Lao PDR Population Growth
Annual population growth rate SP.POP.GROW
Lao PDR's population growth was 1.32% in 2025, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 2.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's population growth stood at 1.32% in 2025, a decline of +0.04pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.32% by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 92nd globally.
Lao PDR’s population growth rate has declined steadily over the 65‑year series, falling from a 1961 level of 2.25 % to a trough of 1.32 % in 2025, the lowest point recorded and the 92nd lowest globally. The peak of 2.87 % occurred in 1989, reflecting the post‑war baby boom that characterised much of Southeast Asia in the late 20th century, while recent deceleration mirrors the region’s transition toward lower fertility and higher urbanisation. By 2025 the growth rate is virtually identical to that of Spain (1.33 %) and only marginally above Djibouti’s 1.31 %, indicating convergence with middle‑income economies that have already entered demographic transition. The persistent slowdown suggests that unless policy interventions boost labor‑force participation or attract migration, Lao PDR’s population will continue to expand modestly, keeping the growth rate near the current trough for the foreseeable future.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 1.26% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1.29% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.32% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.32% | −0.04pp | #92 |
| 2024 | 1.36% | −0.03pp | #139 |
| 2023 | 1.39% | −0.02pp | #134 |
| 2022 | 1.41% | −0.03pp | #136 |
| 2021 | 1.44% | −0.05pp | #141 |
| 2020 | 1.49% | −0.03pp | #139 |
| 2019 | 1.53% | −0.03pp | #135 |
| 2018 | 1.55% | −0.02pp | #133 |
| 2017 | 1.57% | +0.01pp | #137 |
| 2016 | 1.56% | +0.10pp | #142 |
| 2015 | 1.46% | +0.08pp | #130 |
| 2014 | 1.38% | −0.03pp | #124 |
| 2013 | 1.41% | −0.02pp | #122 |
| 2012 | 1.43% | −0.02pp | #126 |
| 2011 | 1.45% | −0.02pp | #130 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lao PDR matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw population growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's population growth was 1.32% in 2025. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 2.6% decrease from the previous year.
Lao PDR's population growth peaked at 2.87% in 1989.
The lowest population growth in Lao PDR was 1.32% in 2025.
Lao PDR ranks 92nd globally in population growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.GROW. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's population growth is projected to reach 1.32% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population growth of Lao PDR in 2025 was 1.32%. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_population-growth,
title = {Lao PDR Population Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/population-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}