Lao PDR Government Revenue
General government revenue as % of GDP GGR_NGDP
Lao PDR's government revenue was 16.92% in 2025, ranked 157th globally. This represents a 5.9% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's government revenue stood at 16.92% in 2025, a decline of +1.07% from 2024. The IMF projects 16.92% by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 157th globally.
Lao PDR’s government revenue as a share of GDP has risen modestly since the early 2000s, moving from an all‑time trough of 11.76 % in 2004 to a peak of 22.38 % in 2012, before settling at 16.92 % in 2025, the 157th highest level among 190 economies. The 26‑year coverage shows a gradual upward trajectory, with the 2012 peak reflecting a period of fiscal consolidation and higher tax compliance, while the post‑peak decline suggests a slowdown in revenue mobilization despite continued economic growth. In 2025 Lao PDR’s revenue share is virtually identical to Tanzania’s 16.93 % and only marginally below Burundi’s 16.69 %, positioning it among lower‑middle‑income peers that face similar structural constraints. The modest increase from the early‑2000s baseline indicates incremental progress, yet the gap from the 2012 high implies room for improvement. Strengthening tax administration and diversifying the fiscal base could reverse the modest downward drift and lift the revenue ratio in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 16.21% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 16.29% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 16.36% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 16.45% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 16.60% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 16.92% | - | - |
| 2025 | 16.92% | −1.07% | #157 |
| 2024 | 17.99% | +1.57% | #148 |
| 2023 | 16.42% | +1.64% | #159 |
| 2022 | 14.79% | −0.25% | #173 |
| 2021 | 15.04% | +2.05% | #167 |
| 2020 | 12.99% | −2.43% | #177 |
| 2019 | 15.42% | −0.83% | #165 |
| 2018 | 16.24% | −0.05% | #159 |
| 2017 | 16.29% | +0.27% | #158 |
| 2016 | 16.02% | −4.19% | #155 |
| 2015 | 20.21% | −1.64% | #134 |
| 2014 | 21.86% | +1.65% | #134 |
| 2013 | 20.21% | −2.17% | #142 |
| 2012 | 22.38% | +3.62% | #126 |
| 2011 | 18.76% | −2.17% | #146 |
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 revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's government revenue was 16.92% in 2025. Ranked 157th globally. This represents a 5.9% decrease from the previous year.
Lao PDR's government revenue peaked at 22.38% in 2012.
The lowest government revenue in Lao PDR was 11.76% in 2004.
Lao PDR ranks 157th globally in government revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGR_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Lao PDR's government revenue is projected to reach 16.92% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government revenue of Lao PDR in 2025 was 16.92%. This ranks 157th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_government-revenue,
title = {Lao PDR Government Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/government-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}