Development progress in Lao PDR has been recognized by a rise in the country’s Human Development Index value (HDI) from 0.520 in 2010 to 0.524 in 2011, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global Human Development Report (HDR) 2011. Lao PDR has seen a 39 percent rise in its HDI since the first Human Development Report was published in 1990.

Critically there has also been an improvement in the inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) with Lao PDR moving up 6 places to 107 out of 134 countries covered in the report titled, Sustainability and Equity: A Better Future for All. However, hard-won gains in Least Developed Countries, such as Lao PDR, could be slowed or even reversed by environmental threats. These will affect the poorest people the hardest and could further widen the inequality gap in nations like Lao PDR, the report states.

Press Release (English)

Press Release (Lao)

Photo: Mr. Minh H. Pham, UNDP Resident Representative, hands over the Human Development Report 2011 to Dr. Bounthavy Sisouphantong, Vice Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment. Photo Credit: UNDPLaoPDR/Toby Fricker