Country Insight
Laos
Landlocked Southeast Asian nation with an economy based on hydropower, mining, agriculture, and tourism.
Country basics
Region
Southeast Asia
Capital
Vientiane
Currency
Lao kip (LAK)
Income group
Lower-middle-income country
Divisions
17 provinces and 1 prefecture
Area
331,690 km²
Demographics
Population
~7.7–8 million
Urban
~38%
Rural
~62%
Male
~50%
Female
~50%
Largest city
Vientiane / Selangor area
Digital access
Internet
79.1% penetration — nearly 80 million users (2024)
Mobile
Moderate to high; expanding
5G coverage
Limited / early development
ICT market
Small and developing
Labour and employment
Participation
77.0% · 3.8M workers (2024)
Unemployment
Low official; underemployment common
Skilled workers
Limited formal skills
Trained workers
Low
Economy
GDP
~US$15–18 billion (nominal, est.)
Global rank
Lower global ranking
GDP per capita
~US$2,000–2,400
SMEs
High
Growth engine
Developing market with cross-border potential
GTM complexity
Smaller market, slower commercialization
Commercial angle
Good for selective entry and partner-led expansion
Business environment
Opportunities
Hydropower
Mining
Agriculture
Tourism
Regional connectivity
Young population
Challenges
Debt levels
Infrastructure
Landlocked geography
Skills gaps