Lao PDR Primary Enrollment
School enrollment, primary (% gross) SE.PRM.ENRR
Lao PDR's primary enrollment was 93.14% in 2025, ranked 141st globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1971–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's primary enrollment stood at 93.14% in 2025, a decline of +0.71pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 91.23% by 2026. Lao PDR ranked 141st globally.
Lao PDR’s primary school enrollment has risen markedly since the earliest recorded figure of 57.90 % in 1971, reaching an all‑time peak of 119.71 % in 2010 before settling at 93.14 % in 2025, which places the country 141st in the world. The upward trajectory reflects sustained investments in universal primary education and expanded rural school networks, yet the 2025 rate remains marginally below the enrollment levels of peer nations such as Canada (93.15 %) and Serbia (93.13 %). The post‑peak decline from 119.71 % to 93.14 % suggests that earlier over‑registration, driven by aggressive enrollment drives, has been tempered by efforts to improve data accuracy and reduce repeat attendance. Continued emphasis on improving school quality, reducing dropout rates, and addressing geographic disparities will be crucial to maintain or modestly increase the enrollment share, especially as demographic pressures evolve in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Primary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 88.48% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 89.86% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 91.23% | - | - |
| 2025 | 93.14% | −0.71pp | #141 |
| 2024 | 93.85% | −1.19pp | #67 |
| 2023 | 95.04% | −0.66pp | #121 |
| 2022 | 95.70% | −3.41pp | #122 |
| 2021 | 99.11% | −1.17pp | #94 |
| 2020 | 100.28% | −1.70pp | #85 |
| 2019 | 101.98% | −2.30pp | #63 |
| 2018 | 104.28% | −3.17pp | #49 |
| 2017 | 107.44% | −3.06pp | #32 |
| 2016 | 110.50% | −3.80pp | #29 |
| 2015 | 114.30% | −3.12pp | #22 |
| 2014 | 117.43% | −0.98pp | #15 |
| 2013 | 118.41% | −0.01pp | #15 |
| 2012 | 118.41% | −0.66pp | #14 |
| 2011 | 119.07% | −0.63pp | #16 |
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 primary enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's primary enrollment was 93.14% in 2025. Ranked 141st globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from the previous year.
Lao PDR's primary enrollment peaked at 119.71% in 2010.
The lowest primary enrollment in Lao PDR was 57.90% in 1971.
Lao PDR ranks 141st globally in primary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.PRM.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's primary enrollment is projected to reach 91.23% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The primary enrollment of Lao PDR in 2025 was 93.14%. This ranks 141st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_primary-enrollment,
title = {Lao PDR Primary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/primary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}