Minister of Finance Mr Santiphab Phomvihane (centre) on Monday cuts a ribbon to kick off the 5th Population and Housing Census.

Laos launches nationwide census to ensure data accuracy

The government has launched the country’s 5th Population and Housing Census, with the collection of data set to begin on November 3.
Officials will visit households across the country, aiming to provide more accurate figures about people’s living conditions and enable targeted planning to strengthen national development.
The official launch ceremony took place in Vientiane on Monday, marking the start of the countdown to the census, which is held every 10 years to collect fundamental information about the country’s population.
Minister of Finance and, Mr Santiphab Phomvihane, together with Vientiane Mayor Mr Atsaphangthong Siphandone, the UN Resident Coordinator, and representatives from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), cut a ribbon and struck a gong to launch the census.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone delivered a pre-recorded message, saying the government holds the Population and Housing Census every 10 years, covering every household and person living in Laos.
The census will gather data on population size, the workforce, housing conditions, migration, and other demographic indicators. It will also help identify vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, migrants, and stateless persons, ensuring that future development plans address their needs.
The data collected will serve as a reference for designing national socio-economic development plans, monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, and formulating policies on population and human resource development.
The Prime Minister called on everyone involved, including the private sector and the general public, to work together to ensure the census achieves its goals.
Mr Santiphab said the Lao Statistics Bureau was ready to embark on the nationwide undertaking.
“To ensure that everyone across the country is aware of the upcoming census and is prepared to take part fully and inclusively, we are here today to launch the census and nationwide data collection.”
Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau, Ms Phetsamone Sone, said officials want to ensure that everyone is aware that the census is taking place and will cooperate with enumerators when they visit their neighbourhoods.
The Bureau, in partnership with the Mass Media Department, the Propaganda and Training Commitee, and UNFPA, has produced videos, posters, songs, and radio spots to advertise the census.
Banners have been installed at airports and along the Laos-China Railway, while text messages will be sent to mobile phone users to remind them to take part when enumerators come to their homes.
Vientiane Mayor Mr Athsaphangthong said city authorities had prepared well by finalising enumerator areas and training census staff.
“I am confident that the census will provide accurate data on population and housing that aligns with our requirements in Vientiane,” he said.
UN Resident Coordinator Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov said the 2025 census marks a milestone in Laos’ digital transformation.
“Today’s census is more than a statistical exercise; it is a national commitment to data, to development, and to digital transformation,” he said. As Laos’ first-ever fully digital census, it will strengthen the country’s statistical foundation and provide the evidence needed to guide policies that ensure every person is seen, heard, and counted, he added.
UNFPA Representative Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov said “The census represents a shared national moment that unites every sector, public and private, around the same evidence and collective understanding.”
With technical support from UNFPA and development partners, the Lao Statistics Bureau has completed the final field test and training for field operatives.
The 2025 Population and Housing Census will provide essential data to assess Laos’ progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and planned graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2026.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 21, 2025)