LAO PDR wpeC.jpg (4771 bytes)

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The participation of Laos into labor migration is relatively small and mostly directed toward Thailand.  Laotian migrants are mostly confined to the northern provinces, where similarity of ethnic origin and language is particularly strong. Perhaps 1,000 Laotian refugees still remain in Thailand, whose case has not been resolved because of their fear to return to Laos.

SOCIAL INDICATORS

ECONOMIC INDICATORS
Human Development Index Rank (1999) 140 Growth Rate of GDP, 1999 4.0
Gender Development Index Rank (1998) 125 Per Capita GNP (US$), 1998 330
Population (m) 1999 5 Changes in Consumer Prices, 1999 86.7
Total Fertility Rate (births per woman) 1999 5.6 Balance of Trade ($ million), 1999 -186
Life Expectancy (male/female) 1996 53/55 Balance of Payment on Current Acc.  (% GDP), 1999 -10.3
Secondary Education (% age group) 1995 25 Foreign Direct Investment ($ million), 1998 86
Percent of population below poverty (1993) 46.1 External Debt Outstanding ($ million), 1999 2,489