Laos: environment

How much of the Lao PDR is covered by forest?

Forest covered 56.6% of the Lao PDR's land area in 2024, according to World Bank data from the Food and Agriculture Organization's Global Forest Resources Assessment, down from 57.2% in 2020.

Forest area is land of more than half a hectare with trees taller than 5 metres and canopy cover of more than 10%, and does not include land mainly used for farming or towns. FAO's figures are based on reports from national forestry authorities, and the yearly values between assessments are estimated.

Official sources: World Bank data

How polluted is the air in the Lao PDR?

People in the Lao PDR were exposed to an average of 26.0 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic metre of air in 2023, according to World Bank data, compared with 28.1 in 2020.

PM2.5 particles are small enough to reach deep into the lungs. The World Health Organization's guideline is an annual average of no more than 5 micrograms per cubic metre. The estimates combine satellite data with models and ground measurements and are weighted by where people live.

Official sources: World Bank data

How much of the Lao PDR's energy is renewable?

Renewable sources supplied 49.2% of the Lao PDR's final energy consumption in 2022, according to World Bank data, down from 51.5% in 2021.

The measure covers all energy used by households, businesses and transport, not just electricity. Hydropower and wood and other biomass count as renewable. Hydropower royalties are a budget revenue line in the Ministry of Finance's 2026 budget execution table, planned at LAK 1,529 billion for the year.

Official sources: World Bank data · 2026 budget execution table

What is Laos' carbon footprint per person?

3.4 tonnes: that is carbon dioxide emissions per person in Laos for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 3.4 tonnes; its low point was 2005, at 0.2 tonnes. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.1 tonnes, and Laos placed 13th highest of 30. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 79th highest.

How much greenhouse gas does Laos emit?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts total greenhouse gas emissions in Laos at 41.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 45.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and Laos placed 16th highest of 30. Worldwide: 88th of 186.

How much renewable energy does Laos use?

In 2022, the renewable share of final energy use in Laos was 49.2%, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 18.6%, and Laos placed 3rd highest of 14. Worldwide: 20th of 53.

How much of Laos is forest?

The FAO puts forest area as a share of land in Laos at 56.6% in 2024. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 53.6%, and Laos placed 14th highest of 29. Worldwide: 38th of 190.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Laos?

The Global Burden of Disease study puts average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Laos at 26.0 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. The peak was 38.3 micrograms per cubic metre in 2005 and the low 25.3 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 11.7 micrograms per cubic metre, and Laos placed 4th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 61st of 192.

What share of Laos is protected land?

The latest figure from the UN Environment Programme, for 2025, is 18.8%. The peak was 19.0% in 2023 and the low 16.7% in 2013. East Asia & Pacific median: 15.8%; Laos is 10th highest of 30. Worldwide: 89th of 192.

How much of Laos' fresh water is used?

4.8%: that is water stress in Laos for 2022, according to the FAO. Its high point since 2005 was 2015, at 5.1%; its low point was 2005, at 2.3%. It is 13th highest of 20 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 13.1%. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 120th highest.