Lao PDR Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Lao PDR's youth unemployment was 2.38% in 2025, ranked 8th globally. This represents a 9.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
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.
Youth unemployment in Lao PDR has fallen to 2.38 % in 2025, placing the country eighth globally and matching Tanzania’s rate for the same year. The indicator has tracked a 35‑year span, descending from a 1991 level of 5.20 % to an all‑time trough of 1.58 % in 2010 before rising to a peak of 5.78 % in 2017. The post‑peak decline reflects the combined impact of expanding vocational training programmes, modest growth in labor‑intensive sectors such as construction and tourism, and targeted subsidies for young entrepreneurs. Compared with peers such as the Solomon Islands (2.76 % in 2025) and Liberia (2.30 % in 2025), Laos remains near the lower end of the regional distribution, suggesting that policy continuity could sustain the recent downward trajectory. Continued investment in skill development and the creation of entry‑level jobs will be crucial to keep youth unemployment on a declining path.
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}
}