Overview of Laos

Profile

Laos has an elongated territory stretching approximately 1,700 km north to south, with mountains occupying 70%. Rooted in the blessings of the Mekong River and rice culture, the country blends French colonial architecture with golden stupas. The monarchy was abolished in 1975, establishing the socialist republic. Under a one-party system, economic liberalization has been pursued with hydropower, mining, and tourism as pillars of growth. A member of ASEAN and the Francophonie, in recent years, railways and economic zones have been developed under China's Belt and Road Initiative, with rising expectations as a logistics and investment hub.

Official name: Lao People's Democratic Republic
Common name: Laos
Numeric code: 418
Alpha-3 code: LAO
Alpha-2 code: LA
Population: Approximately 7.6 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 32 people/km2
Primary languages: Lao
Major religions: Theravada Buddhism
National anthem: Pheng Xat Lao (National Anthem of Laos)
Calling code: +856
Internet TLD: .la

History

From the founding of the Lan Xang Kingdom to French colonial rule, transitioning to a socialist republic in 1975.

In 1353, the first unified Lao state, the Lan Xang Kingdom, was established. Celebrated as the "land of a million elephants," it fragmented in the 18th century. It became a French protectorate in 1893 and was incorporated into French Indochina. After independence movements following World War II, the Kingdom of Laos gained full independence in 1953. The civil war and the Vietnam War turned the country into a battlefield, and in 1975 Pathet Lao won, abolishing the monarchy and establishing the current state. The "Chintanakarn Mai" policy of 1986 introduced a market economy, and since the 2000s, ASEAN integration and Chinese capital inflows have accelerated infrastructure development.

Geography & climate

Mountains and plateaus occupy most of the country, with the Mekong River running through the center. Karst topography and waterfalls with abundant water flow are scattered throughout.

Tropical monsoon climate (Savanna)

Area: Asia / 236800 km²
Capital: Vientiane
Largest city: Vientiane
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Nam Ngum Reservoir
Bordering countries: China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar

Natural resources

Hydropower, Timber, Gold, Copper, Tin, Gypsum, Coal, Gems (Sapphire), Potash salt, Limestone, Water buffalo

Politics

Government: Socialist Republic (one-party system)

Economy

Currency: Kip (LAK)

GDP (nominal): 18.3 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 66.3 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Lao

Time zone: Laos Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Lao, Hmong, Khmu, Tai Dam, Yao, Akha, Khmer, Lue

Life expectancy

67.9 years

Literacy rate

85%

National sports

Soccer, Sepak Takraw, Muay Lao, Kabaddi, Boat racing