Lao PDR Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Lao PDR's government debt to gdp was 90.68% in 2025, ranked 27th globally. This represents a 9.8% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 2001–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's government debt to gdp stood at 90.68% in 2025, a decline of +9.80% from 2024. The IMF projects 90.68% by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 27th globally.
Lao PDR’s government debt-to‑GDP ratio has drifted modestly over the past 25 years, falling from 94.72 percent in 2001 to a historic low of 43.01 percent in 2011 before climbing to an all‑time peak of 130.73 percent in 2022, a surge driven by pandemic‑related fiscal support and infrastructure spending. By 2025 the ratio stood at 90.67 percent, placing the country 27th globally and closely aligning with peers such as Portugal (90.94 percent) and Brazil (91.42 percent). The post‑peak decline suggests a gradual consolidation of public finances, yet the debt level remains well above the 2011 trough and above the regional average, indicating continued vulnerability to external shocks and fiscal pressures. Future movements will hinge on the government’s ability to balance growth‑stimulating investments with debt‑service capacity, and on any reforms that could improve revenue mobilization or reduce expenditure growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 65.37% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 69.63% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 74.21% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 79.17% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 84.74% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 90.68% | - | - |
| 2025 | 90.68% | −9.80% | #27 |
| 2024 | 100.48% | −16.06% | #168 |
| 2023 | 116.54% | −14.19% | #174 |
| 2022 | 130.73% | +37.87% | #182 |
| 2021 | 92.86% | +16.89% | #160 |
| 2020 | 75.97% | +6.84% | #130 |
| 2019 | 69.13% | +8.54% | #143 |
| 2018 | 60.59% | +3.39% | #127 |
| 2017 | 57.20% | +2.72% | #124 |
| 2016 | 54.47% | +1.42% | #113 |
| 2015 | 53.05% | −0.48% | #119 |
| 2014 | 53.53% | +4.04% | #126 |
| 2013 | 49.49% | +3.39% | #126 |
| 2012 | 46.10% | +3.10% | #120 |
| 2011 | 43.01% | −6.31% | #115 |
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 government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's government debt to gdp was 90.68% in 2025. Ranked 27th globally. This represents a 9.8% decrease from the previous year.
Lao PDR's government debt to gdp peaked at 130.73% in 2022.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Lao PDR was 43.01% in 2011.
Lao PDR ranks 27th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Lao PDR's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 90.68% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Lao PDR in 2025 was 90.68%. This ranks 27th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Lao PDR Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}