Lao PDR Gini Index
Gini index (0=perfect equality, 100=perfect inequality) SI.POV.GINI
Lao PDR's gini index was 38.8 in 2018, ranked 68th globally. This represents a 7.8% increase from 2017. Data from World Bank, covering 1992–2018.
Overview
Lao PDR's gini index stood at 38.8 in 2018, a rise of +2.8 from 2012. Lao PDR ranked 68th globally.
Lao PDR’s Gini index rose from 34.30 in 1992 to a peak of 38.80 in 2018, the highest level recorded for the country and placing it 68th globally. The index fell to a trough of 32.60 in 2002 before a gradual upward trajectory resumed, reflecting a modest but persistent increase in income inequality over the six‑year coverage period. By 2018 the coefficient matched the level of El Salvador (38.60) and approached that of Israel (38.60), while remaining slightly below Uruguay (39.70) and Belize (39.90). The rise suggests that the benefits of economic growth have been unevenly distributed, with wealth concentrating among higher‑earning groups. Continued reforms aimed at expanding social protection, improving rural‑urban wage convergence, and enhancing tax progressivity could temper the upward drift and potentially reverse the recent widening of the distribution gap.
Data & projection
| Year | Gini Index | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 38.8 | +2.8 | #68 |
| 2012 | 36.0 | +0.6 | #48 |
| 2007 | 35.4 | +2.8 | #41 |
| 2002 | 32.6 | −2.3 | #18 |
| 1997 | 34.9 | +0.6 | #11 |
| 1992 | 34.3 | – | #15 |
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 gini index improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's gini index was 38.8 in 2018. Ranked 68th globally. This represents a 7.8% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's gini index peaked at 38.8 in 2018.
The lowest gini index in Lao PDR was 32.6 in 2002.
Lao PDR ranks 68th globally in gini index as of 2018.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.POV.GINI. Data sourced from World Bank.
The gini index of Lao PDR in 2018 was 38.8. This ranks 68th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_gini-index,
title = {Lao PDR Gini Index},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/gini-index/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}