Lao PDR vs China
Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Lao PDR | China | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $16.50B | $18.74T | 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $2,124 | $13,303 | 2024 |
| Population | 7.8M | 1.41B | 2024 |
| GDP growth rate | 4.13% | 4.98% | 2024 |
| Inflation rate | 23.13% | 0.22% | 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 1.19% | 4.62% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 69.0 years | 78.0 years | 2023 |
| Surface area (sq. km) | 236,800 km2 | 9,562,910 km2 | 2023 |
Lao PDR vs China: Analysis
China has a larger economy than Lao PDR, with a nominal GDP roughly 1135.8 times greater based on 2024 data. Lao PDR recorded a GDP of $16.50B, while China stood at $18.74T.
In terms of GDP per capita, China leads over Lao PDR. Lao PDR has a per capita output of $2,124, compared to $13,303 for China.
China has a larger population than Lao PDR. Lao PDR is home to approximately 7.8M people, while China has about 1.41B.
By surface area, China is the larger country. Lao PDR covers 236,800 km2, and China spans 9,562,910 km2.
Life expectancy is higher in China: 69.0 years in Lao PDR versus 78.0 years in China. Lao PDR has the lower unemployment rate (Lao PDR: 1.19%, China: 4.62%). Inflation stands at 23.13% in Lao PDR and 0.22% in China.
These figures are drawn from World Bank Open Data and reflect the most recent available reporting year for each indicator. For historical trends and additional indicators, explore the individual country profiles on NationStat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has a larger GDP, Lao PDR or China?
China has the larger GDP. Lao PDR has a GDP of $16.50B (2024), while China has $18.74T (2024). Source: World Bank.
What is the population difference between Lao PDR and China?
The population difference is approximately 1.40B. Lao PDR has 7.8M people (2024), and China has 1.41B (2024). Source: World Bank.
Is Lao PDR richer than China?
By GDP per capita, China is wealthier. Lao PDR has a GDP per capita of $2,124 (2024), compared to $13,303 for China (2024). Source: World Bank.
Which country has higher life expectancy, Lao PDR or China?
China has higher life expectancy. Lao PDR: 69.0 years (2023), China: 78.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.
Which country is bigger, Lao PDR or China?
China is larger by area. Lao PDR covers 236,800 km2, while China covers 9,562,910 km2. Source: World Bank.