Lao PDR Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Lao PDR's rule of law was -0.69 in 2025, ranked 152nd globally. This represents a 17.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's rule of law stood at -0.69 in 2025, a rise of +0.14 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.69 by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 152nd globally.
Lao PDR’s Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators has risen modestly over the 26‑year series, moving from a low of –1.05 in 1996 to a recent –0.69 in 2025, placing the country 152nd globally. The all‑time peak of –0.66 in 2021 marked the highest level of legal certainty and enforcement recorded for Lao PDR, while the trough of –1.38 in 2003 reflected a period of weakened judicial independence and pervasive corruption. Compared with peers of similar rank, Lao PDR’s 2025 score is marginally better than Eswatini (–0.71) and close to Mauritania (–0.68), suggesting a modest but consistent improvement relative to other low‑performing jurisdictions. The upward trajectory since the early 2000s indicates incremental reforms in the legal system, yet the score remains well below the zero threshold that denotes a functional rule of law. Continued strengthening of judicial capacity, anti‑corruption measures and transparent law‑making will be essential to sustain and accelerate this positive trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.66 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.69 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.69 | +0.14 | #152 |
| 2023 | -0.83 | −0.03 | #156 |
| 2022 | -0.80 | −0.14 | #154 |
| 2021 | -0.66 | +0.22 | #148 |
| 2020 | -0.88 | +0.09 | #162 |
| 2019 | -0.97 | −0.11 | #168 |
| 2018 | -0.86 | +0.04 | #163 |
| 2017 | -0.90 | −0.09 | #165 |
| 2016 | -0.81 | +0.01 | #159 |
| 2015 | -0.82 | −0.06 | #157 |
| 2014 | -0.76 | +0.05 | #149 |
| 2013 | -0.80 | +0.05 | #154 |
| 2012 | -0.86 | +0.15 | #156 |
| 2011 | -1.00 | −0.03 | #169 |
| 2010 | -0.97 | +0.08 | #168 |
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 rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's rule of law was -0.69 in 2025. Ranked 152nd globally. This represents a 17.1% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's rule of law peaked at -0.66 in 2021.
The lowest rule of law in Lao PDR was -1.38 in 2003.
Lao PDR ranks 152nd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Lao PDR's rule of law is projected to reach -0.69 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Lao PDR in 2025 was -0.69. This ranks 152nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_rule-of-law,
title = {Lao PDR Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}