Poverty Profile in Lao PDR : Poverty Report for the Lao Expenditure and Consumption Survey 2024-25

Overview & Synopsis

The report presents a comprehensive analysis of poverty, inequality, and household welfare in the Lao PDR using data from the Lao Expenditure and Consumption Surveys (LECS) conducted in 2012-13, 2018-19, and 2024-25. Key findings show that the national poverty rate declined significantly from 24.6 percent in 2012-13 to 15.0 percent in 2024/25, accompanied by improvements in living standards, access to services, and reductions in multidimensional poverty and inequality. However, progress has slowed in recent years due to economic shocks, including COVID-19, inflation, currency depreciation, and limited job creation outside agriculture. Poverty remains concentrated in rural areas, among disadvantaged ethnic groups, children, and youth, while urban poverty has increased. The report highlights the growing importance of agriculture, migration, and remittances in supporting livelihoods and emphasizes the need for investments in human capital, productive employment, agricultural modernization, and targeted policies to address regional and social disparities.