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Laos

East Asia & PacificLower MiddleCapital: VientianeLAO

High Risk

CCC

16.5B USD

GDP (Nominal)

Growing at 4.1%

$2,124

GDP Per Capita

Developing economy

7.8M

Population

+1.4% annual growth

23.1%

Inflation

Elevated

Trade Openness

6%of GDP

FDI Inflows

Public Debt

1.2%

Unemployment

Trade Balance

GDP

Billion USD, nominal

$16.5B

2024+0.7B

GDP Growth

Annual %

4.1%

2024+0.4%

Inflation

Consumer prices, annual %

23.1%

2024-8.1%

Population

Millions

7.8M

2024+0.1M

Economic Structure

Services44%

Industry29%

Agriculture17%

Investment Score Breakdown

Economic Health (30%)25

Political Safety (25%)18

Business Climate (20%)20

Financial Strength (15%)12

Growth Potential (10%)42

Key Sectors

Hydropower

8% of GDP

stable

Mining

5% of GDP

declining

Agriculture

15% of GDP

stable

Should I Invest in Laos?

AvoidSetup: ModerateROI: Moderate

Laos scores 22/100 on the NationsData Investment Index, rated "High Risk". Growth is healthy at 3.5%.

Investment Score22/100

GDP Growth3.5%

Inflation25%

FDI/GDP2.5%

Public Debt122%

Political Stability-0.2

Strengths

+Healthy GDP growth at 3.5%

Risks

-Significant political instability - governance risks may affect business continuity
-High inflation (25%) - erodes margins and purchasing power
-Very high public debt (122% of GDP) - fiscal crisis risk
-Corruption is a significant concern - budget for compliance and due diligence

Also Consider

Cambodia

Same region, similar income level, faster growth (5.8%)

Myanmar

Same region

Ghana

Similar GDP per capita

Philippines

Same region, similar income level, faster growth (5.6%)

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