ABSTRACT

In terms of per capita income, Laos is one of the ten poorest countries in the world and in World Bank terms is classified as an LDC—a Least Developed Country (see Table 7.1). Yet, from an environmental perspective, it could be argued that Laos is far richer than its more prosperous neighbours, and in particular Thailand. Laos covers a land area of 237,000 km2 of which approximately 50 per cent is thought to be forested; by contrast, only 3 per cent of the country is cultivated (see Figure 7.1). With a population density of just 19 people/km2, pressures on land and environmental resources would seem to be limited. Laos: economic and social indicators

Economic indicators

Labour force in agriculture

76%

GDP: average annual growth, 1980–1993

4.5%/yr

GDP, 1993

US$1.334 billion

GNP/cap, 1993

US$280

GDP/cap (PPP[S]), 1991

$1,760

Exports, 1992

US$92 million

Exports, 1993

US$108 million

Imports, 1993

US$250 million

Social indicators

Population, 1993

4.6 million

Population in absolute poverty

67 %

Life expectancy

52 ycars

Children aged <5 underweight, 1988–93

41 %

Per cent of population with safe water

37 %

Telephones per 100 population

0.2

Sources: various