Literacy Rate: Lao P.D.R.
Lao P.D.R.'s literacy rate is currently 75.6% as of 2023. # Lao P.
Current (2023)
75.6%
+2.6% y/y
Peak (2015)
84.7%
Low (1995)
60.3%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1995–2023 · 7 pts
Literacy Rate — Lao P.D.R.
1995 — 2023
Literacy Rate — Lao P.D.R.
Analysis# Lao P.D.R. Literacy Rate
Lao P.D.R.'s literacy rate stood at 75.64% in 2023, reflecting substantial progress since 1995 when only 60.25% of the population was literate. The country has gained 25.5 percentage points over nearly three decades, though current levels remain below the all-time peak of 84.66% achieved in 2015. This gap suggests recent stagnation after years of steady advancement.
The data reveals a significant reversal around 2015. Literacy rates climbed consistently from 1995 through 2015, then dropped sharply to 73.72% by 2017 before recovering modestly to 75.64% by 2023. The post-2015 decline warrants attention, as gains remain fragile and recovery incomplete. Sustained policy focus will be essential to surpass the 2015 benchmark and build on Lao P.D.R.'s foundational progress in educational access.
Historical Data
7 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 75.6% | +2.60% |
| 2017 | 73.7% | -12.92% |
| 2015 | 84.7% | +16.45% |
| 2005 | 72.7% | +5.78% |
| 2001 | 68.7% | -1.22% |
| 2000 | 69.6% | +15.49% |
| 1995 | 60.3% | — |
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Demographics
People & population data
No demographic data available.