Vientiane, Lao PDR, October 20, 2025 - The Government of the Lao PDR today held a ceremony to kick off the official launch of the 5th Population and Housing Census (PHC) campaign and nationwide field data collection, marking the countdown to nationwide field data collection scheduled to take place on November 3, 2025.

At the ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vientiane, H.E. Santiphab Phomvihane, Minister of Finance; the Vientiane Mayor; the Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau; and UN Resident Coordinator and UNFPA cut the ribbon, launched the census countdown, and struck a gong to begin the census campaign.

Attending the ceremony were also representatives from the national and provincial steering committees, development partners, international organizations, civil society, and a large number of participants. Provincial, and district officials participated in the event through online platforms.

At the census launching event, the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, H.E. Sonexay Siphandone, delivered a pre-recorded video message, stating that the government holds the Population and Housing Census every 10 years and this 2025 census is the fifth one. Over the past 40 years, the census has included every household and every person living in Lao PDR, aiming to collect data on population numbers and their living conditions. These data will serve as a reference for designing the national socio-economic development plan, monitoring and evaluating progress in the implementation of sustainable development goals, human resource development strategy, population policy, and civil registration.

He also called on all concerned sectors—the national and provincial steering committees for the 5th PHC, Party-state agencies, the private sector, local authorities, enumerators, supervisors, as well as the Lao people and social strata—to proactively take part in this census, ensuring it achieves its planned objectives.

Addressing the census launching event, H.E. Santiphab stressed the urgent need to intensify census campaign efforts, adding that public awareness and cooperation will ensure the success of the 5th Population and Housing Census.

"At present, we are ready for field data collection. To ensure Lao people nationwide are aware of the upcoming census and take part in this undertaking widely and inclusively, we are here today to launch the census campaign and nationwide field data collection," he said.

During the launch ceremony, Ms. Phetsamone Sone, Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau, National member, and standing member of National Steering Committee for 5th PHC presented a report on implementation of  the census campaign.

According to her, the launch of the campaign and field data collection is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the census campaign, aiming to ensure that the people are aware of the PHC and provide cooperation to visiting enumerators.

In collaboration with the Mass Media Department, Propaganda and Training Board, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Lao Statistics Bureau has been active in advertising the census. Key achievements include regularly holding meetings with development partners and launching ceremonies of the census implementation process in Vientiane Capital and the provinces. Furthermore, Lao Statistic Bureaus shared news to  major media and social media platforms, produced census promotional videos, enumerator packages, posters, and songs, as well as radio and TV Spot and short messages to be sent via mobile phone networks as well as installing banners at Lao-China railways and airports, 

Going forward, the Lao Statistics Bureau will intensify its promotion through multiple media platforms, working with provincial and district administrations to install street banners across the country, and distribute posters nationwide. The Lao Statistics Bureau will send short text messages to all mobile phone numbers to inform people about the field data collection phase of the 5th PHC.

Mr Atsaphangthong Siphandone, Mayor of Vientiane Capital said that the Capital placed great importance on this PHC. With that and over the past period, the city authorities have paid special attention to preparing this undertaking, achieving successes including finalising the enumerator area, training of trainers for enumerators. 

In the near future, the focus of LSB will be on training enumerators and launching the census campaign at the end of this month to prepare for the field data collection, which will begin on November 3, 2025. 

“I am confident that [the census will provide accurate data on the population and housing that aligns with the current actual situation for Vientiane Capital." he said.

UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov emphasized that the census marks a milestone in Lao PDR’s digital transformation and national development journey.

“Today’s census is more than a statistical exercise—it is a national commitment to data, to development, and to digital transformation. As Lao PDR’s 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 said. 

On behalf of the development partners and as a key partner in supporting the implementation of the 2025 census, UNFPA Representative Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov said the UNFPA is committed to supporting Lao PDR in preparing and implementing the census. This support includes ensuring that it meets international standards, providing high-quality data that will serve as a foundation for development planning.

“The census represents a shared national moment that unites every sector , public and private, around the same evidence and collective understanding. It provides the foundation for planning better schools and hospitals, creating safer communities, and building a more inclusive society. As the data belongs to everyone, it will guide the actions of government, businesses, and citizens alike. Sustainable development depends on this collective commitment, and the census offers the common ground we need to move forward together — toward shared progress and equal opportunity for all,” 

With close guidance from the Census Steering Committee and technical support from UNFPA and development partners, the Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) has reached the final phase of the 5th Population and Housing Census. With the completion of the final field test in August and the training of trainers at the end of October, the LSB is on track to launch the field data collection on November 3, 2025.

The 2025 Population and Housing Census of the Lao PDR serves as a fundamental source of data on population dynamics, including births, deaths, migration, labor force participation, population projections, and demographics. It also serves as a national GIS database for land allocation and the sustainable management of forests. Significantly, it also provides data for planning and delivering public services.

The census will also provide a comprehensive overview of the country’s vulnerable populations, including people with functional difficulties or disabilities, migrants, stateless persons, and gender disparities. This critical data will enable the government to design evidence-based policies that align with current realities and the evolving needs of both present and future generations. In addition, the census data will monitor progress toward national development goals, the goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Lao PDR’s graduation from the category of least developed nations