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KEY FACTS
Location: South-East Asia
Time: GMT + 7 Area: 236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles)
Climate: Tropical monsoon with two main seasons: Dry season (October-April) Rainy season (May -September)
National day: December 2nd
People & Population
Population: 702,000 (2007 estimate)
Geography
Laos is a landlocked country bordered to the north by China, to the east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia, and to the west by Thailand and Myanmar. Around 70% of Laos' terrain is mountainous, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,820 meters in Xieng Khouang Province. The landscapes of northern Laos and the regions adjacent to Vietnam, in particular, are dominated by rough mountains.
The Mekong River is the main geographical feature in the west and, in fact, forms
a natural border with Thailand in some areas. The Mekong flows through nearly 1,900
kilometers of Lao territory and shapes much of the lifestyle of the people of Laos.
In the South, the Mekong reaches a breadth of 20 kilometers, creating an area with
thousands of islands.
Government
People’s Republic since 1975. Gained independence from France in 1953
Head of State
Choummaly Sayasone since June 2006
Head of Government
Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh since June 2006
Recent History
Laos became a republic in December 1975 when the king abdicated and the monarchy was abolished. Laos depended on Soviet aid right up to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Now, although the government no longer runs the economy centrally, there is no move toward a multi-party system.
Language
The official language is Lao; however, many tribal languages are also spoken. French, English. Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese are spoken.
Religion
The majority of the Lao people are Buddhists. The Laos-Lum (Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of Buddhism. The religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range from traditional Confucianism to animism and Christianity
National Heritage
That Luang Stupa, Hoprakeo, Vat Sisaket temple, Wat Ong Tue temple, Wat Inpaeang temple, Wat Simuong temple, Plan of Jars, That Inghang Stupa, Sikhottabong Stupa, Thamting cave, Luang Prabang , Viengxai District, Phou Asa, Tormo Rocket and Wat Phou Champasak.
World Heritage : Luang Prabang and Wat Phou Champasak
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin flat or round plugs are in use
Social Conventions
Religious beliefs should be respected. Lao people should not be touched on the head and women should not touch monks. Handshaking is not that usual; Lao people greet each other with their palms together and a slight bowing of the head. Take care when discussing politics and related subjects in conversation so as not to cause offence. Shorts or revealing clothes are not always acceptable. Shoes must be removed when entering a religious building or somebody's home. It is a legal requirement to carry an ID document or a passport, and fines for not having one for presentation on demand can be high. The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships, including sexual contact between foreign citizens and Lao nationals, except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. Penalties for failing to register a relationship range from fines to imprisonment.
Time: GMT + 7 Area: 236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles)
Climate: Tropical monsoon with two main seasons: Dry season (October-April) Rainy season (May -September)
National day: December 2nd
People & Population
- Population: 6.2 million (2008)
- Density: 23 people/square kilometer
- The population consists of 49 ethnic groups, in 4 main linguistic
Population: 702,000 (2007 estimate)
Laos is a landlocked country bordered to the north by China, to the east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia, and to the west by Thailand and Myanmar. Around 70% of Laos' terrain is mountainous, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,820 meters in Xieng Khouang Province. The landscapes of northern Laos and the regions adjacent to Vietnam, in particular, are dominated by rough mountains.
Government
People’s Republic since 1975. Gained independence from France in 1953
Head of State
Choummaly Sayasone since June 2006
Head of Government
Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh since June 2006
Recent History
Laos became a republic in December 1975 when the king abdicated and the monarchy was abolished. Laos depended on Soviet aid right up to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Now, although the government no longer runs the economy centrally, there is no move toward a multi-party system.
Language
The official language is Lao; however, many tribal languages are also spoken. French, English. Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese are spoken.
Religion
The majority of the Lao people are Buddhists. The Laos-Lum (Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of Buddhism. The religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range from traditional Confucianism to animism and Christianity
National Heritage
That Luang Stupa, Hoprakeo, Vat Sisaket temple, Wat Ong Tue temple, Wat Inpaeang temple, Wat Simuong temple, Plan of Jars, That Inghang Stupa, Sikhottabong Stupa, Thamting cave, Luang Prabang , Viengxai District, Phou Asa, Tormo Rocket and Wat Phou Champasak.
World Heritage : Luang Prabang and Wat Phou Champasak
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin flat or round plugs are in use
Social Conventions
Religious beliefs should be respected. Lao people should not be touched on the head and women should not touch monks. Handshaking is not that usual; Lao people greet each other with their palms together and a slight bowing of the head. Take care when discussing politics and related subjects in conversation so as not to cause offence. Shorts or revealing clothes are not always acceptable. Shoes must be removed when entering a religious building or somebody's home. It is a legal requirement to carry an ID document or a passport, and fines for not having one for presentation on demand can be high. The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships, including sexual contact between foreign citizens and Lao nationals, except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. Penalties for failing to register a relationship range from fines to imprisonment.
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