Lao PDR Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Overview
Lao PDR's youth unemployment stood at 2.38% in 2025, a rise of +0.21pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.88% by 2026. Lao PDR ranked 8th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 1.50% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 1.69% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1.88% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.38% | +0.21pp | #8 |
| 2024 | 2.18% | +0.00pp | #6 |
| 2023 | 2.18% | −0.01pp | #6 |
| 2022 | 2.18% | −1.14pp | #6 |
| 2021 | 3.33% | −0.91pp | #12 |
| 2020 | 4.24% | −0.24pp | #15 |
| 2019 | 4.47% | −0.66pp | #23 |
| 2018 | 5.13% | −0.65pp | #27 |
| 2017 | 5.78% | +0.94pp | #26 |
| 2016 | 4.84% | +0.94pp | #20 |
| 2015 | 3.90% | +0.49pp | #19 |
| 2014 | 3.41% | +0.48pp | #14 |
| 2013 | 2.94% | +0.47pp | #13 |
| 2012 | 2.47% | +0.45pp | #9 |
| 2011 | 2.02% | +0.44pp | #7 |
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 youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's youth unemployment was 2.38% in 2025. Ranked 8th globally. This represents a 9.5% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's youth unemployment peaked at 5.78% in 2017.
The lowest youth unemployment in Lao PDR was 1.58% in 2010.
Lao PDR ranks 8th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's youth unemployment is projected to reach 1.88% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Lao PDR in 2025 was 2.38%. This ranks 8th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_youth-unemployment,
title = {Lao PDR Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/youth-unemployment},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}