Lao PDR Voice and Accountability
Voice and Accountability VA.EST
Lao PDR's voice and accountability was -1.51 in 2025, ranked 189th globally. This represents a 7.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's voice and accountability stood at -1.51 in 2025, a rise of +0.12 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1.51 by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 189th globally.
The Lao People's Democratic Republic's Voice and Accountability (VA) score, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI), has exhibited a downward trend over the past 26 years. The country's all-time peak VA score of -1.13 in 1996 stands in stark contrast to its all-time trough of -1.82 in 2019, indicating a significant decline in governance quality. As of 2025, the Lao PDR's VA score stands at -1.51, ranking it 189th globally. This score is comparable to that of Iran, Islamic Republic of, which ranked -1.50 in 2025. The persistent decline in VA scores may be attributed to various factors, including limitations in the rule of law, lack of transparency, and accountability in government institutions. A sustained improvement in governance quality would require significant reforms aimed at enhancing the Lao PDR's institutions and promoting accountability, which could potentially change the trajectory of the country's VA score.
Data & projection
| Year | Voice and Accountability | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -1.46 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -1.51 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.51 | +0.12 | #189 |
| 2023 | -1.63 | +0.03 | #188 |
| 2022 | -1.66 | +0.02 | #191 |
| 2021 | -1.68 | +0.11 | #192 |
| 2020 | -1.79 | +0.02 | #194 |
| 2019 | -1.82 | −0.07 | #194 |
| 2018 | -1.75 | +0.00 | #191 |
| 2017 | -1.75 | +0.01 | #190 |
| 2016 | -1.76 | −0.01 | #190 |
| 2015 | -1.75 | −0.02 | #190 |
| 2014 | -1.73 | −0.08 | #190 |
| 2013 | -1.65 | −0.01 | #194 |
| 2012 | -1.64 | +0.03 | #194 |
| 2011 | -1.68 | −0.00 | #193 |
| 2010 | -1.68 | +0.02 | #190 |
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 voice and accountability improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's voice and accountability was -1.51 in 2025. Ranked 189th globally. This represents a 7.2% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's voice and accountability peaked at -1.13 in 1996.
The lowest voice and accountability in Lao PDR was -1.82 in 2019.
Lao PDR ranks 189th globally in voice and accountability as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is VA.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Lao PDR's voice and accountability is projected to reach -1.51 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The voice and accountability of Lao PDR in 2025 was -1.51. This ranks 189th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_voice-accountability,
title = {Lao PDR Voice and Accountability},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/voice-accountability/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}