Government expenditure (% of GDP) in Lao PDR
In 2025, general government expenditure as a share of GDP in Lao PDR was 17.9 %, up from 15.8 % in 2024. This gives Lao PDR the 173rd-highest globally (out of 194 economies with available data).
Government expenditure (% of GDP)
Total expenditure of the general government
Lao PDR
How Lao PDR compares
Government expenditure (% of GDP)
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About this indicator
This indicator measures general government total expenditure as a percentage of GDP. It captures all spending by the consolidated public sector in a given year, including wages and social benefits, interest payments, subsidies, transfers, and net acquisition of nonfinancial assets. Comparing expenditure-to-GDP ratios across countries shows the size of government relative to the economy. A higher ratio means the public sector accounts for a larger share of economic activity.
The series follows the IMF World Economic Outlook definition of government expenditure, under the Government Finance Statistics Manual (GFSM) framework.
The series follows the IMF World Economic Outlook definition of government expenditure, under the Government Finance Statistics Manual (GFSM) framework.
Sources and updates
Data sources
The data for this indicator are drawn from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Last update
This indicator was last updated on Econorama on 18 June 2026 and reflects the latest data available from the underlying sources at that time.
More on Lao PDR
Public Finance
Government debt (% of GDP)
Gross debt of the general government
Rank40th of 190
Public debt per capita
Gross debt of the general government, in current international dollars
Rank109th of 191
Government budget balance (% of GDP)
Positive values indicate a surplus; negative values indicate a deficit
Rank23rd of 194