Population of Laos
As of May 2026, the population of Laos is 7.9 million. The number of inhabitants has increased by 99 thousand in the last year, representing a growth of 1.28%. The median age of the population has increased in recent years, rising from 22.3 years in 2016 to 25.4 years in 2026. Currently, life expectancy at birth is 70 years and population density is 34.4 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 1.25% in 2026. The annual increase in the number of people has also decreased from a peak of around 124.33 thousand in 1993 to nearly 99.42 thousand in 2026.
Life Expectancy
In Laos, life expectancy at birth has been increasing, with the indicator rising from 61.5 years in 2006 to 70 years in 2026, 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, con una diferencia significativa sobre las demás, alcanzando approximately 840.9 thousand inhabitants. It is followed by Savannakhet, Savannakhet Province with 125.8 thousand and Thakhèk, Khammouane Province with 90.8 thousand.
These are the 20 most populous cities in Laos:
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vientiane, Vientiane Prefecture | 840,940 |
| 2 | Savannakhet, Savannakhet Province | 125,760 |
| 3 | Thakhèk, Khammouane Province | 90,800 |
| 4 | Pakse, Champasak Province | 77,900 |
| 5 | Ban Khoan, Bokeo | 65,348 |
| 6 | Xam Nua, Houaphan | 56,900 |
| 7 | Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province | 55,027 |
| 8 | Muang Phônsavan, Xiangkhoang | 37,507 |
| 9 | Ban Xénô, Savannakhet Province | 25,135 |
| 10 | Vang Vieng, Vientiane | 25,000 |
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Muang Xay, Oudômxai | 25,000 |
| 12 | Muang Sing, Loungnamtha | 23,500 |
| 13 | Pakxan, Bolikhamsai | 21,967 |
| 14 | Ban Laongam, Salavan Province | 21,304 |
| 15 | Sekong, Xékong | 20,116 |
| 16 | Borikhan, Bolikhamsai | 18,354 |
| 17 | Ban Kèngkok, Savannakhet Province | 15,658 |
| 18 | Ban Houakhoua, Bokeo | 15,500 |
| 19 | Muang Không, Champasak Province | 15,000 |
| 20 | Ban Lak Xao, Bolikhamsai | 14,117 |