Lao PDR Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Lao PDR's labor force participation was 66.09% in 2025, ranked 51st globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's labor force participation stood at 66.09% in 2025, a rise of +0.10pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 66.61% by 2026. Lao PDR ranked 51st globally.
Lao PDR’s labor force participation rate has risen steadily over the 36‑year series, moving from 62.47 % in 1990 to an all‑time peak of 66.09 % in 2025, the highest level recorded in the series and the 51st highest globally. The upward trajectory was interrupted by a trough of 59.78 % in 2017, after which participation recovered and continued to climb. The 2025 rate of 66.09 % is virtually identical to the participation rates of peer economies such as Malaysia (66.12 %) and Nicaragua (66.07 %), suggesting that Lao PDR is now operating at a comparable level of labor market engagement to middle‑income nations. The sustained increase reflects expanding economic activity and demographic shifts, while the 2017 dip highlights vulnerability to external shocks. Continued improvements in education, infrastructure and private‑sector development are likely to keep the participation rate on an upward path, provided that policy measures address any emerging structural constraints.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 67.20% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 66.91% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 66.61% | - | - |
| 2025 | 66.09% | +0.10pp | #51 |
| 2024 | 65.99% | −0.00pp | #52 |
| 2023 | 65.99% | −0.01pp | #52 |
| 2022 | 66.00% | +1.38pp | #50 |
| 2021 | 64.62% | +1.71pp | #58 |
| 2020 | 62.91% | +0.70pp | #69 |
| 2019 | 62.21% | +1.22pp | #87 |
| 2018 | 60.99% | +1.21pp | #95 |
| 2017 | 59.78% | −0.12pp | #107 |
| 2016 | 59.90% | −0.12pp | #107 |
| 2015 | 60.02% | −0.12pp | #105 |
| 2014 | 60.14% | −0.13pp | #102 |
| 2013 | 60.27% | −0.14pp | #103 |
| 2012 | 60.41% | −0.14pp | #98 |
| 2011 | 60.55% | −0.14pp | #99 |
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 labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's labor force participation was 66.09% in 2025. Ranked 51st globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's labor force participation peaked at 66.09% in 2025.
The lowest labor force participation in Lao PDR was 59.78% in 2017.
Lao PDR ranks 51st globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's labor force participation is projected to reach 66.61% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Lao PDR in 2025 was 66.09%. This ranks 51st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_labor-force-participation,
title = {Lao PDR Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}