Measure
Snapshot
Laos
Ranked 23 of 26 for comprehensive power, with an overall score of 6.4 out of 100.
Gained 0.3 points (+6% change) in overall score in 2023.
Gained 0.3 points (+6% change) in overall score in 2023.
Laos is a minor power in Asia.
The country’s overall score showed a slight increase of 0.3 points over the past year, making Laos one of just six countries in the region to register an upward change in overall score.
Laos performs best in the economic relationships and diplomatic influence measures, ranking 19th for both. By contrast, it places last in future resources, dropping one place in the past year.
In 2022, Laos saw the greatest improvement in its diplomatic influence measure, which rose by three places to 19th. However, Laos has slipped by two places in its cultural influence measure to 23rd due to the negative impacts of Covid-19 on its tourism industry.
Laos exerts less influence in the region than expected given its available resources, as indicated by the country’s negative power gap score. While Laos is a net underachiever in Asia, its negative power gap improved in 2022.
Read more analysis in the Key Findings report. Explore further results in the Scores section.
Bilateral trade, current dollars (2020)
Globally, which countries does Laos do most of its trade with?
Which countries in the region rely most on trade with Laos?
A country’s weighted average across eight measures of power
Economic size and attributes with the most geopolitical relevance
Conventional military strength
Capacity to deter real or potential threats to state stability
Projected distribution of future economic, military and demographic resources
The capacity to exercise influence and leverage through economic interdependencies
Defence partnerships that act as force multipliers of military capability
The extent and standing of a state’s foreign relations
Ability to shape international public opinion through cultural appeal and interaction