Lao PDR Government Effectiveness
Government Effectiveness GE.EST
Lao PDR's government effectiveness was -0.49 in 2025, ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 24.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's government effectiveness stood at -0.49 in 2025, a rise of +0.16 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.49 by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 132nd globally.
Lao PDR’s Government Effectiveness score has risen modestly since the World Bank’s Governance Indicators began in 1996, moving from –0.64 that year to –0.49 in 2025, placing the country 132nd out of 193 economies. The upward trajectory accelerated after a deep trough of –1.21 in 2005, when institutional capacity and policy implementation were at their weakest. The all‑time peak of –0.42 in 2014 marked the highest level of bureaucratic quality and public service delivery recorded for Laos, reflecting reforms in civil‑service recruitment and modest improvements in regulatory quality. By comparison, peer economies such as Ukraine (–0.46) and Pakistan (–0.50) sit slightly above or near Laos’ current rating, underscoring the modest but persistent gap in governance performance. Over the next decade, further enhancements in transparency, merit‑based staffing and digital public‑service platforms could sustain the gradual improvement and potentially lift Lao PDR’s score above the regional median.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Effectiveness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.44 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.49 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.49 | +0.16 | #132 |
| 2023 | -0.64 | −0.05 | #145 |
| 2022 | -0.60 | +0.02 | #140 |
| 2021 | -0.62 | +0.12 | #140 |
| 2020 | -0.74 | +0.08 | #155 |
| 2019 | -0.82 | −0.09 | #162 |
| 2018 | -0.72 | −0.31 | #155 |
| 2017 | -0.42 | +0.02 | #130 |
| 2016 | -0.43 | +0.12 | #128 |
| 2015 | -0.55 | −0.14 | #136 |
| 2014 | -0.42 | +0.32 | #123 |
| 2013 | -0.74 | +0.11 | #149 |
| 2012 | -0.84 | −0.00 | #157 |
| 2011 | -0.84 | +0.03 | #157 |
| 2010 | -0.87 | +0.09 | #158 |
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 effectiveness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's government effectiveness was -0.49 in 2025. Ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 24.3% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's government effectiveness peaked at -0.42 in 2014.
The lowest government effectiveness in Lao PDR was -1.21 in 2005.
Lao PDR ranks 132nd globally in government effectiveness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GE.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Lao PDR's government effectiveness is projected to reach -0.49 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government effectiveness of Lao PDR in 2025 was -0.49. This ranks 132nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_government-effectiveness,
title = {Lao PDR Government Effectiveness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/government-effectiveness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}