Laos Population: An Overview of the Landlocked Nation
Laos is a landlocked nation located in the Southeast Asian region. It is bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Laos is the only landlocked country in the region and is the least populous nation in Southeast Asia. With a population of 6.8 million, it is the 136th most populous country in the world.
Laos is a mountainous nation, with the majority of the population living in the lowland plains and valleys. The population is largely rural, with only around 18% living in urban areas. The country is divided into 18 provinces, each with its own population. The majority of the population is ethnic Lao, with smaller populations of Hmong, Khmu, and other ethnic minorities.
The population of Laos has grown steadily since the 1950s, when the country gained independence from France. In 1950, the population was estimated to be around 2.3 million. By 2020, it had grown to 6.8 million. The population growth rate is estimated to be 1.4%, which is slightly below the global average.
The majority of the population is concentrated in the lowland plains and valleys, with the highest concentrations in the capital city of Vientiane and the provinces of Vientiane, Champasak, and Luang Prabang. The population in the rural areas of Laos is generally lower than in the urban areas.
The population of Laos is largely comprised of Buddhist and animist beliefs, with around 67% of the population identifying as Buddhist and 30% as animist. The remainder of the population is Christian, Muslim, or other.
The literacy rate in Laos is estimated to be around 70%, with the majority of the population able to read and write in the Lao language. The life expectancy in Laos is estimated to be around 67.5 years.
The population of Laos is largely reliant on subsistence farming for their livelihoods. The majority of the population is employed in the agricultural sector, with a smaller portion employed in the industrial and service sectors.
The population of Laos is largely young, with around 42% of the population under the age of 15. The median age of the population is estimated to be around 22.5 years.
The population of Laos is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, with an estimated population of 7.4 million by 2025. The population growth rate is expected to remain steady, with the majority of the population living in rural areas. The population of Laos is expected to remain largely rural, with the majority of the population living in the lowland plains and valleys.