180 countries ranked by safety, peace, freedom and LGBT+ equality
Visiting: Recommend CautionLGBT+ visiting: Recommend Caution
Laos is the slow one, and that's the point: monks filing through Luang Prabang at dawn, two-day boats down the Mekong, and the enormous Kong Lor river cave. Per person, it's the most bombed country in history — the UXO museums will stay with you. Petty crime runs a bit higher than its neighbours, so mind your things. Otherwise, let it take the pace down a few gears.
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people — lower is better.
Laos: 6.3
Ranked 58th in the world for the highest homicide rate.
An estimated 6.35 homicides per 100,000 people — an elevated rate by world standards. The 2021 estimate is the freshest figure that exists.
Higher than 67% of the 230 countries and territories measured.
How peaceful the country is — lower is better.
Laos: 1.8
Ranked 61st most peaceful country in the world.
More peaceful than 71% of the 163 countries ranked, scoring 1.783.
Down 3 places since 2024.
Personal and economic freedom — higher is better.
Laos: 5.0
Ranked 28th least free country in the world.
Less free than 87% of the 165 countries measured — 5.09 out of 10.
Day-to-day life (speech, movement, religion) scores 4.68; doing business and owning property, 5.65.
LGBT+ equality in law and daily life — higher is better.
Laos: 4.8
Ranked 70th most equal in the world for LGBT+ people.
Better for LGBT+ equality than 63% of the 197 countries scored — 48 out of 100.
Law and public attitudes sit close together, at 47 and 50 out of 100.