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Topic 06 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Laos: Development & Human Capital
Is a country turning its resources into better lives?
Laos is placed joint 147th of 196 countries on development & human capital in the Country Index 2026, from 3 of its 3 key statistics. Readings behind it: Social Protection Coverage 15.5 (2025); Maternal Mortality Ratio 112.15 (2023).
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Development & Human Capital
joint147th
of 196 countries placed
Placed from 3 of 3 key statistics
01The evidence
The 3 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Laos on development & human capital — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used — or, for a survey-based key, each country’s latest reading; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
Key 2 of 3
Maternal Mortality Ratio
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG)
2023 edition · data for 2023 · CC BY 3.0 IGO
112.15
Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Lower is better
Laos: 112.15. Across the 195 countries in this edition, values run from 0.11 (Cook Islands) to 992.83 (Nigeria); the world median is 46.65.
- World median
- 46.65
- Best in South-eastern Asia
- 6.12 Singapore
- Land neighbours
- China 16.25 · Cambodia 137.39 · Myanmar 184.64 · Thailand 34.45 · Vietnam 47.61
Key 3 of 3
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
2023 edition · data for 2023 · CC BY 3.0 IGO
0.617
HDI score (0–1)
Higher is better
Ranked 147th of 193 by UNDP Human Development Report Office
Laos: 0.617. Across the 193 countries in this edition, values run from 0.388 (South Sudan) to 0.972 (Iceland); the world median is 0.762.
- World median
- 0.762
- Best in South-eastern Asia
- 0.946 Singapore
- Land neighbours
- China 0.797 · Cambodia 0.606 · Myanmar 0.609 · Thailand 0.798 · Vietnam 0.766
02Over time
Which way Laos is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
Maternal Mortality Ratio
Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births · lower is better
LaosWorld median
Laos fell from 609.09 in 2000 to 112.15 in 2023; the world median went from 70.99 to 46.65.
Every year’s figures
Year Laos World median 2023 112 46.7 2022 120 53.0 2021 139 76.6 2020 132 56.0 2019 137 48.4 2018 145 49.3 2017 154 47.2 2016 165 50.6 2015 180 51.9 2014 193 52.8 2013 215 53.3 2012 241 54.6 2011 267 55.0 2010 305 56.1 2009 336 56.3 2008 374 55.8 2007 402 56.8 2006 432 58.1 2005 458 60.1 2004 492 63.0 2003 524 66.8 2002 550 66.0 2001 574 68.1 2000 609 71.0 Human Development Index
HDI score (0–1) · higher is better
LaosWorld median
Laos rose from 0.473 in 2000 to 0.617 in 2023; the world median went from 0.672 to 0.762.
Every year’s figures
Year Laos World median 2023 0.617 0.7620 2022 0.614 0.7610 2021 0.613 0.7450 2020 0.616 0.7425 2019 0.615 0.7515 2018 0.613 0.7520 2017 0.612 0.7480 2016 0.609 0.7500 2015 0.604 0.7430 2014 0.597 0.7410 2013 0.587 0.7390 2012 0.577 0.7350 2011 0.567 0.7250 2010 0.556 0.7250 2009 0.548 0.7220 2008 0.537 0.7180 2007 0.529 0.7100 2006 0.515 0.7045 2005 0.514 0.6960 2004 0.505 0.6960 2003 0.496 0.6910 2002 0.488 0.6845 2001 0.479 0.6770 2000 0.473 0.6720
03In context
Laos beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 196 countries on development & human capital, never a place within the region.
Laos and the countries it borders
Standing among all 196; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | Social Protection CoveragePopulation covered by at least one social protection benefit (%) | Maternal Mortality RatioMaternal deaths per 100,000 live births | Human Development IndexHDI score (0–1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 China | 62nd | 75.6 | 16.25 | 0.797 |
 Thailand | 71st | 70.1 | 34.45 | 0.798 |
 Vietnam | 105th | 38.3 | 47.61 | 0.766 |
 Cambodia | 146th | 20.8 | 137.39 | 0.606 |
| Laos | =147th | 15.5 | 112.15 | 0.617 |
 Myanmar | 162nd | 6.3 | 184.64 | 0.609 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across South-eastern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 196.
Placed either side on development & human capital
The countries immediately above and below Laos in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Laos is ahead of the world, and behind
49 more statistics filed under development & human capital, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median8
Statistics on which Laos does better than the middle country measured.
Adequacy of Social Protection and Labour BenefitsWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 18.6590.8618.65No earlier reading
Laos: 90.86 · world median 18.65 · Benefits received as a share of beneficiaries' total income or consumption (%). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.455 to 90.86; higher is better.
Malaria Incidence (P. falciparum)MAP · 2025 · world median 52.470.02352.47▲ Improved since 2015
Laos: 0.023 · world median 52.47 · New P. falciparum malaria cases per 1,000 people per year. Malaria Atlas Project (MAP), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 334.75; lower is better.
Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 030.80No earlier reading
Laos: 30.8 · world median 0 · Unemployed people receiving unemployment benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Violent Discipline of ChildrenUNICEF · 2025 · world median 75.862.375.8No earlier reading
Laos: 62.3 · world median 75.8 · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%). UNICEF, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 37.6 to 94; lower is better.
Position 69th of 90 · derived, 1st = worst.
Malaria Mortality (P. falciparum)MAP · 2024 · world median 8.1060.1948.106▲ Improved since 2014
Laos: 0.194 · world median 8.106 · Deaths from P. falciparum malaria per 100,000 people per year. Malaria Atlas Project (MAP), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 133.27; lower is better.
Malaria Incidence (P. vivax)MAP · 2025 · world median 1.3820.1311.382▲ Improved since 2015
Laos: 0.131 · world median 1.382 · New P. vivax malaria cases per 1,000 people per year. Malaria Atlas Project (MAP), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.001 to 184.62; lower is better.
Cereal YieldFAO · 2023 · world median 3,0724,1023,072▼ Worsened since 2013
Laos: 4,102 · world median 3,072 · Cereal yield (kg per hectare). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 23 to 29,147; higher is better.
Position 60th of 179 · derived.
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six MonthsUNICEF · 2024 · world median 40.7450.3240.74No earlier reading
Laos: 50.32 · world median 40.74 · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%). UNICEF, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.497 to 83.3; higher is better.
Position 47th of 136 · derived.
Behind the world median38
Statistics on which Laos does worse than the middle country measured.
Global Multidimensional Poverty IndexOPHI · 2025 · world median 0.0390.0820.039▲ Improved since 2018
Laos: 0.082 · world median 0.039 · MPI (0–1). Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 0.517; lower is better.
Position 47th of 109 · derived, 1st = worst.
Country Policy and Institutional AssessmentWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3.2463.0833.246▼ Worsened since 2015
Laos: 3.083 · world median 3.246 · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.617 to 4.225; higher is better.
Position 46th of 78 · derived.
Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 46,48628,00946,486▼ Worsened since 2010
Laos: 28,009 · world median 46,486 · National comprehensive wealth per person (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 4,276 to 1,246,092; higher is better.
Position 94th of 150 · derived.
Multidimensional Poverty MeasureWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 4.25210.264.252No earlier reading
Laos: 10.26 · world median 4.252 · Multidimensional poverty headcount ratio (%). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 87.96; lower is better.
Position 58th of 157 · derived, 1st = worst.
Poverty Headcount at $3.00 a Day, Line-up EstimatesWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 2.17.122.1▲ Improved since 2014
Laos: 7.12 · world median 2.1 · Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP, World Bank line-up estimate (%). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 89.54; lower is better.
Coefficient of Human InequalityUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 17.0524.8517.05No real change since 2013
Laos: 24.85 · world median 17.05 · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 4.865 to 43.08; lower is better.
Position 58th of 169 · derived, 1st = worst.
Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · world median 12,8907,16812,890▲ Improved since 2012
Laos: 7,168 · world median 12,890 · GDP per capita (2011 international $). Maddison Project, Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 596.39 to 149,171; higher is better.
Position 111th of 166 · derived.
Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · world median 8.13413.128.134▲ Improved since 2014
Laos: 13.12 · world median 8.134 · Deaths in the first 28 days (per 1,000 live births). UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.544 to 39.47; lower is better.
Position 66th of 200 · derived, 1st = worst.
Gender Inequality IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 0.3510.4750.351▲ Improved since 2013
Laos: 0.475 · world median 0.351 · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.003 to 0.838; lower is better.
Ranked 117th of 172 by UNDP Human Development Report Office.
GDP per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 17,2658,87317,265▲ Improved since 2015
Laos: 8,873 · world median 17,265 · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1,067 to 139,593; higher is better.
Position 126th of 185 · derived.
Access to Electricity, RuralWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 10094.2100▲ Improved since 2014
Laos: 94.2 · world median 100 · Rural population with electricity access (%). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.7 to 100; higher is better.
Access to ElectricityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 10096.5100▲ Improved since 2014
Laos: 96.5 · world median 100 · Population with electricity access (%). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 5.4 to 100; higher is better.
Statistical Performance IndicatorsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 69.360.8469.3▲ Improved since 2016
Laos: 60.84 · world median 69.3 · SPI overall score (0–100). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 27.12 to 94.14; higher is better.
Position 131st of 188 · derived.
Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · world median 2.8584.812.858▲ Improved since 2014
Laos: 4.81 · world median 2.858 · Deaths between ages 5 and 14 (per 1,000 children aged 5). UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.392 to 59.04; lower is better.
Position 59th of 200 · derived, 1st = worst.
Under-Five Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · world median 14.5429.3514.54▲ Improved since 2014
Laos: 29.35 · world median 14.54 · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births). UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.26 to 115.65; lower is better.
Position 59th of 200 · derived, 1st = worst.
Inequality-adjusted Human Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 0.6090.4620.609▼ Worsened since 2013
Laos: 0.462 · world median 0.609 · IHDI (0–1). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.226 to 0.923; higher is better.
Position 121st of 169 · derived.
Human Capital IndexWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 0.5640.4570.564No real change since 2017
Laos: 0.457 · world median 0.564 · HCI score (0–1). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 0.292 to 0.879; higher is better.
Position 124th of 172 · derived.
Life Expectancy at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · world median 74.6368.9674.63No real change since 2013
Laos: 68.96 · world median 74.63 · Years a newborn would live at current death rates. UN DESA Population Division, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 54.46 to 86.37; higher is better.
Position 164th of 222 · derived.
Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · world median 12.2627.1612.26▲ Improved since 2014
Laos: 27.16 · world median 12.26 · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births). UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.214 to 71.87; lower is better.
Position 53rd of 200 · derived, 1st = worst.
Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · world median 46.6737.5346.67No real change since 2012
Laos: 37.53 · world median 46.67 · Productive Capacities Index (1–100). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 17.8 to 71.02; higher is better.
Position 145th of 195 · derived.
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 0.6780.570.678▼ Worsened since 2013
Laos: 0.57 · world median 0.678 · PHDI (0–1). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.276 to 0.827; higher is better.
Position 118th of 156 · derived.
Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · world median 8.16314.348.163▲ Improved since 2013
Laos: 14.34 · world median 8.163 · Stillbirths (per 1,000 total births). UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 1.18 to 34.9; lower is better.
Position 49th of 200 · derived, 1st = worst.
Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 9.9336.069.933No real change since 2013
Laos: 6.06 · world median 9.933 · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 1.412 to 14.3; higher is better.
Position 154th of 193 · derived.
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 45.910.345.9No earlier reading
Laos: 10.3 · world median 45.9 · Labour force covered in the event of a work injury (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Child MarriageUNICEF · 2025 · world median 17.130.517.1No earlier reading
Laos: 30.5 · world median 17.1 · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%). UNICEF, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 76.3; lower is better.
Position 27th of 143 · derived, 1st = worst.
Gender Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 0.9710.9110.971▼ Worsened since 2013
Laos: 0.911 · world median 0.971 · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.407 to 1.038; higher is better.
Position 151st of 184 · derived.
Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 25,2306,75425,230No real change since 2010
Laos: 6,754 · world median 25,230 · Human capital per person — present value of future earnings (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 700.38 to 735,422; higher is better.
Position 126th of 151 · derived.
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · world median 13.832.813.8No earlier reading
Laos: 32.8 · world median 13.8 · Children under 5 who are stunted (%). UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.518 to 52.8; lower is better.
Position 25th of 162 · derived, 1st = worst.
Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · 2025 · world median 98.46598.4No earlier reading
Laos: 65 · world median 98.4 · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%). UNICEF, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.7 to 100; higher is better.
Low Birthweight PrevalenceUNICEF and WHO (Joint Low Birthweight Estimates) · 2020 · world median 10.2116.7310.21No real change since 2010
Laos: 16.73 · world median 10.21 · Live births weighing under 2,500 g (%). UNICEF and WHO (Joint Low Birthweight Estimates), 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 3.993 to 27.44; lower is better.
Position 20th of 158 · derived, 1st = worst.
Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 13.349.60513.34▼ Worsened since 2013
Laos: 9.605 · world median 13.34 · Expected years of schooling. UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 5.635 to 21.69; higher is better.
Position 175th of 195 · derived.
Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · world median 916791▼ Worsened since 2015
Laos: 67 · world median 91 · Infants given a third dose of DTP vaccine (%). WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 39 to 99; higher is better.
Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 80.8780.8No earlier reading
Laos: 7 · world median 80.8 · People above statutory pensionable age receiving an old-age pension (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Wasting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · world median 3.54610.73.546No earlier reading
Laos: 10.7 · world median 3.546 · Children under 5 who are wasted (%). UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.1 to 22.74; lower is better.
Position 16th of 163 · derived, 1st = worst.
Account Ownership at a Financial InstitutionWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 72.8337.6572.83▼ Worsened since 2017
Laos: 37.65 · world median 72.83 · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 14.83 to 99.85; higher is better.
Position 128th of 139 · derived.
Disability Benefit CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 43.90.343.9No earlier reading
Laos: 0.3 · world median 43.9 · People with severe disabilities receiving disability benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · world median 905890▼ Worsened since 2015
Laos: 58 · world median 90 · Infants given a first dose of measles vaccine (%). WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 13 to 99; higher is better.
Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · world median 94.447.5394.4▼ Worsened since 2017
Laos: 47.53 · world median 94.4 · Adults who own a foundational ID (% of population aged 15+). World Bank Group (ID4D), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 42.62 to 100; higher is better.
No better end3
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Net Official Development Assistance ReceivedOECD Development Assistance Committee · 2023 · world median 2.5793.5062.579No real change since 2013
Laos: 3.506 · world median 2.579 · Net ODA received (% of GNI). OECD Development Assistance Committee, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from -0.001 to 101.78.
Position 53rd of 130 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 11.269.11411.26No real change since 2015
Laos: 9.114 · world median 11.26 · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.481 to 43.97.
Position 84th of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Children with Functional DifficultiesUNICEF · 2024 · world median 132.713No earlier reading
Laos: 2.7 · world median 13 · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%). UNICEF, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.9 to 35.2.
No current reading for Laos
Child and Family Benefit Coverage, GNI per Capita (PPP) (last 2021), Official Development Assistance Given (% of GNI), Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day (last 2018), Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day (last 2018), Poverty Headcount Ratio at $4.20 a Day (last 2018), Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day (last 2018), Poverty Severity (Squared Poverty Gap) at $3.00 a Day (last 2018) and Prosperity Gap (last 2018). Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Development & Human Capital among Laos’s 15 topics
Development & Human Capital is Laos’s 11th best-placed topic of 15. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Energy30th of 1652/3 keys
- Work & Labour52nd of 1824/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability57th of 1864/4 keys
- Peace & Security82nd of 1773/4 keys
- Gender & Equality90th of 1834/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture99th of 1843/4 keys
- Risk & Resiliencejoint 104th of 1934/4 keys
- Governance & Institutions134th of 1944/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing146th of 2004/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequalityjoint 119th of 1593/3 keys
- Development & Human Capitaljoint 147th of 1963/3 keys
- Digital & Technology153rd of 1984/4 keys
- Economy & Innovationjoint 138th of 1764/4 keys
- Education & Knowledge170th of 1984/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Liberties176th of 1984/4 keys
No standing on Mobility & Trade: too few of those topics’ key statistics are published for this country.
06The top of the list
Who leads on development & human capital
The three countries placed highest of 196, and the leaders Laos can most readily be measured against.
1
Cook IslandsPolynesia
1st of 196 · 2 of 3 keys
Photo: Benedict Adam · CC BY 2.0, greyscale
2
NorwayNorthern Europe
2nd of 196 · 3 of 3 keys
Photo: Ximonic , Simo Räsänen · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
3
DenmarkNorthern Europe
3rd of 196 · 3 of 3 keys
Photo: User:Aconcagua · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Asia
Israel10th3/3 keysHighest in South-eastern Asia
Singapore12th3/3 keysThis page
Laos=147th3/3 keys
Positions out of 196 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about Laos and development & human capital
On development & human capital
Global Hunger Index 2025: Countries with the Most Alarming Hunger Crisis
Thirteen countries scored across four editions — 2000, 2008, 2016 and 2025 — and five the report could not score at all. DR Congo and South Sudan share 121st place on 37.5.
On development & human capital
India vs Pakistan 2025: Comparison of Hunger Index, Happiness, HDI, Rule of Law, Literacy & GDP
India and Pakistan on six published measures: hunger, happiness, human development, rule of law, literacy and GDP per capita, each from its own publisher and year.
08Questions
Laos on development & human capital: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does Laos rank on development & human capital?
Laos is placed joint 147th of 196 countries on Development & Human Capital in the Country Index 2026, from 3 of its 3 key statistics (Social Protection Coverage, Maternal Mortality Ratio and Human Development Index). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest Social Protection Coverage figure for Laos?
15.5 in 2025 (population covered by at least one social protection benefit (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 52.1.
What is the latest Maternal Mortality Ratio figure for Laos?
112.15 in 2023 (maternal deaths per 100,000 live births), according to UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG). The world median in the same edition was 46.65.
How does Laos compare with China on development & human capital?
China is placed 62nd of 196, and Laos joint 147th. Social Protection Coverage: China 75.6, Laos 15.5; Maternal Mortality Ratio: China 16.25, Laos 112.15; Human Development Index: China 0.797, Laos 0.617.
How have Laos’s development & human capital figures changed?
Maternal Mortality Ratio fell from 609.09 in 2000 to 112.15 in 2023; Human Development Index rose from 0.473 in 2000 to 0.617 in 2023.
Which development & human capital statistics are missing for Laos?
No current reading is published for Laos on Child and Family Benefit Coverage, GNI per Capita (PPP), Official Development Assistance Given (% of GNI), Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day, Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day, Poverty Headcount Ratio at $4.20 a Day, Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day, Poverty Severity (Squared Poverty Gap) at $3.00 a Day and Prosperity Gap. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
Poverty lines, inequality and aid received are published here as context rather than as keys, often because they cover fewer countries or are measured too rarely. Development is also not the same as economic size or growth, which belong to Economy & Innovation.
How the Development & Human Capital standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 3 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 3 keys to be placed.
The development & human capital method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- Social Protection Coverage — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Maternal Mortality Ratio — UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG), CC BY 3.0 IGO
- Human Development Index — UNDP Human Development Report Office, CC BY 3.0 IGO
The other 49 statistics on this page come from 16 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
Laos’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Laos (banner) — Tango7174, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Cook Islands — Benedict Adam, CC BY 2.0
- Norway — Ximonic , Simo Räsänen, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Denmark — User:Aconcagua, CC BY-SA 3.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Laos: Development & Human Capital — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/laos/development