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Photo: Tango7174 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Laos
Laos places highest on Firms with a Female Top Manager (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Civic Space Ratings (bottom 3%).
Laos in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
7,664,993
people
since 1950
Land area
230,800
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
8,873
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
68.96
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.617
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
1.187
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Laos
Key facts about Laos
- Capital
- Vientiane
- Official language
- Lao
- Currency
- Lao kip (LAK)
- ISO code
- LAO · LA
- Domain · dialling
- .la · +856
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Laos’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
20thof 161
From 3 of 3 key statistics
52ndof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint66thof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
95thof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
119thof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
115thof 177
From 2 of 3 key statistics
142ndof 201
From 4 of 4 key statistics
140thof 193
From 5 of 5 key statistics
119thof 150
From 3 of 3 key statistics
159thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
182ndof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
No standing — Laos holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Laos’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Laos in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Laos stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Laos sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Laos does best6
In the top third of all countries measured. 5 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 2nd
Position · derived 2nd of 179 · 50.69 · 2025
world median 19.16 (better)
- 6th
Position · derived 6th of 194 · 183.17 · 2022
world median 107.06 (better) · ▲ 3 pts since 2012
- 8thUnemployment Ratetop 4%
Position · derived 175th of 182 · 1 = worst · 1.187 · 2025
world median 5.084 (better) · ▲ 5 pts since 2015
- 8thYouth Unemployment Ratetop 4%
Position · derived 175th of 182 · 1 = worst · 2.384 · 2025
world median 12.83 (better) · ▲ 6 pts since 2015
Position · derived 25th of 181 · 25,188 · 2022
world median 2,528 (better)
Where Laos struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 5 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 5thExternal Debt Stocks (% of GNI)bottom 4%
Position · derived 5th of 110 · 1 = worst · 115.4 · 2024
world median 43.94 (worse) · ▼ 12 pts since 2014
- 6th
- 6thGovernment Spending on Educationbottom 4%
Position · derived 118th of 123 · 1.234 · 2023
world median 3.709 (worse) · ▼ 22 pts since 2013
- 8thUpper Secondary Attainmentbottom 7%
Position · derived 88th of 95 · 20.62 · 2023
world median 65.76 (worse) · ▼ 7 pts since 2015
- 9thSecondary School Enrolmentbottom 7%
Position · derived 101st of 109 · 51.85 · 2024
world median 93.19 (worse) · ▼ 9 pts since 2014
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Laos can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
116th
of 141 · 1990
147th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
159th
of 173 · 2012
109th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
87th
of 107 · 1998
117th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 26 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
112th
of 132 · 2022
109th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
133rd
of 140 · 1995
105th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
127th
of 172 · 2020
125th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Laos has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Food Production Index+66 pts since 2012
- Crop Production Index+64 pts since 2012
- Labour Force Participation Rate+29 pts since 2015
Losing ground
Where Laos has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Internal Displacements by Disaster-25 pts since 2014
- GDP Growth-23 pts since 2015
05In context
Laos and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across South-eastern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
- 21
Singapore - 51
Malaysia - 61
Thailand - 68
Vietnam - 77
Brunei - 90
Indonesia - 91
Timor-Leste - 98
Philippines - 120Laos
- 123
Cambodia - 152
Myanmar
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Laos
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions19
Civic Space Ratings193rd of 198position · derived5.42Civic space score (0–100)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 3% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Laos 5.42 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 13%65Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 13% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Laos 65 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index109th of 181rank34CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Laos 34 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2015
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment46th of 78position · derived3.083IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)2025
Middle · bottom 42% of 78 countries measured
World Bank Group · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)
Laos 3.083 · world median 3.246 (worse)
Best in the world 4.225 (Rwanda)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt34th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst19.04Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
Lower middle · bottom 31% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Laos 19.04 · world median 12.93 (worse)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)5th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst115.4External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Laos 115.4 · world median 43.94 (worse)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Government AI Readiness Index125th of 195rank29.92AI readiness score (0–100)2025
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Laos 29.92 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness147th of 209position · derived-0.582Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Laos -0.582 · world median 0.01 (worse)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Government Spending on Education118th of 123position · derived1.234Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Laos 1.234 · world median 3.709 (worse)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2013
Open Data Inventory122nd of 168rank46ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Laos 46 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Wage Bill109th of 168position · derived6.254Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
Lower middle · bottom 35% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Laos 6.254 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
No real change since 2012
Regulatory Quality152nd of 209position · derived-0.636Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Laos -0.636 · world median -0.09 (worse)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Rule of Law154th of 211position · derived-0.742Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Laos -0.742 · world median -0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators131st of 188position · derived60.84SPI overall score (0–100)2024
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Laos 60.84 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density72nd of 139position · derived15.5Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
Middle · bottom 49% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Laos 15.5 · world median 16.68 (worse)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index162nd of 176position · derived0.135Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Laos 0.135 · world median 0.497 (worse)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability185th of 208position · derived-1.471Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 11% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Laos -1.471 · world median -0.02 (worse)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Women, Business and the Law68th of 190position · derived85.63WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
Upper middle · top 35% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Laos 85.63 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation19
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution128th of 139position · derived37.65Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Laos 37.65 · world median 72.83 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2017
Agricultural Land178th of 209position · derived9.91Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Laos 9.91 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)35th of 158position · derived16.62Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
Upper middle · top 22% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Laos 16.62 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
No real change since 2015
Cereal Yield60th of 179position · derived4,102Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
Upper middle · top 33% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Laos 4,102 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Crop Production Index66th of 195position · derived113.65Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Upper middle · top 34% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Laos 113.65 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +64 percentile points since 2012
Economic Complexity Index105th of 145rank-0.703ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
Lower middle · bottom 28% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Laos -0.703 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare99th of 188position · derived77.41Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
Middle · bottom 48% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Laos 77.41 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2013
Food Production Index61st of 195position · derived114.84Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Upper middle · top 31% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Laos 114.84 · world median 106.08 (better)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▲ +66 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth55th of 186position · derived4.538GDP growth (annual %)2025
Upper middle · top 29% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Laos 4.538 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)126th of 185position · derived8,873GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 32% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Laos 8,873 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Global Innovation Index109th of 139rank20.12GII score (0–100)2025
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Laos 20.12 · world median 28.52 (worse)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2022
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)49th of 158position · derived29.17Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
Upper middle · top 31% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Laos 29.17 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
No real change since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index121st of 169position · derived0.462IHDI (0–1)2023
Lower middle · bottom 29% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Laos 0.462 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Density23rd of 188position · derived1.86Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
Top fifth · top 12% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Laos 1.86 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Production Index6th of 194position · derived183.17Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Top fifth · top 3% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Laos 183.17 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index115th of 139rank2.4LPI score (1–5)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Laos 2.4 · world median 2.9 (worse)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)84th of 132position · derived9.114Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 37% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Laos 9.114 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
No real change since 2015
Net Official Development Assistance Received53rd of 130position · derived3.506Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
Middle · top 40% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Laos 3.506 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
No real change since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)66th of 180position · derived5.383Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
Upper middle · top 33% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Laos 5.383 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2011
Work & Labour17
Average Weekly Hours Worked58th of 182position · derived41.52Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
Upper middle · top 31% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Laos 41.52 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Agriculture6th of 182position · derived68.6Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
Top fifth · top 3% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Laos 68.6 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry174th of 182position · derived7.415Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Laos 7.415 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services175th of 182position · derived23.99Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Laos 23.99 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio37th of 182position · derived65.3Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
Top fifth · top 20% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Laos 65.3 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate41st of 182position · derived61.56Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Upper middle · top 22% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Laos 61.56 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager2nd of 179position · derived50.69Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
Top fifth · top 1% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Laos 50.69 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed126th of 168position · derived19,366GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Laos 19,366 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Informal Employment Rate13th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst86.52Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 13% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
Laos 86.52 · world median 36.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate52nd of 182position · derived66.09Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Upper middle · top 28% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Laos 66.09 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +29 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked138th of 182position · derived8.73Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Laos 8.73 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate20th of 182position · derived77.14Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
Top fifth · top 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Laos 77.14 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate175th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst1.187Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
Top fifth · top 4% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Laos 1.187 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment17th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst76.38Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Laos 76.38 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Working Poverty Ratebottom 40%12.13Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
Middle · bottom 40% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Laos 12.13 · world median 4.885 (worse)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate175th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst2.384Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
Top fifth · top 4% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Laos 2.384 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge10
Adult Literacy Rate131st of 172position · derived75.64Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Laos 75.64 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling175th of 195position · derived9.605Expected years of schooling2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Laos 9.605 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Mean Years of Schooling154th of 193position · derived6.06Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
Lower middle · bottom 20% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Laos 6.06 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary34th of 121position · derived · 1 = worst10.34Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 28% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
Laos 10.34 · world median 3.691 (worse)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2014
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate79th of 120position · derived47.98Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
Laos 47.98 · world median 65.93 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2014
Primary Completion Rate140th of 165position · derived70.14Primary completion rate (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Laos 70.14 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Secondary School Enrolment101st of 109position · derived51.85Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 7% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
Laos 51.85 · world median 93.19 (worse)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Upper Secondary Attainment88th of 95position · derived20.62Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 7% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
Laos 20.62 · world median 65.76 (worse)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Upper Secondary Completion Rate116th of 164position · derived36.4Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 29% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Laos 36.4 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 25%90.3915–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Laos 90.39 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing15
Children with Functional Difficultiesbottom 8%2.7Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
Laos 2.7 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply123rd of 155position · derived2,566Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Laos 2,566 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months47th of 136position · derived50.32Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
Upper middle · top 34% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Laos 50.32 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index117th of 172rank0.475GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
Lower middle · bottom 32% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Laos 0.475 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index47th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.082MPI (0–1)2025
Middle · bottom 43% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Laos 0.082 · world median 0.039 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2018
Global Violent Deaths69th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst7.97Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Laos 7.97 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index124th of 172position · derived0.457HCI score (0–1)2020
Lower middle · bottom 28% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Laos 0.457 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
No real change since 2017
Human Development Index147th of 193rank0.617HDI score (0–1)2023
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Laos 0.617 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth164th of 222position · derived68.96Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
Lower middle · bottom 26% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Laos 68.96 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio64th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst112.15Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
Lower middle · bottom 32% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Laos 112.15 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare165th of 178position · derived0.12Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Laos 0.12 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity60th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst5.6Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
Middle · bottom 45% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Laos 5.6 · world median 4.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2019
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five25th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst32.8Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Laos 32.8 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate59th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst29.35Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
Lower middle · bottom 29% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Laos 29.35 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children69th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst62.3Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
Upper middle · top 24% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Laos 62.3 · world median 75.8 (better)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital12
Access to Electricitybottom 32%96.5Population with electricity access (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 32% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Laos 96.5 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Agricultural Irrigated Land16th of 121position · derived19.28Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
Top fifth · top 13% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Laos 19.28 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Arable Land per Person78th of 206position · derived0.16Arable land (hectares per person)2023
Upper middle · top 38% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Laos 0.16 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiobottom 21%-0.3Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Laos -0.3 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
No real change since 2012
Child Marriage27th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst30.5Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 18% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Laos 30.5 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality58th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst24.85Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Laos 24.85 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2013
Cost of Sending Remittances23rd of 93position · derived · 1 = worst4.873Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Laos 4.873 · world median 3.225 (worse)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2016
Gender Development Index151st of 184position · derived0.911Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 18% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Laos 0.911 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production78th of 179position · derived1,062,711Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
Middle · top 43% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Laos 1,062,711 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area90th of 150position · derived0.42Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
Middle · bottom 42% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Laos 0.42 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI118th of 156position · derived0.57PHDI (0–1)2023
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Laos 0.57 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector6th of 171position · derived95.92Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
Top fifth · top 3% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Laos 95.92 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Environment & Sustainability8
Agricultural Emissions83rd of 193position · derived12,480Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
Middle · top 42% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Laos 12,480 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Ecological Footprint107th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst0.94Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
Top fifth · top 15% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Laos 0.94 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▲ +24 percentile points since 2015
Forest Area16th of 210position · derived71.46Forest area (% of land area)2023
Top fifth · top 7% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Laos 71.46 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster88th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst3,400New displacements by disaster (people)2024
Middle · top 45% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Laos 3,400 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita25th of 181position · derived25,188Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
Top fifth · top 13% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Laos 25,188 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation35th of 190position · derived76.72Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
Top fifth · top 18% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Laos 76.72 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress119th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst4.79Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
Upper middle · top 33% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Laos 4.79 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
World Risk Index122nd of 193position · derived · 1 = worst3WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
Upper middle · top 37% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Laos 3 · world median 4.17 (better)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality1
Social Institutions and Gender Index71st of 140position · derived · 1 = worst25.1SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
Middle · top 50% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Laos 25.1 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security4
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
Upper middle · top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Laos 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
INFORM Risk Index90th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst3.8INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
Middle · bottom 48% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Laos 3.8 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2016
Physical Violence Index161st of 176position · derived0.16Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Laos 0.16 · world median 0.79 (worse)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence74th of 211position · derived0.558Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Upper middle · top 35% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Laos 0.558 · world median 0.04 (better)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Laos. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adjusted Net Savings · last seen 2016
- Agriculture Orientation Index · last seen 2023
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2017
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Container Port Traffic
- Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2016
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2022
- Gender Social Norms Index
- General Government Consumption · last seen 2016
- Gini Index · last seen 2018
- Global Militarisation Index · last seen 2016
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2021
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2014
- Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · last seen 2016
- Gross Savings (% of GDP) · last seen 2016
- Household Consumption · last seen 2016
- ICT Goods Exports · last seen 2023
- Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2016
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2020
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2018
- INFORM Severity Index · last seen 2024
- Liner Shipping Connectivity Index
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2018
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2018
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2018
- Prevalence of Undernourishment
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2018
- Public Sector Employment
- Research and Development Spending · last seen 2002
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2023
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2023
- Trade (% of GDP) · last seen 2016
- World Energy Trilemma Index
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2022
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Laos can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 27 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Laos on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Laos: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/laos