Minister of Finance Mr Santiphab Phomvihane (second from left) alongside Vientiane Mayor Dr AthsaphangthongSiphandone (first left)and UNFPA Representative Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov (third from left) visit Thongtoum village in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane, to observe the collection of data for the 2025 Population and Housing Census, which began on November 3.

First-ever nationwide digital census kicks off

Laos has taken a historic step into the digital era with the start of the first digital Population and Housing Census on November 3, when more than 11,000 enumerators began collecting data across the country to support evidence-based development planning.
A delegation led by Minister of Finance and Deputy Head of the National Steering Committee for the 2025 Population and Housing Census, Mr Santiphab Phomvihane, on Monday led a group of personnel to monitor data collection in Vientiane, marking the official start of the nationwide enumeration period.
The census, which is being conducted from November 3 to December 28, represents a major milestone in the modernisation of the national statistical system.
More than 11,000 trained enumerators will visit every household in the country to collect data using handheld digital devices. The census also covers foreign nationals who have lived in Laos for six months or longer.

Accompanying the Minister were the Mayor of Vientiane Dr Athsaphangthong Siphandone; Deputy Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau, Mr Visone Laomao; and UNFPA Representative Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, along with senior government and city officials.
The delegation met with district authorities in Chanthabouly before visiting Sisavat and Thongtoum villages to observe enumerators conducting household interviews.
Mr Santiphab said the availability and use of accurate and inclusive data is essential for national development.
“Accurate data is fundamental to effective national development. When data is inaccurate, policies and plans risk being misaligned with people’s real needs and priorities,” he said.
Dr Kadyrov said the start of data collection marks the culmination of four years of preparation.
UNFPA, together with key development partners including DFAT Australia, the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), Luxembourg, GIZ, the United States, and China Aid, has provided technical and financial support to ensure the success of this historic census.
“We believe the census is not only about counting the population, but about recognising and empowering people, because behind every number is a person, a story, and a dream,” Dr Kadyrov said.
The 2025 Population and Housing Census will compile comprehensive data on Laos’ population size, structure and distribution, as well as information about housing, education, access to services, ethnicity, and disability.
The findings will help the government develop policies that reflect people’s true needs and priorities, while supporting implementation of the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030. The data will also provide a framework for tracking progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening strategies that advance gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Under the close guidance of the Census Steering Committee and with technical assistance from UNFPA and development partners, the Lao Statistics Bureau began preparations for the fifth national census in 2021.
The 2025 census lays the groundwork for the modernisation and digitalisation of the national statistical system, improving data accuracy and making information more accessible during decision-making.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update November 5, 2025)