Lao Cai is a locality with a diverse population structure, with 49 ethnic groups living together, the most populous of which are Kinh, Mong, Tay, Dao, Thai, Nung, Ha Nhi, Muong, San Chay, Giay, San Diu, Kho Mu, Ha Nhi, Phu La, Bo Y, Hoa...

According to Lao Cai Provincial Statistics, the number of ethnic minorities in Lao Cai province in 2024 is estimated at 1,024,270 people; The proportion of ethnic minorities compared to the total population of Lao Cai province in 2024 is estimated at 61.83%. Living together for a long time in Lao Cai land, each ethnic group has its own cultural identity, contributing to the formation of a rich, unique cultural treasure with a strong highland identity. Ethnic people have a tradition of patriotism, solidarity and mutual assistance in conquering nature, fighting against enemies, each step of development of Lao Cai province has the contribution of each ethnic group, each clan and each family.

Lao Cai province’s population structure is in the “golden structure” period with a young workforce accounting for over 60% of the total population. This is an important human resource serving socio-economic development, especially in areas such as agriculture, forestry, mining industry, services, border trade and tourism.

In recent years, the quality of Lao Cai's population has improved significantly thanks to health care, improving the material and spiritual life of the people. The poverty rate has decreased rapidly, the average life expectancy has increased, the intellectual level of the people has been raised, contributing to the sustainable development of Lao Cai province.

With the diversity of ethnic groups, the youthfulness of human resources and the right development policies, Lao Cai's population is not only an advantage in human resources but also a valuable cultural resource, creating endogenous strength for the province's integration and development process in the new period./.