of 1.4%
    2023
    supports sustained population expansion, providing a stable base for economic development. The fertility rate of 2.4 births per woman
    2023
    is above replacement level, ensuring sustainable long-term population stability without significant external migration. Net emigration of approximately 10K individuals annually (or 1.3 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    adds pressure to demographic transitions and workforce sustainability.
  • Regarding public health, Healthcare outcomes show foundational progress with a life expectancy of 69.0 years
    2023
    , yet significant disparities or developmental gaps may still exist. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (39.0 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (112 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 2.0% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Educational progress is reflected in a literacy rate of 88%
    2022
    , though continued efforts are needed to achieve universal literacy and enhance foundational skills. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 91% of children
    2018
    , secondary enrollment at 55%
    2023
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 1.2% of GDP
    2023
    , which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the primarily rural population distribution (62% rural population
    2023
    ) presents distinct challenges for universal infrastructure provision, service access, and economic modernization. Furthermore, basic infrastructure coverage includes 97% electricity access
    2023
    . However, digital connectivity at {currentInternet}% internet penetration
    2023
    indicates significant opportunities for further digital transformation and economic inclusion.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

Managing demographic trends is crucial for long-term economic planning and workforce stability.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.