Laos sees decline in population growth

Laos' population growth is continuing to decline, driven mainly by socio-economic factors, including later marriages and a shift toward smaller families.

Findings from the 2025 National Population and Housing Census, which used digital data collection tools for the first time, showed the continuing decline in the population growth rate. The rate dropped from 2.1 percent during 1995-2005 and 1.4 percent during 2005-2015 to just 0.8 percent per year over the past decade, local news website Lao Phattana News reported on Thursday.

The census showed that Laos' population has reached 6.74 million, covering people who have lived in a household for at least six months or intend to stay for that duration. Gender distribution remains relatively balanced, with males accounting for 50.7 percent and females making up the remaining 49.3 percent.

In terms of age structure, 65 percent of the population is of working age (15-64 years), while 24.9 percent are under 15 and 5.7 percent are aged 65 or older.

Held every 10 years, the census gathers key demographic information that serves as a reference for national socio-economic development planning, monitoring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, and shaping policies on population and human resource development. The fifth National Population and Housing Census was conducted in 2025.

xinhua