At the national level, Lao PDR has seen a steady reduction in the poverty rate, the poverty gap and poverty severity over time. The overall assessment is that Lao PDR is well on track to achieving the poverty target, or has already achieved this target. On the other hand, inequality has increased in practically all population groups, largely due to the consumption attributed to the richest quintile (The Government of Lao PDR and the United NationsGovernment of Lao PDR and Nations 2013).