There is disclosed a gas barrier material comprising polyvinyl alcohol (A), an ethylene-maleic acid copolymer (B), and a metal compound (D), wherein a ratio (A)/(B) between the polyvinyl alcohol (A) and the ethylene-maleic acid copolymer (B) falls within a range from (A)/(B)=50/50 to 10/90 (weight ratio), the metal compound (D) comprises at least one compound selected from a group consisting of hydroxides, oxides, halides, carbonates, sulfates, nitrates, sulfites, and acetates of bivalent or higher metals selected from a group consisting of Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu, and a quantity of the metal compound (D), expressed as an equivalent value relative to carboxyl groups within the ethylene-maleic acid copolymer (B), is within a range from 0.05 to 30%. Furthermore, there is disclosed a gas barrier laminate, comprising a plastic substrate, and a gas barrier layer formed this gas barrier coating material, wherein the gas barrier layer is laminated on top if the plastic substrate, either directly, or with an undercoat layer disposed therebetween.