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Laotian Scorecard

Country profile

Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, characterized by its lush jungles, the meandering Mekong River, and a predominantly rural way of life. It has a population of 7.7 million, a population growth rate of 1.39%, and a median age of 24.28 years.

Its history includes centuries of influence from neighboring Siam and French colonial rule, which have together shaped its cultural and religious traditions.

Today, Laos is gradually modernizing its economy while preserving its slow-paced, community-centered lifestyle and rich Buddhist heritage.

Its capital city is Vientiane.

How does Laos compare to other countries?

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Economic Development

GDP per Capita (PPP) in Laos improved by 6.0% from 2022 to 2023

Unemployment Rate in Laos worsened by 2.5% from 2023 to 2024

Inflation Rate in Laos improved by 25.9% from 2023 to 2024

Income Inequality in Laos worsened by 7.8% from 2012 to 2018

Health and Social Development

Life Expectancy in Laos improved by 0.4% from 2022 to 2023

Infant Mortality Rate in Laos improved by 3.3% from 2022 to 2023

Human Development showed no change from 2021 to 2022

Suicide Mortality Rate in Lao PDR worsened by 15.7% from 2020 to 2021

World Happiness Report in Lao PDR improved by 3.2% from 2023 to 2024

Freedom in the World showed no change from 2023 to 2024

Education

Completion of Upper Secondary Education in Lao PDR improved by 63.8% from 2017 to 2022

Governance and Security

Corruption Perception in Laos worsened by 9.7% from 2022 to 2023

Control of Corruption showed no change from 2022 to 2023

Government Effectiveness in Laos worsened by 7.7% from 2022 to 2023

Political Stability in Laos improved by 2.5% from 2022 to 2023

Rule of Law in Laos worsened by 3.6% from 2022 to 2023

Voice and Accountability in Laos improved by 1.6% from 2022 to 2023

Environmental Sustainability and Energy

CO2 Emissions per Capita in Laos worsened by 4.5% from 2022 to 2023

Air Pollution (PM2.5) in Lao PDR improved by 0.5% from 2019 to 2020

Renewable Energy Consumption in Lao PDR worsened by 4.5% from 2021 to 2022