US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Belgium due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 3 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: [32] (2) 811-4500; US Embassy Brussels, Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Régent, B-1000 Brussels; https://be.usembassy.gov/; uscitizenBrussels@state.gov
Telephone Code: 32
Local Emergency Phone: 112 (cell)/ 101
Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Temperate; mild winters, cool summers, rainy, humid, cloudy
Currency (Code): Euro (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E

Major Languages: Dutch, French, German
Major Religions: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant and other Christian 2.5%, Muslim 5%, Jewish 0.4%, Buddhist 0.3%, atheist 9.2%, none 32.6%
Time Difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water: Yes
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Brussels (includes Grote Markt (Grand Place) and Saint-Cyr House); Brugge (includes Market Square and Basilica of the Holy Blood); Antwerp; Ghent; Waterloo
Major Sports: Soccer, volleyball, table tennis, tennis, badminton
Cultural Practices: Cleanliness is a source of pride in Belgium, where people can be seen washing the pavement in front of their house or sweeping the street.
Tipping Guidelines: Tipping in restaurants is not expected because a 10-15% service charge is generally applied to a bill. Tips are not expected in taxis, but feel free to let your driver keep the change as a gratuity.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2022


Topic: Photos of Laos

Topic: Introduction
Background: Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century, when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the communist Pathet Lao took control of the government, ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997 and the WTO in 2013.

In the 2010s, the country benefited from direct foreign investment, particularly in the natural resource and industry sectors. Construction of a number of large hydropower dams and expanding mining activities have also boosted the economy. Laos has retained its official commitment to communism and maintains close ties with its two communist neighbors, Vietnam and China, both of which continue to exert substantial political and economic influence on the country. China, for example, provided 70% of the funding for a $5.9 billion, 400-km railway line between the Chinese border and the capital Vientiane, which opened for operations in December 2021. Laos financed the remaining 30% with loans from China. At the same time, Laos has expanded its economic reliance on the West and other Asian countries, such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam
Geographic coordinates: 18 00 N, 105 00 E
Map references: Southeast Asia
Area: total: 236,800 sq km

land: 230,800 sq km

water: 6,000 sq km
Area - comparative: about twice the size of Pennsylvania; slightly larger than Utah
Land boundaries: total: 5,274 km

border countries (5): Burma 238 km; Cambodia 555 km; China 475 km; Thailand 1,845 km; Vietnam 2,161 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
Climate: tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)
Terrain: mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus
Elevation: highest point: Phu Bia 2,817 m

lowest point: Mekong River 70 m

mean elevation: 710 m
Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones
Land use: agricultural land: 10.6% (2018 est.)

arable land: 6.2% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.7% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 3.7% (2018 est.)

forest: 67.9% (2018 est.)

other: 21.5% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 3,100 sq km (2012)
Major rivers (by length in km): Mekong (shared with China [s], Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam [m]) - 4,350 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Pacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km)
Population distribution: most densely populated area is in and around the capital city of Vientiane; large communities are primarily found along the Mekong River along the southwestern border; overall density is considered one of the lowest in Southeast Asia
Natural hazards: floods, droughts
Geography - note: landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand
Map description: Laos map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries.Laos map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 7,749,595 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)

adjective: Lao or Laotian
Ethnic groups: Lao 53.2%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 9.2%, Phouthay 3.4%, Tai 3.1%, Makong 2.5%, Katong 2.2%, Lue 2%, Akha 1.8%, other 11.6% (2015 est.)

note: the Laos Government officially recognizes 49 ethnic groups, but the total number of ethnic groups is estimated to be well over 200
Languages: Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages

major-language sample(s):
ແຫລ່ງທີ່ຂາດບໍ່ໄດ້ສຳລັບຂໍ້ມູນຕົ້ນຕໍ່” (Lao)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.)
Demographic profile: Laos is a predominantly rural country with a youthful population – almost 55% of the population is under the age of 25.  Its progress on health and development issues has been uneven geographically, among ethnic groups, and socioeconomically.  Laos has made headway in poverty reduction, with the poverty rate almost halving from 46% in 1992/93 to 22% in 2012/13.  Nevertheless, pronounced rural-urban disparities persist, and income inequality is rising.  Poverty most affects populations in rural and highland areas, particularly ethnic minority groups.  The total fertility rate (TFR) has decreased markedly from around 6 births per woman on average in 1990 to approximately 2.8 in 2016, but it is still one of the highest in Southeast Asia.  TFR is higher in rural and remote areas, among ethnic minority groups, the less-educated, and the poor; it is lower in urban areas and among the more educated and those with higher incomes.  Although Laos’ mortality rates have improved substantially over the last few decades, the maternal mortality rate and childhood malnutrition remain at high levels.  As fertility and mortality rates continue to decline, the proportion of Laos’ working-age population will increase, and its share of dependents will shrink.  The age structure shift will provide Laos with the potential to realize a demographic dividend during the next few decades, if it can improve educational access and quality and gainfully employ its growing working-age population in productive sectors.  Currently, Laos primary school enrollment is nearly universal, but the drop-out rate remains problematic.  Secondary school enrollment has also increased but remains low, especially for girls.  Laos has historically been a country of emigration and internal displacement due to conflict and a weak economy. The Laos civil war (1953 – 1975) mainly caused internal displacement (numbering in the hundreds of thousands).  Following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, indigenous people in remote, war-struck areas were resettled and more than 300,000 people fled to Thailand to escape the communist regime that took power.  The majority of those who sought refuge in Thailand ultimately were resettled in the US (mainly Hmong who fought with US forces), and lesser numbers went to France, Canada, and Australia.  The Laos Government carried out resettlement programs between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s to relocate ethnic minority groups from the rural northern highlands to development areas in the lowlands ostensibly to alleviate poverty, make basic services more accessible, eliminate slash-and-burn agriculture and opium production, integrate ethnic minorities, and control rebel groups (including Hmong insurgents).  For many, however, resettlement has exacerbated poverty, led to the loss of livelihoods, and increased food insecurity and mortality rates.  As the resettlement programs started to wane in the second half of the 1990s, migration from the northern highlands to urban centers – chiefly the capital Vientiane – to pursue better jobs in the growing manufacturing and service sectors became the main type of relocation.  Migration of villagers from the south seeking work in neighboring Thailand also increased.  Thailand is the main international migration destination for Laotians because of the greater availability of jobs and higher pay than at home; nearly a million Laotian migrants were estimated to live in Thailand as of 2015.Laos is a predominantly rural country with a youthful population – almost 55% of the population is under the age of 25.  Its progress on health and development issues has been uneven geographically, among ethnic groups, and socioeconomically.  Laos has made headway in poverty reduction, with the poverty rate almost halving from 46% in 1992/93 to 22% in 2012/13.  Nevertheless, pronounced rural-urban disparities persist, and income inequality is rising.  Poverty most affects populations in rural and highland areas, particularly ethnic minority groups. The total fertility rate (TFR) has decreased markedly from around 6 births per woman on average in 1990 to approximately 2.8 in 2016, but it is still one of the highest in Southeast Asia.  TFR is higher in rural and remote areas, among ethnic minority groups, the less-educated, and the poor; it is lower in urban areas and among the more educated and those with higher incomes.  Although Laos’ mortality rates have improved substantially over the last few decades, the maternal mortality rate and childhood malnutrition remain at high levels.  As fertility and mortality rates continue to decline, the proportion of Laos’ working-age population will increase, and its share of dependents will shrink.  The age structure shift will provide Laos with the potential to realize a demographic dividend during the next few decades, if it can improve educational access and quality and gainfully employ its growing working-age population in productive sectors.  Currently, Laos primary school enrollment is nearly universal, but the drop-out rate remains problematic.  Secondary school enrollment has also increased but remains low, especially for girls. Laos has historically been a country of emigration and internal displacement due to conflict and a weak economy. The Laos civil war (1953 – 1975) mainly caused internal displacement (numbering in the hundreds of thousands).  Following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, indigenous people in remote, war-struck areas were resettled and more than 300,000 people fled to Thailand to escape the communist regime that took power.  The majority of those who sought refuge in Thailand ultimately were resettled in the US (mainly Hmong who fought with US forces), and lesser numbers went to France, Canada, and Australia. The Laos Government carried out resettlement programs between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s to relocate ethnic minority groups from the rural northern highlands to development areas in the lowlands ostensibly to alleviate poverty, make basic services more accessible, eliminate slash-and-burn agriculture and opium production, integrate ethnic minorities, and control rebel groups (including Hmong insurgents).  For many, however, resettlement has exacerbated poverty, led to the loss of livelihoods, and increased food insecurity and mortality rates.  As the resettlement programs started to wane in the second half of the 1990s, migration from the northern highlands to urban centers – chiefly the capital Vientiane – to pursue better jobs in the growing manufacturing and service sectors became the main type of relocation.  Migration of villagers from the south seeking work in neighboring Thailand also increased.  Thailand is the main international migration destination for Laotians because of the greater availability of jobs and higher pay than at home; nearly a million Laotian migrants were estimated to live in Thailand as of 2015.
Age structure: 0-14 years: 31.25% (male 1,177,297/female 1,149,727)

15-24 years: 20.6% (male 763,757/female 770,497)

25-54 years: 38.29% (male 1,407,823/female 1,443,774)

55-64 years: 5.73% (male 206,977/female 219,833)

65 years and over: 4.13% (2020 est.) (male 139,665/female 168,046)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 56.8

youth dependency ratio: 50.1

elderly dependency ratio: 6.7

potential support ratio: 15 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 24 years

male: 23.7 years

female: 24.4 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.34% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 20.9 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 6.37 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -1.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: most densely populated area is in and around the capital city of Vientiane; large communities are primarily found along the Mekong River along the southwestern border; overall density is considered one of the lowest in Southeast Asia
Urbanization: urban population: 37.6% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 706,000 VIENTIANE (capital) (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 185 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 37.78 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 41.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 33.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.15 years

male: 66.49 years

female: 69.88 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.35 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 54.1% (2017)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 97.1% of population

rural: 84.1% of population

total: 88.8% of population

unimproved: urban: 2.9% of population

rural: 15.9% of population

total: 11.2% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 2.6% (2019)
Physicians density: 0.37 physicians/1,000 population (2017)
Hospital bed density: 1.5 beds/1,000 population (2012)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 72% of population

total: 82.2% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 28% of population

total: 17.8% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 15,000 (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <500
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 5.3% (2016)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 21.1% (2017)
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 7.1% (2017)

women married by age 18: 32.7% (2017)

men married by age 18: 10.8% (2017 est.)
Education expenditures: 2.9% of GDP (2014)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84.7%

male: 90%

female: 79.4% (2015)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 10 years

male: 10 years

female: 10 years (2020)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 18.2%

male: 20.8%

female: 15.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; water pollution, most of the population does not have access to potable water
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 24.49 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 17.76 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 9 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)
Land use: agricultural land: 10.6% (2018 est.)

arable land: 6.2% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0.7% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 3.7% (2018 est.)

forest: 67.9% (2018 est.)

other: 21.5% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 37.6% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 1.48% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 351,900 tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 35,190 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10% (2015 est.)
Major rivers (by length in km): Mekong (shared with China [s], Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam [m]) - 4,350 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Pacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km)
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 130 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 170 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 7.02 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 333.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic

conventional short form: Laos

local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao

local short form: Mueang Lao (unofficial)

etymology: name means "Land of the Lao [people]"
Government type: communist state
Capital: name: Vientiane (Viangchan)

geographic coordinates: 17 58 N, 102 36 E

time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: the meaning in Pali, a Buddhist liturgical language, is "city of sandalwood"
Administrative divisions: 17 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 prefecture* (kampheng nakhon); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun, Xekong, Xiangkhouang
Independence: 19 July 1949 (from France by the Franco-Lao General Convention); 22 October 1953 (Franco-Lao Treaty recognizes full independence)
National holiday: Republic Day (National Day), 2 December (1975)
Constitution: history: previous 1947 (preindependence); latest promulgated 13-15 August 1991

amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the president of the republic; amended 2003, 2015
Legal system: civil law system similar in form to the French system
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Laos

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 22 March 2021); Vice President PANI Yathotou; Vice President BOUNTHONG Chitmani (since 22 March 2021)

head of government: Prime Minister PHANKHAM Viphavan (since 22 March 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers CHANSAMON Chan-gnalat, SONXAI Siphandon, KIKEO Khaikhamphithoun (since 22 March 2021)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the National Assembly

elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 22 March 2021; prime minister nominated by the president, elected by the National Assembly for 5-year term

election results:
2021: THONGLOUN Sisoulit (LPRP) elected president; National Assembly vote: 161-1; PANI Yathotou and BOUNTHONG Chitmani (LPRP) elected vice presidents; National Assembly vote NA; PHANKHAM Viphavan (LPRP) elected prime minister; National Assembly vote: 158-3

2016: BOUNNYANG Vorachit (LPRP) elected president; PHANKHAM Viphavan (LPRP) elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA; THONGLOUN Sisoulit (LPRP) elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - NA
Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Sapha Heng Xat (164 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote from candidate lists provided by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party; members serve 5-year terms)

elections: last held on 21 February 2021 (next to be held in 2026)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LPRP 158, independent 6; composition - men 128, women 36, percent of women 21.9%
Judicial branch: highest courts: People's Supreme Court (consists of the court president and organized into criminal, civil, administrative, commercial, family, and juvenile chambers, each with a vice president and several judges)

judge selection and term of office: president of People's Supreme Court appointed by the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the president of the republic for a 5-year term; vice presidents of the People's Supreme Court appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the National Assembly; appointment of chamber judges NA; tenure of court vice presidents and chamber judges NA

subordinate courts: appellate courts; provincial, municipal, district, and military courts
Political parties and leaders: Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [THONGLOUN Sisoulit]

note: other parties proscribed
International organization participation: ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador KHAMPHAN Anlavan (since 21 July 2019)

chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 328-9148; [1] (202) 332-6416

FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923

email address and website:
embasslao@gmail.com; laoemb@verizon.net

https://laoembassy.com/

consulate(s): New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Peter HAYMOND (since 7 February 2020)

embassy: Ban Somvang Tai, Thadeua Road, Km 9, Hatsayfong District, Vientiane

mailing address: 4350 Vientiane Place, Washington DC  20521-4350

telephone: [856] 21-48-7000

FAX: [856] 21-48-7040

email address and website:
CONSLAO@state.gov

https://la.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band; the red bands recall the blood shed for liberation; the blue band represents the Mekong River and prosperity; the white disk symbolizes the full moon against the Mekong River, but also signifies the unity of the people under the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, as well as the country's bright future
National symbol(s): elephant; national colors: red, white, blue
National anthem: name: "Pheng Xat Lao" (Hymn of the Lao People)

lyrics/music: SISANA Sisane/THONGDY Sounthonevichit

note: music adopted 1945, lyrics adopted 1975; the anthem's lyrics were changed following the 1975 Communist revolution that overthrew the monarchy
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Town of Luangphrabang, Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements, Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang - Plain of Jars

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986. Economic growth averaged more than 6% per year in the period 1988-2008, and Laos' growth has more recently been amongst the fastest in Asia, averaging more than 7% per year for most of the last decade.   Nevertheless, Laos remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. It has a basic, but improving, road system, and limited external and internal land-line telecommunications. Electricity is available to 83% of the population. Agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland areas, accounts for about 20% of GDP and 73% of total employment. Recently, the country has faced a persistent current account deficit, falling foreign currency reserves, and growing public debt.   Laos' economy is heavily dependent on capital-intensive natural resource exports. The economy has benefited from high-profile foreign direct investment in hydropower dams along the Mekong River, copper and gold mining, logging, and construction, although some projects in these industries have drawn criticism for their environmental impacts.   Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004 and applied for Generalized System of Preferences trade benefits in 2013 after being admitted to the World Trade Organization earlier in the year. Laos held the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2016. Laos is in the process of implementing a value-added tax system. The government appears committed to raising the country's profile among foreign investors and has developed special economic zones replete with generous tax incentives, but a limited labor pool, a small domestic market, and corruption remain impediments to investment. Laos also has ongoing problems with the business environment, including onerous registration requirements, a gap between legislation and implementation, and unclear or conflicting regulations.The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986. Economic growth averaged more than 6% per year in the period 1988-2008, and Laos' growth has more recently been amongst the fastest in Asia, averaging more than 7% per year for most of the last decade. Nevertheless, Laos remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. It has a basic, but improving, road system, and limited external and internal land-line telecommunications. Electricity is available to 83% of the population. Agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland areas, accounts for about 20% of GDP and 73% of total employment. Recently, the country has faced a persistent current account deficit, falling foreign currency reserves, and growing public debt. Laos' economy is heavily dependent on capital-intensive natural resource exports. The economy has benefited from high-profile foreign direct investment in hydropower dams along the Mekong River, copper and gold mining, logging, and construction, although some projects in these industries have drawn criticism for their environmental impacts. Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004 and applied for Generalized System of Preferences trade benefits in 2013 after being admitted to the World Trade Organization earlier in the year. Laos held the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2016. Laos is in the process of implementing a value-added tax system. The government appears committed to raising the country's profile among foreign investors and has developed special economic zones replete with generous tax incentives, but a limited labor pool, a small domestic market, and corruption remain impediments to investment. Laos also has ongoing problems with the business environment, including onerous registration requirements, a gap between legislation and implementation, and unclear or conflicting regulations.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $56.79 billion (2020 est.)

$56.54 billion (2019 est.)

$53.62 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 6.9% (2017 est.)

7% (2016 est.)

7.3% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $7,800 (2020 est.)

$7,900 (2019 est.)

$7,600 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $16.97 billion (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.8% (2017 est.)

1.6% (2016 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: CCC (2020)

Moody's rating: Caa2 (2020)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 20.9% (2017 est.)

industry: 33.2% (2017 est.)

services: 45.9% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 63.7% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 14.1% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 30.9% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 3.1% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 34.6% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -43.2% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: rice, roots/tubers nes, cassava, sugar cane, vegetables, bananas, maize, watermelons, coffee, taro
Industries: mining (copper, tin, gold, gypsum); timber, electric power, agricultural processing, rubber, construction, garments, cement, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: 8% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 3.582 million (2017 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 73.1%

industry: 6.1%

services: 20.6% (2012 est.)
Unemployment rate: 0.7% (2017 est.)

0.7% (2016 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 18.2%

male: 20.8%

female: 15.5% (2017 est.)
Population below poverty line: 18.3% (2018 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 36.4 (2012 est.)

34.6 (2002)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.3%

highest 10%: 30.3% (2008)
Budget: revenues: 3.099 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 4.038 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -5.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 63.6% of GDP (2017 est.)

58.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 18.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
Current account balance: -$2.057 billion (2017 est.)

-$2.07 billion (2016 est.)
Exports: $6.99 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$6.39 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: Thailand 36%, China 28%, Vietnam 16% (2019)
Exports - commodities: electricity, copper, rubber, gold, flavored water (2019)
Imports: $7.52 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$7.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: Thailand 53%, China 26%, Vietnam 10% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, cattle, iron structures, steel products (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $1.27 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$940.1 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $14.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$12.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: kips (LAK) per US dollar -

8,231.1 (2017 est.)

8,129.1 (2016 est.)

8,129.1 (2015 est.)

8,147.9 (2014 est.)

8,049 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 95% (2019)

electrification - urban areas: 98% (2019)

electrification - rural areas: 93% (2019)
Electricity - production: 29.74 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 5.471 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 8.469 billion kWh (2015 est.)
Electricity - imports: 2.5 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 6.94 million kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 28% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 72% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 1% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 18,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 17,460 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 1.491 million (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 20 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 4,362,183 (2020)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 60.84 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: reliance on radio network to communicate with remote areas; regulatory reform is below industry standards; government aims to strengthen infrastructure and attract foreign investment; low fixed-broadband penetration; dominance in mobile broadband with 4G and LTE, but low compared to other Asian markets; ASEAN Digital Hub investment provides international capacity; state owns almost all media, except for some entertainment outlets, and has suppressed some news; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China; providers examining m-payment platforms and 5G tests (2020)

domestic: fixed-line nearly 21 per 100 and 61 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2019)

international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: 6 TV stations operating out of Vientiane - 3 government-operated and the others commercial; 17 provincial stations operating with nearly all programming relayed via satellite from the government-operated stations in Vientiane; Chinese and Vietnamese programming relayed via satellite from Lao National TV; broadcasts available from stations in Thailand and Vietnam in border areas; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems provide access to a wide range of foreign stations; state-controlled radio with state-operated Lao National Radio (LNR) broadcasting on 5 frequencies - 1 AM, 1 SW, and 3 FM; LNR's AM and FM programs are relayed via satellite constituting a large part of the programming schedules of the provincial radio stations; Thai radio broadcasts available in border areas and transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are also accessible
Internet country code: .la
Internet users: total: 2,473,689 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 34% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 128,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1.8 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 12

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,251,961 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.53 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: RDPL
Airports: total: 41 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 33

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 22 (2021)
Pipelines: 540 km refined products (2013)
Roadways: total: 39,586 km (2009)

paved: 5,415 km (2009)

unpaved: 34,171 km (2009)
Waterways: 4,600 km (2012) (primarily on the Mekong River and its tributaries; 2,900 additional km are intermittently navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m)
Merchant marine: total: 1

by type: general cargo 1 (2021)

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF): Lao People's Army (LPA, includes Riverine Force), Air Force, Self-Defense Militia Forces

Ministry of Public Security (internal security and law enforcement):  local, traffic, immigration, and security police, as well as village police auxiliaries and other armed police units (2021)
Military expenditures: 0.2% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $120 million)

0.2% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $110 million)

0.2% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $100 million)

0.2% of GDP (2016 est.) (approximately $95 million)

0.2% of GDP (2015 est.) (approximately $85 million)
Military and security service personnel strengths: information is limited and estimates vary; approximately 30,000 active duty troops (26,000 Army; 4,000 Air Force) (2021)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the LPAF is armed largely with weapons from the former Soviet Union; since 2010, China and Russia are the leading suppliers of military equipment to Laos (2021)
Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - minimum 18 months (2021)
Military - note: the LPAF’s primary missions are border and internal security, including counterinsurgency and counterterrorismthe LPAF’s primary missions are border and internal security, including counterinsurgency and counterterrorism

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Thailand but disputes remain over islands in the Mekong River; Cambodia and Laos have a longstanding border demarcation dispute; concern among Mekong River Commission members that China's construction of eight dams on the Upper Mekong River and construction of more dams on its tributaries will affect water levels, sediment flows, and fisheries; Cambodia and Vietnam are concerned about Laos' extensive plans for upstream dam construction for the same reasonssoutheast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Thailand but disputes remain over islands in the Mekong River; Cambodia and Laos have a longstanding border demarcation dispute; concern among Mekong River Commission members that China's construction of eight dams on the Upper Mekong River and construction of more dams on its tributaries will affect water levels, sediment flows, and fisheries; Cambodia and Vietnam are concerned about Laos' extensive plans for upstream dam construction for the same reasons
Illicit drugs: Bokeo Province part of the “Golden Triangle,” a notorious drug production and transit area; remains a poppy cultivator and source of illicit opium and a transit hub for other illicit drugs such as amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and chemical precursors; estimate of 4,925 ha of opium poppy cultivated in Laos in 2018Bokeo Province part of the “Golden Triangle,” a notorious drug production and transit area; remains a poppy cultivator and source of illicit opium and a transit hub for other illicit drugs such as amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and chemical precursors; estimate of 4,925 ha of opium poppy cultivated in Laos in 2018


This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation.

Topic: Afghanistannot available

Topic: Albania19 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; 18 is the legal minimum age in case of general/partial compulsory mobilization; conscription abolished 2010 (2021)

note - as of 2020, women comprised about 14% of the military's full-time personnel, including 20% of the officers

Topic: Algeria18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service (including women); 19-30 years of age for compulsory service (all Algerian men must register at age 17); conscript service obligation reduced from 18 to 12 months in 2014 (2021)

note - in 2020, conscripts comprised an estimated 70% of the military

Topic: Angola20-45 years of age for compulsory male and 18-45 years for voluntary male military service (registration at age 18 is mandatory); 20-45 years of age for voluntary female service; 2-year conscript service obligation; Angolan citizenship required; the Navy (MGA) is entirely staffed with volunteers (2021)

Topic: Antigua and Barbuda18-23 years of age for voluntary military service for both males and females; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Argentina18-24 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); conscription suspended in 1995; Argentinians can still be drafted in times of crisis, national emergency, or war, or if the Defense Ministry is unable to fill all vacancies to keep the military functional (2021)

note - as of 2017, women made up over 17% of the active duty military

Topic: Armenia18-27 years of age for voluntary (men and women) or compulsory (men only) military service; 2-year conscript service obligation, which can be served as an officer upon deferment for university studies if enrolled in officer-producing program; 17-year-olds are eligible to become cadets at military higher education institutes, where they are classified as military personnel; citizens aged 27 to 50 are registered in the military reserve and may be called to serve if mobilization is declared; males under the age 36 years, who have not previously served as contract servicemen and are registered in the reserve, as well as females, regardless of whether they are registered in the reserve can be enrolled in contractual military service as privates (2021)

note - as of 2021, conscripts comprised about half of the military's active personnel; as of 2018, women made up about 13% of the active duty military

Topic: Australia17 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription (abolished 1973); women allowed to serve in all roles, including combat arms since 2013 (2021)

note - in 2019-2020, women comprised about 19% of the ADF

Topic: Austriaregistration requirement at age 17, the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; 18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory military service (6 months), or optionally, alternative civil/community service (9 months); males 18 to 50 years old in the militia or inactive reserve are subject to compulsory service; in a January 2012 referendum, a majority of Austrians voted in favor of retaining the system of compulsory military service (with the option of alternative/non-military service) instead of switching to a professional army system (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 4% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Azerbaijanmen age 18-35 years for compulsory military service; service obligation 18 months (non-university graduate) or 12 months (university graduates); 17 years of age for voluntary service (men and women); 17-year-olds are considered to be on active service at cadet military schools (2021)

note - as of 2018, women made up an estimated 3% of the active duty military

Topic: Bahamas, The18 years of age for voluntary male and female service; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Bahrain18 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of age for NCOs, technicians, and cadets; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Bangladesh16-21 years of age for voluntary military service; Bangladeshi nationality and 10th grade education required; officers: 17-21 years of age, Bangladeshi nationality, and 12th grade education required (2021)

Topic: Barbadosvoluntary service only (men and women); 17 years, 9 months to 17 years, 11 months with letter of consent from a parent or guardian, or be in the age range of 18-25 years at the start of recruit training; citizens of Barbados by descent or naturalization (2021)

Topic: Belarus18-27 years of age for compulsory military or alternative service; conscript service obligation is 12-18 months, depending on academic qualifications, and 24-36 months for alternative service, depending on academic qualifications; 17-year-olds are eligible to become cadets at military higher education institutes, where they are classified as military personnel (2021)

note - conscripts can be assigned to the military, as well as the Ministry of Interior as internal or border troops; as of 2020, conscripts comprised an estimated 40% of the military

Topic: Belgium18 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 1995 (2021)

note - in 2020, women comprised about 9% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Belize18 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient, but conscription has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available positions by 3:1; initial service obligation 12 years (2021)

Topic: Benin18-35 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military service; a higher education diploma is required; both sexes are eligible for military service; conscript tour of duty - 18 months (2021)

Topic: Bermudafemales and males who are Commonwealth citizens and 18-45 years of age for voluntary enlistment in the Bermuda Regiment; service is for a minimum period of three years and two months from the date of enlistment; service can be extended only by volunteering or an executive order from the Governor; annual training commitment is about 30 days a year, which includes a two-week camp, weekends, and drill nights (2021)

Topic: Bhutan18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; militia training is compulsory for males aged 20-25, over a 3-year period; in 2021, the Royal Bhutan Army graduated from a year-long training course the first batch of 150 women to be allowed to serve in combat roles; previously, women were allowed to serve in medical and other non-combat roles (2021)

Topic: Boliviacompulsory for all men between the ages of 18 and 22; men can volunteer from the age of 16, women from 18; service is for one year; Search and Rescue service can be substituted for citizens who have reached the age of compulsory military service; duration of this service is 2 years (2021)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina18 years of age for voluntary military service; mandatory retirement at age 35 or after 15 years of service for E-1 through E-4, mandatory retirement at age 50 and 30 years of service for E-5 through E-9, mandatory retirement at age 55 and 30 years of service for all officers; conscription abolished in 2005 (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 7% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Botswana18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021)

Topic: Brazil18-45 years of age for compulsory military service for men (women exempted); only 5-10% of those inducted are required to serve; conscript service obligation is 10-12 months; 17-45 years of age for voluntary service; women were allowed to serve in the armed forces beginning in early 1980s, when the Brazilian Army became the first army in South America to accept women into career ranks; women serve in Navy and Air Force only in Women's Reserve Corps (2021)

note - in 2020, women comprised approximately 9% of the Brazilian military

Topic: Brunei17 years of age for voluntary military service; non-Malays are ineligible to serve; recruits from the army, navy, and air force all undergo 43-week initial training (2021)

Topic: Bulgaria18-27 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription ended in 2007; service obligation 6-9 months (2021)

note - in 2021, women comprised about 17% of the Bulgarian military's full-time personnel

Topic: Burkina Faso18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; women may serve in supporting roles (2021)

Topic: Burma18-35 years of age (men) and 18-27 years of age (women) for voluntary military service; no conscription (a 2010 law reintroducing conscription has not yet entered into force); 2-year service obligation; male (ages 18-45) and female (ages 18-35) professionals (including doctors, engineers, mechanics) serve up to 3 years; service terms may be stretched to 5 years in an officially declared emergency (2021)

Topic: Burundi18 years of age for voluntary military service (2021)

Topic: Cabo Verde18-35 years of age for male and female selective compulsory military service; 2-years conscript service obligation; 17 years of age for voluntary service (with parental consent) (2021)

Topic: Cambodia18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory and voluntary military service (conscription only selectively enforced since 1993); women may volunteer (2021)

note - in 2018, women made up an estimated 6% of the active duty military

Topic: Cameroon18-23 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription; high school graduation required; service obligation 4 years (2021)

Topic: Canada17 years of age for voluntary male and female military service (with parental consent); 16 years of age for Reserve and Military College applicants; Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status required; maximum 34 years of age; service obligation 3-9 years (2021)

note(s) - Canada opened up all military occupations to women in 2001; in 2020, women comprised about 16% of the CAF

Topic: Central African Republic18 years of age for military service; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Chad20 is the legal minimum age for compulsory military service, with a 3-year service obligation; 18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary service; no minimum age restriction for volunteers with consent from a parent or guardian; women are subject to 1 year of compulsory military or civic service at age 21 (2021)

Topic: Chile18-45 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; selective compulsory service (there are usually enough volunteers to make compulsory service unnecessary); service obligation is a minimum of 12 months for Army and 22 months for Navy and Air Force (2021)

note - as of 2021, women comprised approximately 18% of the armed forces

Topic: China18-22 years of age for selective compulsory military service (not needed), with a 2-year service obligation; no minimum age for voluntary service (all officers are volunteers); 18-19 years of age for women high school graduates who meet requirements for specific military jobs (2021)

Topic: Colombia18-24 years of age for compulsory (men) and voluntary (men and women) military service; conscript service obligation is 18 months; conscripted soldiers reportedly include regular soldiers (conscripts without a high school degree), drafted high school graduates (bachilleres), and rural (campesino) soldiers who serve in their home regions (2021)

note - in 2020, conscripts reportedly comprised about 50% of the Colombian military's active force with approximately 60-90,000 conscripts brought into the military annually

Topic: Comoros18 years of age for 2-year voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the18-45 years of age for voluntary (men and women) and compulsory (men only) military service; unclear how much conscription is used (2021)

Topic: Congo, Republic of the18 years of age for voluntary military service; women may serve in the armed forces (2021)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoire18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary male and female military service; conscription is not enforced; voluntary recruitment of former rebels into the new national army is restricted to ages 22-29 (2021)

Topic: Croatia18-27 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2008 (2021)

note - as of 2019, women comprised about 13% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Cuba17-28 years of age for compulsory (men) and volunteer (men and women) military service; 2-year service obligation for men (2021)

Topic: CyprusCypriot National Guard (CNG): 18-50 years of age for compulsory military service for all Greek Cypriot males; 17 years of age for voluntary service; 14-month service obligation (2021)

Topic: Czechia18-28 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription abolished 2004 (2021)

note - as of 2019, women comprised about 13% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Denmark18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscripts serve an initial training period that varies from 4 to 12 months depending on specialization; former conscripts are assigned to mobilization units; women eligible to volunteer for military service; in addition to full time employment, the Danish Military offers reserve contracts in all three branches (2021)

note(s) - women have been able serve in all military occupations, including combat arms, since 1988; as of 2019, they made up about 8% of the military's full-time personnel; conscientious objectors can choose to instead serve 6 months in a non-military position, for example in Beredskabsstyrelsen (dealing with non-military disasters like fires, flood, pollution, etc.) or overseas foreign aid work

Topic: Djibouti18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); 16-25 years of age for voluntary military training; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Dominican Republic17-21 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); recruits must have completed primary school and be Dominican Republic citizens; women may volunteer (2021)

note - as of 2021, women made up approximately 20% of the active duty military

Topic: Ecuador18 years of age for selective conscript military service, although conscription was suspended in 2008; 18 years of age for voluntary military service; Ecuadorian birth requirement; 1-year service obligation; females have been allowed to serve in all branches since 2012 (2021)

note - in 2017, women made up an estimated 3% of the military

Topic: Egyptvoluntary enlistment possible from age 16 (men and women); 18-30 years of age for male conscript military service; service obligation - 14-36 months, followed by a 9-year reserve obligation; active service length depends on education; high school drop-outs serve for the full 36 months, while college graduates serve for lesser periods of time, depending on their education (2021)

note - as of 2020, conscripts were estimated to comprise over half of the military, as well as a considerable portion of the Central Security Force

Topic: El Salvador18 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 16-22 years of age for voluntary male or female service; service obligation is 12 months, with 11 months for officers and NCOs (2021)

note - as of 2016, women made up about 6% of the active duty military

Topic: Equatorial Guinea18 years of age for selective compulsory military service, although conscription is rare in practice; 2-year service obligation; women hold only administrative positions in the Navy (2021)

Topic: Eritrea18-40 years of age for male and female voluntary and compulsory military service (18-27 for female conscription); 18-month conscript service obligation, which includes 4-6 months of military training and one‐year of military or other national service (military service is most common); note - in practice, military service reportedly is often extended indefinitely (2021)

note - as of 2020, women reportedly made up as much as 30% of the Eritrean military

Topic: Estoniamen 18-27 for compulsory military or governmental service, conscript service requirement 8-11 months depending on education; NCOs, reserve officers, and specialists serve 11 months; women can volunteer and as of 2018, women could serve in any branch of the military (2021)

note(s) - conscripts comprise about half (approximately 3,000-3,300) of the Estonian military's 6,500 active personnel and serve in all branches, except for the Air Force, which does not have conscripts; in 2020, women comprised about 10% of the full-time professional military force

Topic: Eswatini18-30 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Ethiopia18 years of age for voluntary military service; no compulsory military service, but the military can conduct callups when necessary and compliance is compulsory (2021)

note - in November 2021, the Ethiopian Government issued a nationwide state of emergency that enabled officials to order military-age citizens to undergo training and accept military duty in support of the Tigray conflict

Topic: Fiji18 years of age for voluntary military service; mandatory retirement at age 55 (2021)

Topic: Finlandat age 18, all Finnish men are obligated to serve 5.5-12 months of service within a branch of the military or the Border Guard (length of service depends on the type of duty), and women 18-29 may volunteer for service; there is also an option to perform non-military service which lasts for 8.5 or 11.5 months; after completing their initial conscript obligation, individuals enter the reserves and remain eligible for mobilization until the age of 50 for rank-and-file and 60 for non-commissioned and commissioned officers (2021)

note(s) - the military trains approximately 21,000 (20,000 Army) conscripts each year; since 2017, between 1,000 and 1,700 women have volunteered for military service annually; as of 2019, women made up about 4% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: France18-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (abolished 2001); 1-year service obligation; women serve in noncombat posts (2021)

note(s) - men between the ages of 17.5 and 39.5 years of age, of any nationality, may join the French Foreign Legion; those volunteers selected for service sign 5-year contracts; in 2019, women comprised approximately approximately 16% of the uniformed armed forces (21% including civilians)

Topic: Gabon20 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Gambia, The18-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (18-22 for officers); no conscription; service obligation 6 months (2021)

Topic: Georgia18-27 years of age for voluntary active duty military service; conscription abolished in 2016, but reinstated in 2017 for men 18 to 27 years of age; conscript service obligation is 12 months (2021)

note(s) - approximately 6-7,000 individuals are called up annually for conscription for service; approximately 25% enter the Defense Forces, while the remainder serve in the Ministry of Internal Affairs or as prison guards in the Ministry of Corrections; as of 2019, women made up about 6% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Germany17-23 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (must have completed compulsory full-time education and have German citizenship); conscription ended July 2011; service obligation 7-23 months or 12 years; women have been eligible for voluntary service in all military branches and positions since 2001 (2021)

note - in 2021, women accounted for about 12% of the German military

Topic: Ghana18-26 years of age for voluntary military service, with basic education certificate; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Greece19-45 years of age for compulsory military service; 12-month obligation for all services (note - as an exception, the duration of the full military service is 9 instead of 12 months if conscripts, after the initial training, serve the entire remaining time in certain areas of the eastern borders, in Cyprus, or in certain military units); 18 years of age for volunteers; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2021)

note(s) - approximately 40-50% of the Greek military is comprised of conscripts; as of 2019, women comprised approximately 19% of the full-time military personnel

Topic: Guatemalaall male citizens between the ages of 18 and 50 are eligible for military service; in practice, most of the force is volunteer, however, a selective draft system is employed, resulting in a small portion of 17-21 year-olds conscripted; conscript service obligation varies from 1 to 2 years; women may volunteer (2021)

note - as of 2017, women made up an estimated 5-10% of the active military

Topic: GuineaVoluntary and selective conscripted service, 9-24 mos (2021)

Topic: Guinea-Bissau18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military service (Air Force service is voluntary); 16 years of age or younger, with parental consent, for voluntary service (2021)

Topic: Guyana18 years of age or older for voluntary military service; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps: 19-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; must be Roman Catholic, a single male, and a Swiss citizen, with a secondary education; service is for 26 months (2021)

Topic: Honduras18 years of age for voluntary 2- to 3-year military service (men and women); no conscription (2021)

note - as of 2017, women made up over 4% of the active duty military

Topic: Hungary18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (abolished 2005); 6-month service obligation (2021)

note - as of 2019, women comprised approximately 20% of Hungary's full-time military personnel

Topic: India16-18 years of age for voluntary military service (Army 17 1/2, Air Force 17, Navy 16 1/2); no conscription; women may join as officers, currently serve in combat roles as Air Force pilots, and under consideration for Army and Navy combat roles (currently can fly naval reconnaissance aircraft) (2021)

Topic: Indonesia18-45 years of age for voluntary military service, with selective conscription authorized (males, age 18), but not utilized; 2-year service obligation, with reserve obligation to age 45 (officers) (2021)

Topic: Iran18 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; 17 years of age for Law Enforcement Forces; 15 years of age for Basij Forces (Popular Mobilization Army); conscript military service obligation is 18-24 months, depending on the location of service (soldiers serving in places of high security risk and deprived areas serve shorter terms); women exempt from military service (2021)

note - as of 2019, approximately 80% of Artesh ground forces personnel were conscripts, while Navy and Air/Air Defense Force personnel were primarily volunteers; conscripts reportedly comprised more than 50 percent of the IRGC

Topic: Iraq18-40 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (abolished 2003) (2021)

note - in late 2021, the Iraqi Government approved a draft conscription law for the Council of Representatives to debate

Topic: Ireland18-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service recruits to the Defence Forces (18-27 years of age for the Naval Service); 18-26 for cadetship (officer) applicants; 12-year service (5 active, 7 reserves); Irish citizen, European Economic Area citizenship, or refugee status (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 7% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Israel18 years of age for compulsory military service; 17 years of age for voluntary military service; Jews and Druze can be conscripted; Christians, Circassians, and Muslims may volunteer; both sexes are obligated to military service; conscript liability 48 months for officers, 32 months for other ranks, 24 for women;  conscript service obligation - 32 months for enlisted men and about 24 months for enlisted women (varies based on military occupation), 48 months for officers; pilots commit to 9-year service; reserve obligation to age 41-51 (men), age 24 (women) (2021)

note(s) - women have served in the Israeli military since its establishment in 1948; as of 2021, women made up about 35% of IDF personnel; more than 90% of military specialties, including combat specialties, were open to women and more than 3,000 women were serving in combat units; the IDF's first mixed-gender infantry unit, the Caracal Battalion, was established in 2004; as of 2021, conscripts comprised about 70% of the IDF ground forces

Topic: Italy18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; women may serve in any military branch; Italian citizenship required; 1-year service obligation; conscription abolished 2004 (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 6% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Jamaicano conscription; 18-23 for voluntary military service (17 with parental consent; 18-28 for the reserves); since 2017, the JDF's standard mode of recruitment is to enroll recruits ages 18-23 through the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC); in the JNSC, soldiers receive basic military, vocational, and life skills training; upon completion of 1-year of service, soldiers can continue on with the JDF or seek other opportunities with law enforcement (2021)

Topic: Japan18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (maximum enlistment age 32); no conscription (2021)

note - as of 2020, women made up about 7% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Jordan17 years of age for voluntary male military service (women can volunteer to serve in noncombat military positions in the Royal Jordanian Arab Army Women's Corps and RJAF); initial service term 2 years, with option to reenlist for 18 years; conscription abolished in 1991; however, in 2020, Jordan announced the reinstatement of compulsory military service for jobless men aged between 25 and 29 with 12 months of service, made up of 3 months of military training and 9 months of professional and technical training; in 2019, announced a voluntary 4-month National Military Service program for men and women aged between 18-25 years who have been unemployed for at least 6 months; service would include 1 month for military training with the remaining 3 months dedicated to vocational training in the sectors of construction and tourism (2021)

note - most women serve in the medical service; outside the medical service, women comprised about 1.5% of the military as of 2019; the Jordanian Government intended to raise this to 3%

Topic: Kazakhstanall men 18-27 are required to serve in the military for at least one year (2021)

Topic: Kenyano conscription; 18-26 years of age for male and female voluntary service (under 18 with parental consent; upper limit 30 years of age for specialists, tradesmen, or women with a diploma; 39 years of age for chaplains/imams), with a 9-year obligation (7 years for Kenyan Navy) and subsequent 3-year re-enlistments; applicants must be Kenyan citizens (2021)

Topic: Korea, North17 years of age for compulsory male and female military service; service obligation 10 years for men, to age 23 for women (reportedly reduced in 2021 to 7-8 years for men and 5 years for women) (2021)

note(s) - the bulk of the KPA is made up of conscripts; as many as 20 percent of North Korean males between the ages of 16 and 54 are in the military at a given time and possibly up to 30 percent of males between the ages of 18 and 27, not counting the reserves or paramilitary units

Topic: Korea, South18-28 years of age for compulsory military service; minimum conscript service obligation varies by service- 21 months (Army, Marines), 23 months (Navy), 24 months (Air Force); 18-26 years of age for voluntary military service  (2021)

note(s) - women, in service since 1950, are able to serve in all branches, including as officers, and in 2020 comprised about 7.5% of the active duty military; in 2021, about 330,000 of the military's active personnel were conscripts; South Korea intends to reduce the length of military service to 18 – 22 months by 2022

Topic: Kosovoservice is voluntary; must be over the age of 18 and a citizen of Kosovo; upper age for enlisting is 30 for officers, 25 for other ranks, although these may be waived for recruits with key skills considered essential for the KSF
 (2021)

Topic: Kuwait17-21 years of age for voluntary military service; Kuwait reintroduced one-year mandatory service for men aged 18-35 in May 2017 after having suspended conscription in 2001; service is divided in two phases – four months for training and eight months for military service; women were allowed to volunteer in 2021 (2021)

Topic: Kyrgyzstan18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary male military service in the Armed Forces or Interior Ministry; 1-year service obligation (9 months for university graduates), with optional fee-based 3-year service in the call-up mobilization reserve; women may volunteer at age 19; 16-17 years of age for military cadets, who cannot take part in military operations (2021)

Topic: Laos18 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - minimum 18 months (2021)

Topic: Latvia18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (abolished 2007) (2021)

note - as of 2019, women comprised about 16% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Lebanon17-25 years of age for voluntary military service (including women); no conscription (2021)

note - as of 2020, women comprised about 5% of the active duty military

Topic: Lesotho18-24 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; women can serve as commissioned officers (2021)

Topic: Liberia18-35 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021)

note - as of 2020, women made up about .4% of the active military

Topic: Libyanot available

Topic: Lithuania19-26 years of age for conscripted military service (males); 9-month service obligation; in 2015, Lithuania reinstated conscription after having converted to a professional military in 2008; 18-38 for voluntary service (male and female) (2021)

note(s) - Lithuania conscripts up to 4,000 males each year; conscripts are selected using an automated lottery system; as of 2019, women comprised about 12% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Luxembourg18-26 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (abolished 1969); Luxembourg citizen or EU citizen with 3-year residence in Luxembourg (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 8% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: MadagascarMadagascar has an all-volunteer military; 18-25 years of age for males; service obligation 18 months; women are permitted to serve in all branches (2021)

Topic: Malawi18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); high school equivalent required for enlisted recruits and college equivalent for officer recruits; initial engagement is 7 years for enlisted personnel and 10 years for officers (2021)

Topic: Malaysia17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent and proof of age); mandatory retirement age 60; women serve in the Malaysian Armed Forces; no conscription (2021)

note - in 2020, the Malaysian Armed Forces announced a goal of having 10% of the active military comprised of women

Topic: Maldives18-28 years of age for voluntary service; no conscription; 10th grade or equivalent education required; must not be a member of a political party (2021)

Topic: Mali18 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military service (men and women); 2-year conscript service obligation (2021)

Topic: Malta18-30 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021)

Topic: Mauritania18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Mauritiusservice is voluntary (2021)

Topic: Mexico18 years of age for compulsory military service for males (selection for service determined by lottery); conscript service obligation is 12 months; those selected serve on Saturdays in a Batallón del Servicio Militar Nacional (National Military Service Battalion) composed entirely of one-year Servicio Militar Nacional (SMN) conscripts; conscripts remain in reserve status until the age of 40; 16 years of age with consent for voluntary enlistment; cadets enrolled in military schools from the age of 15 are considered members of the armed forces; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2021)

note - as of 2018, women comprised about 9% of the active duty military

Topic: Moldova18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; male registration required at age 16; 1-year service obligation (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 20% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Mongolia18-27 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; 1-year conscript service obligation in army or air forces or police for males only (can be exchanged for a 24‐month stint in the civil service or a tax voucher); after conscription, soldiers can contract into military service for 2 or 4 years; citizens can also voluntarily join the armed forces (2021)

Topic: Montenegro18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2006 (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 6% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Morocco19-25 years of age for 12-month compulsory military service (reintroduced in 2019); both sexes are obligated to military service (2021)

Topic: Mozambiqueregistration for military service is mandatory for all males and females at 18 years of age; 18-35 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary service; 2-year service obligation; women may serve as officers or enlisted (2021)

Topic: Namibia18-25 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021)

note - as of 2018, women comprised more than 20% of the active military

Topic: Nepal18 years of age for voluntary military service (including women); no conscription (2021)

note - as of 2020, women comprised about 5% of the active duty military

Topic: Netherlands17 years of age for an all-volunteer force; conscription remains in place, but the requirement to show up for compulsory military service was suspended in 1997 (2021)

note - in 2019, women made up about 11% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: New Zealand17 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); soldiers cannot be deployed until the age of 18; no conscription (2021)

note - New Zealand opened up all military occupations to women in 2000; in 2019, women accounted for about 18% of the uniformed full-time personnel

Topic: Nicaragua18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; tour of duty 18-36 months; requires Nicaraguan nationality and 6th-grade education (2021)

Topic: Nigerhas conscription, although it is reportedly not always enforced; 18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory or voluntary military service; enlistees must be Nigerien citizens and unmarried; 2-year service term; women may serve in health care (2021)

Topic: Nigeria18-26 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021)

Topic: North Macedonia18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2007 (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 8% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Norway19-35 years of age for male and female selective compulsory military service; 17 years of age for male volunteers; 18 years of age for women; 19-month service obligation; conscripts first serve 12 months from 19-28, and then up to 4-5 refresher training periods until age 35, 44, 55, or 60 depending on rank and function (2021)

note(s) - Norway conscripts about 8,000 individuals annually; Norway was the first NATO country to allow females to serve in all combat arms branches of the military (1985); it also has an all-female special operations unit known as Jegertroppen (The Hunter Troop), which was established in 2014; as of 2019, women comprised about 14% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Oman18-30 years of age for voluntary military service (women have been allowed to serve since 2011); no conscription (2021)

Topic: Pakistan16 (or 17 depending on service)-23 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers cannot be deployed for combat until age 18; women serve in all three armed forces; reserve obligation to age 45 for enlisted men, age 50 for officers (2021)

Topic: Papua New Guinea16 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription (2021)

Topic: Paraguay18 years of age for compulsory (men) and voluntary (men and women) military service; conscript service obligation is 12 months for Army, 24 months for Navy (conscripts also serve in the National Police); volunteers for the Air Force must be younger than 22 years of age with a secondary school diploma (2021)

note - as of 2021, women made up about 6% of the active military

Topic: Peru18-50 years of age for male and 18-45 years of age for female voluntary military service (12 months); no conscription (abolished in 1999) (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 10% of the active duty military

Topic: Philippines18-23 years of age (officers 21-29; 21-26 for women officers) for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021)

note - as of 2020, women made up about 6% of the active military; women were allowed to enter the Philippine Military Academy and train as combat soldiers in 1993

Topic: Poland18-28 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription phased out in 2009-12; professional soldiers serve on a permanent basis (for an unspecified period of time) or on a contract basis (for a specified period of time); initial contract period is 24 months; women serve in the military on the same terms as men (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 7% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Portugal18-30 years of age for voluntary or contract military service; no compulsory military service (abolished 2004), but conscription possible if insufficient volunteers available; women serve in the armed forces, on naval ships since 1992, but are prohibited from serving in some combatant specialties; contract service lasts for an initial period from two to six years, and can be extended to a maximum of 20 years of service; voluntary military service lasts 12 months; reserve obligation to age 35 (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 12% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Qatarconscription for males aged 18-35 introduced in 2013; compulsory service times range from 4-12 months, depending on the cadets educational and professional circumstances; since 2018, women have been permitted to serve in the armed forces, including as uniformed officers and pilots (2021)

note - as of 2020, the military incorporated about 2,000 conscripts annually

Topic: Romaniaconscription ended 2006; 18 years of age for male and female voluntary service; all military inductees (including women) contract for an initial 5-year term of service, with subsequent successive 3-year terms until age 36 (2021)

Topic: Russia18-27 years of age for compulsory (men only) or voluntary (men and women) military service; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; one-year service obligation (Russia offers the option of serving on a two-year contract instead of completing a one-year conscription period); reserve obligation for non-officers to age 50; enrollment in military schools from the age of 16, cadets classified as members of the armed forces (2021)

note(s) - as of 2021, conscripts reportedly comprised about 30% of the Russian military's active duty personnel; in April of 2019, the Russian Government pledged its intent to end conscription as part of a decade-long effort to shift from a large, conscript-based military to a smaller, more professional force; as of 2020, women made up about 5% of the active duty military

Topic: Rwanda18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription; Rwandan citizenship is required; enlistment is either as contract (5-years, renewable twice) or career (2021)

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis18 years of age for voluntary military service (under 18 with written parental permission); no conscription (2021)

Topic: San Marino18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; no conscription; government has the authority to call up all San Marino citizens from 16-60 years of age to service in the military (2019)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principe18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory military service; 17 is the legal minimum age for voluntary service (2021)

Topic: Saudi Arabia17-40 for men; no conscription; as of 2021, women (aged 18-40) were allowed to serve in the Army, Air Defense, Navy, Strategic Missile Force, medical services, and internal security forces up to the rank of non-commissioned officer (2021)

Topic: Senegal18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); 20 years of age for selective conscript service; 2-year service obligation; women have been accepted into military service since 2008 (2021)

Topic: Serbia18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished January 2011 (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 6% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Seychelles18-28 (18-25 for officers) years of age for voluntary military service (including women); 6-year initial commitment; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Sierra Leone18-29 for voluntary military service; women are eligible to serve; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Singapore18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 1/2 years of age for voluntary enlistment (with parental consent); 2-year conscript service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age 50 (officers); women are not conscripted, but they are allowed to volunteer for all services and branches, including combat arms (2021)

note(s) - under the Enlistment Act, all male Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, unless exempted, are required to enter National Service (NS) upon attaining the age of 18; most NS conscripts serve in the SAF, but some go into the Police Force or Civil Defense Force; as of 2020, conscripts comprised over half of the defense establishment; as of 2017, women made up about 7% of the active force

Topic: Slovakia18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription in peacetime suspended in 2004; women are eligible to serve (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up around 12% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Slovenia18-25 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); conscription abolished in 2003 (2021)

note - as of 2019, women comprised about 15% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Somalia18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscription is authorized, but not currently utilized (2021)

Topic: South Africa18-26 years of age for voluntary military service; women are eligible to serve in noncombat roles; 2-year service obligation (2021)

note - in 2019, women comprised about 30% of the SANDF

Topic: South Sudan18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory (men) and voluntary (men and women) military service; 12-24 months service (2021)

note - in 2019, women made up less than 10% of the active military

Topic: Spain18-26 years of age for voluntary military service by a Spanish citizen or legal immigrant, 2-3 year obligation; women allowed to serve in all SAF branches, including combat units; no conscription (abolished 2001), but Spanish Government retains right to mobilize citizens 19-25 years of age in a national emergency (2021)

note - as of 2019, women comprised about 13% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Sri Lanka18-22 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021)

Topic: Sudan18-33 years of age for male and female compulsory or voluntary military service; 1-2 year service obligation (2021)

note - implementation of conscription is reportedly uneven

Topic: Suriname18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Sweden18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; service obligation: 7.5 months (Army), 7-15 months (Navy), 8-12 months (Air Force); after completing initial service, soldiers have a reserve commitment until age 47; compulsory military service, abolished in 2010, was reinstated in January 2018; conscription is selective, includes both female and male (age 18), and requires 9-12 months of service (2021)

note(s) - Sweden conscripts about 5,500 men and women each year; as of 2019, women made up about 9% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Switzerland18-30 years of age generally for male compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; every Swiss male has to serve at least 245 days in the armed forces; conscripts receive 18 weeks of mandatory training, followed by six 19-day intermittent recalls for training during the next 10 years (2021)

note - conscientious objectors can choose 390 days of community service instead of military service

Topic: Syria18-42 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation is 18 months; women are not conscripted but may volunteer to serve (2021)

note - the SAF is largely comprised of conscripts

Topic: Taiwanstarting with those born in 1994, males 18-36 years of age may volunteer for military service or must complete 4 months of compulsory military training (or substitute civil service in some cases); men born before December 1993 are required to complete compulsory service for 1 year (military or civil); men are subject to training recalls up to four times for periods not to exceed 20 days for 8 years after discharge; women may enlist, but are restricted to noncombat roles in most cases; as part of its transition to an all-volunteer military in December 2018, the last cohort of one-year military conscripts completed their service obligations (2021)

note - as of 2018, women made up about 14% of the active duty military

Topic: Tajikistan18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service for men; 24-month conscript service obligation; in August 2021, the Tajik Government began allowing men to pay a fee in order to avoid conscription (2021)

Topic: Tanzania18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; 6-year commitment (2-year contracts afterwards); selective conscription for 2 years of public service (2021)

Topic: Thailand18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); 21 years of age for compulsory military service (men only); males register at 18 years of age; 2-year conscript service obligation varies by educational qualifications (2021)

note(s) - information varies, but conscripts reportedly comprise as much as 50% of the RTARF; around 100,000 males are drafted each year; as of 2020, women comprised about 8% of active military personnel

Topic: Timor-Leste18 years of age for voluntary military service; 18-month service obligation (2021)

Topic: Togo18 years of age for military service; 2-year service obligation; no conscription; women have been able to serve since 2007 (2021)

Topic: Tongamen and women, 18-25, may volunteer; no conscription (2021)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobago18-25 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women; some age variations between services, reserves); no conscription (2021)

note - as of 2017, women comprised about 14% of the active military

Topic: Tunisiamen 20-23 years of age for compulsory service, 1-year service obligation; individuals engaged in higher education or vocational training programs prior to their military drafting are allowed to delay service until they have completed their programs; 18-23 years of age for voluntary service; women may volunteer (2021)

note(s) - as of 2021, approximately 20-25,000 active military personnel were conscripts; women have been allowed in the service since 1975 as volunteers only, although as recently as 2018, the Tunisian Government has discussed the possibility of conscripting women; as of 2018, women constituted less than 7% of the military and served in all three services

Topic: TurkeyPresident Erdoğan on 25 June 2019 signed a new law cutting the men’s mandatory military service period in half, as well as making paid military service permanent; with the new system, the period of conscription was reduced from 12 months to six months for privates and non-commissioned soldiers (the service term for reserve officers chosen among university or college graduates will remain 12 months); after completing six months of service, if a conscripted soldier wants to and is suitable for extending his military service, he may do so for an additional six months in return for a monthly salary; under the new law, all male Turkish citizens over the age of 20 will be required to undergo a one month military training period, but they can obtain an exemption from the remaining five months of their mandatory service by paying 31,000 Turkish Liras (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about .3% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: Turkmenistan18-30 years of age for compulsory male military service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2.5 years for the Navy); 20 years of age for voluntary service (including females); males may enroll in military schools from age 15 (2021)

Topic: Uganda18-25 years of age for voluntary military duty (men and women); 9-year service obligation (2021)

Topic: Ukraineconscription abolished in 2012, but reintroduced in 2014; 20-27 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation is 12 months (2021)

note(s) - the Ukrainian military has a mix of conscripts (14,000 conscripted in 2021) and professional soldiers on contracts; by law, conscripts cannot serve on the frontlines, but have the opportunity to sign short or long-term contracts upon the expiration of their terms of service; women can volunteer and have served in the Ukrainian armed forces since 1993; as of 2021, women comprised approximately 15-20% of the military; in late 2021, the Ukrainian Government began requiring women between 18 and 60 who are fit for military service and work in a broad range of professions to register with Ukraine's armed forces

Topic: United Arab Emirates18-30 years of age for compulsory military service for men (compulsory service initiated in 2014); 17 years of age for male volunteers with parental approval; males can volunteer up to age 40; 24-month general service obligation, 16 months for secondary school graduates; women can volunteer to serve for 9 months regardless of education (2021)

note - compulsory service may be completed in the uniformed military, the Ministry of Interior, the State Security Service, or other institutions designated by the military leadership

Topic: United Kingdomslight variations by service, but generally 16-36 years of age for enlisted (with parental consent under 18) and 18-29 for officers; minimum length of service 4 years; women serve in military services including ground combat roles; conscription abolished in 1963 (2021)

note - as of 2019, women made up about 11% of the military's full-time personnel

Topic: United States18 years of age (17 years of age with parental consent) for male and female voluntary service; no conscription  (currently inactive, but males aged 18-25 must register with Selective Service in case conscription is reinstated in the future); maximum enlistment age 34 (Army), 39 (Air Force), 39 (Navy), 28 (Marines), 31 (Coast Guard); 8-year service obligation, including 2-5 years active duty (Army), 2 years active (Navy), 4 years active (Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard); all military occupations and positions open to women (2021)

note - in 2019, women comprised about 18% of the total US military

Topic: Uruguay18-30 years of age (18-22 years of age for Navy) for male or female voluntary military service; up to 40 years of age for specialists; enlistment is voluntary in peacetime, but the government has the authority to conscript in emergencies (2021)

note - as of 2017, women comprised about 19% of the active military

Topic: Uzbekistan18-27 years of age for compulsory military service; 1-year conscript service obligation for males (conscripts have the option of paying for a shorter service of one month while remaining in the reserves until the age of 27); Uzbek citizens who have completed their service terms in the armed forces have privileges in employment and admission to higher educational institutions (2021)

Topic: Venezuela18-30 (25 for women) for voluntary service; the minimum service obligation is 24-30 months; all citizens of military service age (18-50 years old) are obligated to register for military service and subject to military training, although “forcible recruitment” is forbidden (2021)

note - as of 2017, women made up more than 20% of the active duty military

Topic: Vietnam18-27 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service (females eligible for conscription, but in practice only males are drafted); conscription typically takes place twice annually and service obligation is 2 years (Army, Air Defense) and 3 years (Navy and Air Force) (2021)

Topic: West Banknot available

Topic: Yemen18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2001; 2-year service obligation (note - limited information since the start of the civil war) (2021)

Topic: Zambia18-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (16 with parental consent); no conscription; 12-year enlistment period (7 years active, 5 in the Reserves) (2021)

Topic: Zimbabwe18-22 years of age for voluntary military service (18-24 for officer cadets; 18-30 for technical/specialist personnel); no conscription; women are eligible to serve (2021)