Lao PDR Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Lao PDR's net migration was -10,645 in 2025, ranked 64th globally. This represents a 3.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's net migration stood at -10,645 in 2025, a decline of +361 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -10,536 by 2026. Lao PDR ranked 64th globally.
Net migration in Lao PDR has remained essentially neutral for most of the six‑decade series, with a recorded value of 0.00 in the earliest year, 1960, and again at the all‑time peak in 1987. The first substantial outflow emerged in the early 2000s, culminating in an all‑time trough of –40,120.00 in 2004, after which the net loss has gradually moderated to –10,645.00 in 2025, ranking 64th globally. This recent figure is comparable to the net migration of peer countries such as Jamaica (–11,053.00) and Lebanon (–10,230.00), indicating that Lao PDR’s out‑migration intensity now aligns with other small economies experiencing similar demographic pressures. The persistent negative balance reflects limited domestic employment opportunities and the appeal of overseas labor markets, particularly in neighboring Thailand and China. If economic diversification and investment in higher‑skill sectors accelerate, the outflow could slow further, potentially shifting the trajectory toward a more balanced migration profile in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -10,729 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -10,632 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -10,536 | - | - |
| 2025 | -10,645 | −361 | #64 |
| 2024 | -10,284 | −281 | #63 |
| 2023 | -10,003 | +0 | #51 |
| 2022 | -10,003 | +302 | #48 |
| 2021 | -10,305 | +0 | #53 |
| 2020 | -10,305 | +0 | #49 |
| 2019 | -10,305 | +0 | #62 |
| 2018 | -10,305 | +95 | #59 |
| 2017 | -10,400 | +1,001 | #61 |
| 2016 | -11,401 | +1,590 | #54 |
| 2015 | -12,991 | +13,890 | #65 |
| 2014 | -26,881 | +611 | #42 |
| 2013 | -27,492 | +1,379 | #43 |
| 2012 | -28,871 | +1,667 | #43 |
| 2011 | -30,538 | −492 | #45 |
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 net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's net migration was -10,645 in 2025. Ranked 64th globally. This represents a 3.5% decrease from the previous year.
Lao PDR's net migration peaked at 0 in 1960.
The lowest net migration in Lao PDR was -40,120 in 2004.
Lao PDR ranks 64th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's net migration is projected to reach -10,536 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Lao PDR in 2025 was -10,645. This ranks 64th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_net-migration,
title = {Lao PDR Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}