Population of Laos
As of April 2025, the population of Laos is 7.8 million. The number of inhabitants has increased by 101 thousand in the last year, representing a growth of 1.31%. The median age of the population has increased in recent years, rising from 22 years in 2015 to 25.1 years in 2025. Currently, life expectancy at birth is 69.8 years and population density is 34 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Population Growth
The population growth rate of Laos peaked in 1988, reaching around 2.88% annually, but has since declined to approximately 1.29% in 2025. The annual increase in the number of people has also decreased from a peak of around 124.33 thousand in 1993 to nearly 101.04 thousand in 2025.
Life Expectancy
In Laos, life expectancy at birth has been increasing, with the indicator rising from 61 years in 2005 to 69.8 years in 2025, representing an increase of almost 9 years over the past 2 decades.
Most populous cities in Laos
The cities of Laos are mostly small, but 2 stand out with more than 100 thousand inhabitants. The most populous city is Vientiane, Vientiane Prefecture, with approximately 196.7 thousand inhabitants. It is followed by Savannakhet, Savannakhet Province with 125.8 thousand and Pakse, Champasak Province with 88.3 thousand.
These are the 20 most populous cities in Laos:
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vientiane, Vientiane Prefecture | 196,731 |
| 2 | Savannakhet, Savannakhet Province | 125,760 |
| 3 | Pakse, Champasak Province | 88,332 |
| 4 | Thakhèk, Khammouane Province | 85,000 |
| 5 | Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province | 47,378 |
| 6 | Xam Nua, Houaphan | 46,800 |
| 7 | Muang Phônsavan, Xiangkhoang | 37,507 |
| 8 | Sekong, Xékong | 35,000 |
| 9 | Muang Xay, Oudômxai | 25,000 |
| 10 | Vang Vieng, Vientiane | 25,000 |
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Pakxan, Bolikhamsai | 21,967 |
| 12 | Ban Houakhoua, Bokeo | 15,500 |
| 13 | Muang Không, Champasak Province | 15,000 |
| 14 | Phôngsali | 13,500 |
| 15 | Sainyabuli, Xiagnabouli | 13,500 |
| 16 | Champasak, Champasak Province | 12,994 |
| 17 | Ban Houayxay, Bokeo | 12,500 |
| 18 | Muang Phôn-Hông, Vientiane | 10,112 |
| 19 | Salavan, Salavan Province | 5,521 |
| 20 | Pakxong, Champasak Province | 5,000 |