Capital of Laos: Vientiane
The capital of Laos is Vientiane. Laos sits in Asia, has a population of 7,529,475, and uses the LAK. Official languages include Lao.
Quick facts
- Capital: Vientiane
- Continent: Asia
- Population: ~7,529,475
- Area: 236,800 km²
- Population density: 31.8 people per km²
- Official language: Lao
- Currency: LAK
- ISO code: LA
How big is Laos?
By population, Laos ranks 103rd in the world, holding roughly 0.09% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 82nd.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Laos has 31.8 people per square kilometre, which is about 1.9 times below the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Asia, Laos is the 32th most populous country of 48.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Laos in population are Serbia (7,221,365) and Nicaragua (6,948,392).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Romania (238,397 km²) and Ghana (238,533 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Lao is listed as an official language of Laos alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Laos uses the LAK, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Laos in Asia
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Asia is the block Laos belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Laos and a page on the flag of Laos.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Laos?
The capital of Laos is Vientiane.
What is the population of Laos?
About 7,529,475, making it the 103rd most populous country in the world.
How big is Laos?
236,800 square kilometres, ranking 82nd by land area, at a density of 31.8 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Laos use?
The LAK, which no other country uses.