Lao PDR Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Lao PDR's urban population was 40.28% in 2025, ranked 172nd globally. This represents a 1.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's urban population stood at 40.28% in 2025, a rise of +0.72% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 40.28% by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 172nd globally.
Lao PDR’s urban population has risen from 7.85 percent in 1960 to 40.28 percent in 2025, marking a 66‑year expansion that places the country 172nd globally. The all‑time peak coincides with the latest observation year, reflecting sustained urbanisation driven by economic diversification, infrastructure investment and rural‑to‑urban migration. This trajectory parallels the experience of regional peers such as Cambodia, which recorded a slightly higher urban share of 41.14 percent, and diverges from Zimbabwe’s 40.71 percent, underscoring the influence of differing policy environments and demographic pressures. The steep climb from the mid‑20th‑century trough signals a structural shift toward service‑oriented activities and improved access to education and health facilities in cities. If current reforms in housing, transport and labour markets persist, the share of Lao PDR’s population residing in urban areas is likely to continue its upward path, potentially reaching the mid‑forties of percent by the early 2030s.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 41.75% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 41.01% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 40.28% | - | - |
| 2025 | 40.28% | +0.72% | #172 |
| 2024 | 39.56% | +0.75% | #45 |
| 2023 | 38.81% | +0.74% | #42 |
| 2022 | 38.07% | +0.73% | #42 |
| 2021 | 37.34% | +0.72% | #42 |
| 2020 | 36.62% | +0.71% | #42 |
| 2019 | 35.91% | +0.70% | #40 |
| 2018 | 35.21% | +0.69% | #39 |
| 2017 | 34.51% | +0.68% | #38 |
| 2016 | 33.83% | +0.70% | #38 |
| 2015 | 33.12% | +0.46% | #38 |
| 2014 | 32.66% | +0.44% | #39 |
| 2013 | 32.23% | +0.48% | #38 |
| 2012 | 31.74% | +0.53% | #37 |
| 2011 | 31.21% | +0.57% | #36 |
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 urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's urban population was 40.28% in 2025. Ranked 172nd globally. This represents a 1.8% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's urban population peaked at 40.28% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in Lao PDR was 7.85% in 1960.
Lao PDR ranks 172nd globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's urban population is projected to reach 40.28% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Lao PDR in 2025 was 40.28%. This ranks 172nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_urban-population,
title = {Lao PDR Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}