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Southeast Asia · Asia

Laos

ລາວ
Capital
Vientiane
Population
7.4M
Area
236,800 km²
Language
Lao

Laos is a country in Southeast Asia, Asia. Its capital is Vientiane, with a population of approximately 7.4M and a total area of 236,800 km². The official language is Lao and the currency is the Lao Kip (LAK).

📊 Quick Facts about Laos

👥
Population
7.4M
total residents
📐
Total Area
236,800 km²
land coverage
🏙️
Pop. Density
31/km²
people per km²
💰
GDP (nominal)
$18.8B
total output
💵
GDP per Capita
$2,541
per person
💱
Currency
Lao Kip (LAK)
legal tender
🗣️
Language(s)
Lao
official
🌊
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
total shore
🕐
Timezone
UTC+7
UTC offset
🎂
Independence
1953
established
🕐
Local Time in Vientiane

Laos covers an area of 236,800 km² with a population density of 31/km² people per km². The country has a GDP of $18.8B ($2,541 per capita) and gained independence in 1953. It is a landlocked country with no coastline.

Did You Know?

Laos is the most bombed country per capita in history — the US dropped more bombs on Laos between 1964 and 1973 than were dropped in all of World War II combined. About 30% of those bombs never exploded and still pose a deadly risk today.

💡 Interesting Facts about Laos

  1. Laos is the most bombed country per capita in history — the US dropped 2 million tonnes of bombs during the Vietnam War.
  2. Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia.
  3. The Mekong River forms most of Laos's western border with Thailand.
  4. Over 30% of the bombs dropped on Laos never exploded — UXO still kills people today.

✈️ Travel Information for Laos

📅
Best Time to Visit
November–February
Tropical monsoon, dry season November–April
💸
Cost of Travel
💚 Low Budget
Budget — compared to global average
🍽️
Meal Cost
$1–4
average restaurant meal
🏨
Hotel Cost
$15–40
per night
🛂
Visa
Visa on arrival
entry requirements
🔌
Plug Type
Type A/B/C/F, 230V
electrical standard
🚗➡️
Driving Side
Right
side of the road

⚠️ Travel information is approximate and may change. Always verify visa requirements, entry rules and travel advisories with official government sources before travelling.

📍 Laos on the Map

🌍
📍 Vientiane, Laos

⚠ Coverage varies by country. Zoom in or drag to explore.

🏆 Laos World Rankings

1st
Most Bombed
Most bombed country per capita in history — 2M tonnes of US bombs in Vietnam War era
1st
Landlocked
Only landlocked country in Southeast Asia
1st
Buddhist
One of the highest concentrations of Buddhist monks per capita
1st
UXO
More unexploded ordnance per km² than any other country

🏛 Must-See Places in Laos

🏛️
Open Wikipedia ↗
Luang Prabang

UNESCO ancient royal capital — gilded temples, French colonial villas and monk processions at dawn

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
🪨
Open Wikipedia ↗
Plain of Jars

UNESCO mysterious plateau scattered with thousands of ancient stone jars — purpose still unknown

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
💧
Open Wikipedia ↗
Kuang Si Falls

Stunning turquoise tiered waterfalls in the jungle near Luang Prabang

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
🏯
Open Wikipedia ↗
Vat Phou

UNESCO pre-Angkor Khmer temple complex on a sacred mountain in southern Laos

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia

🗺️ Countries Bordering Laos

🇨🇳
China
Beijing
🇻🇳
Vietnam
Hanoi
🇰🇭
Cambodia
Phnom Penh
🇹🇭
Thailand
Bangkok
🇲🇲
Myanmar
Naypyidaw

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Laos

What is the capital of Laos?

The capital of Laos is Vientiane.

What language is spoken in Laos?

The official language(s) of Laos are Lao.

What is the population of Laos?

The population of Laos is approximately 7.4M.

What currency does Laos use?

Laos uses the Lao Kip (LAK).

What continent is Laos in?

Laos is located in Asia, in the Southeast Asia region.

What is the GDP of Laos?

Laos has a GDP of $18.8B, with a GDP per capita of $2,541.

What is the best time to visit Laos?

The best time to visit Laos is November–February. The climate is Tropical monsoon, dry season November–April.

Do I need a visa for Laos?

Visa on arrival

🌍 Explore More Countries in Southeast Asia

🇮🇩
Indonesia
Jakarta
🇹🇭
Thailand
Bangkok
🇻🇳
Vietnam
Hanoi
🇰🇭
Cambodia
Phnom Penh

Ready to explore somewhere new?