- Capital City: Vientiane
- General Information Official Language: Lao (primary)
- Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)
- Population (2024): 7 million
Political Overview
Government Type
Socialist Republic
Key Leaders
- President (Head of State and Government): Thongloun Sisoulith,
- Vice President: Pany Yathotou
Political Stability Index
International Alliances
- ASEAN, UN, NAM, WTO
Economic Overview
GDP (Nominal)
$20 billion (2023)
GDP (PPP)
$50 billion (2023)
Key Industries
- Hydropower
- mining (copper, gold)
- agriculture (rice, coffee)
Top 5 Importers/Exporters
Thailand (25% electricity), China (20% mining products),
Vietnam (15% wood products), Japan (10% garments),
South Korea (5% machinery)
Social Indicators
Human Development Index
0.620 – Rank:139 (2022)
Literacy Rate
84.7% (2020)
Life Expectancy
69.0(2022)
Geopolitical Relevance
Strategic Location
Landlocked, key Mekong River basin
connectivity.
Key Conflicts
Minor internal conflicts and
issues related to governance.
Border Issues
Low-level disputes with Cambodia;
dam project impacts on borders.
Military Strength
Modest military strength; close
security ties with Vietnam and
Russia.
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