Laos

Country in Asia

In brief

Price level, USA = 100: 22 (2025). World rank 194 of 198; in Asia, 44 of 45. Unemployment: 1.2% (2025). World rank 8 of 186 (1 = best); in Asia, 5 of 49. Youth unemployment, ages 15–24: 2.4% (2025). World rank 7 of 186 (1 = best); in Asia, 3 of 49. From 2015 to 2025: GDP $14.4B → $18.3B, GDP per person $2,121 → $2,325, and GDP per person at purchasing power parity $6,086 → $10,383.

Size and growth

GDP: $18.3B 2025
GDP per person: $2,325 2025
GDP per person at purchasing power parity: $10,383 2025
GDP growth per year: +4.5% 2025

Income and prices

Income level (World Bank): Lower-middle income
Gross national income per person: $2,150 2025
Inflation: +7.7% 2025
Price level, USA = 100: 22 2025

Structure and jobs

Agriculture, share of GDP: 16.6% 2025
Industry, share of GDP: 29.2% 2025
Services, share of GDP: 43.6% 2025
Unemployment: 1.2% 2025
Youth unemployment, ages 15–24: 2.4% 2025
Women in work or seeking work: 61.6% 2025

Trade and finance

Exports, share of GDP: 33.2% 2016
Imports, share of GDP: 41.9% 2016
Current account balance, share of GDP: +11.1% 2025
Foreign direct investment, share of GDP: +7.7% 2025
Remittances received, share of GDP: 2.6% 2025
Tax revenue, share of GDP: 12.1% 2022
Currency: Laotian Kip (LAK)

Poverty and inequality

Gini index (0 = full equality): 34.7 2024
Living on under $3 a day: 7.1% 2024