Lao PDR Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Lao PDR's female labor participation was 61.56% in 2025, ranked 41st globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's female labor participation stood at 61.56% in 2025, a rise of +0.09pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 62.00% by 2026. Lao PDR ranked 41st globally.
The female labor participation rate in the Lao PDR has experienced a moderate increase over the past 36 years, rising from 60.30% in 1990 to 61.56% in 2025, its highest recorded level. Notably, this rate has surpassed that of several peer countries, including Timor-Leste, where the rate is 61.68%, and Sweden, where it is 61.54%. However, the Lao PDR's female labor participation rate has not been immune to fluctuations, with a low point of 56.02% in 2017. Despite this variability, the rate has consistently ranked among the highest globally, with the Lao PDR currently holding the 41st position. A continued emphasis on education and job opportunities for women could help sustain the upward trend in female labor participation, potentially pushing the rate above the 62% mark in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 62.51% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 62.25% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 62.00% | - | - |
| 2025 | 61.56% | +0.09pp | #41 |
| 2024 | 61.47% | +0.06pp | #41 |
| 2023 | 61.41% | +0.04pp | #43 |
| 2022 | 61.37% | +1.05pp | #37 |
| 2021 | 60.32% | +1.64pp | #44 |
| 2020 | 58.68% | +0.56pp | #49 |
| 2019 | 58.13% | +1.06pp | #55 |
| 2018 | 57.07% | +1.05pp | #59 |
| 2017 | 56.02% | −0.09pp | #68 |
| 2016 | 56.11% | −0.10pp | #66 |
| 2015 | 56.20% | −0.11pp | #63 |
| 2014 | 56.31% | −0.13pp | #60 |
| 2013 | 56.44% | −0.14pp | #63 |
| 2012 | 56.58% | −0.15pp | #64 |
| 2011 | 56.73% | −0.16pp | #64 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lao PDR matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's female labor participation was 61.56% in 2025. Ranked 41st globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's female labor participation peaked at 61.56% in 2025.
The lowest female labor participation in Lao PDR was 56.02% in 2017.
Lao PDR ranks 41st globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's female labor participation is projected to reach 62.00% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Lao PDR in 2025 was 61.56%. This ranks 41st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_female-labor-participation,
title = {Lao PDR Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}