Laos: economy and key statistics
Laos is number 136 in the 311 Nations Index, with a GDP of $18.3 billion in 2025. GDP per person is $2,325. The economy grew by 4.5% in 2025. Unemployment is 1.2%. The economy is 44% services, 29% industry, 17% agriculture.
Part of the 311 Nations Index (311institute.com). Last updated .
National power
Laos is number 156 in the 311 National Power Index, scoring 19.5 out of 100: economic 32, technology 8, military 0 and human capital 50.
Economy at a glance
| Indicator | Latest figure | Year |
|---|---|---|
| GDP | $18.3 billion | 2025 |
| GDP (purchasing power) | $81.7 billion | 2025 |
| GDP per person | $2,325 | 2025 |
| Economic growth | +4.5% | 2025 |
| Inflation | 7.7% | 2025 |
| Unemployment | 1.2% | 2025 |
| Population | 7.9 million | 2025 |
| Labour force | 3.7 million | 2025 |
| Services share of GDP | 44% | 2025 |
| Industry share of GDP | 29% | 2025 |
| Manufacturing share of GDP | 9% | 2025 |
| Agriculture share of GDP | 17% | 2025 |
| Foreign direct investment | 6.0% of GDP | 2024 |
| High-tech share of manufactured exports | 7% | 2023 |
| Internet users | 66% of people | 2024 |
Main export industries
Laos exported goods worth about $6.0bn in 2023. Its biggest export industries:
- Ores, slag and ash: $1.0bn (16.0% of goods exports)
- Natural, cultured pearls: $0.7bn (12.0% of goods exports)
- Paper and paperboard: $0.5bn (7.7% of goods exports)
- Fertilizers: $0.4bn (6.8% of goods exports)
- Vegetables and certain roots and tubers: $0.4bn (6.1% of goods exports)
Source: UN Comtrade, goods only (services exports are not included).
Other economies in Asia
- China (#2)
- Japan (#4)
- India (#6)
- South Korea (#13)
- Indonesia (#17)
- Singapore (#27)
- Thailand (#29)
- Vietnam (#32)
- Philippines (#33)
- Malaysia (#34)
- Bangladesh (#37)
- Hong Kong (#39)
- Pakistan (#41)
- Sri Lanka (#72)
- Myanmar (#85)
Questions and answers
How big is the economy of Laos?
Laos had a GDP of $18.3 billion in 2025, ranking number 136 in the 311 Nations Index.
What is GDP per person in Laos?
GDP per person in Laos was $2,325 in 2025.
How fast is the economy of Laos growing?
The economy of Laos grew by 4.5% in 2025.
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0).
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