World Atlas: Laos. On this page you can see the map, country flag and many detailed information about the people, history and economy of Laos.
Here you can find online selected information about the geography, inhabitants, government, economy and history of Laos. Included are selected statistics, an overview map and the detailed map of Laos. But let's start with the flag of Laos here:
Laos - Overview:
What you should know about Laos? Let's start with this: Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century, when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the communist Pathet Lao took control of the government, ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988. Laos became a member of Asean in 1997 and the WTO in 2013.
Geography of Laos
Where on the globe is Laos? The location of this country is Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam. Total area of Laos is 236,800 sq km, of which 230,800 sq km is land. So this is quite a large country. How could we describe the terrain of the country? This way: mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus. The lowest point of Laos is Mekong River 70 m, the highest point Phu Bia 2,817 m. And the climate is tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April).
Inhabitants of Laos
Let's take a look how many people live in Laos. The number is: 7,126,706 (July 2017 est.). So this is not very populous country. Who lives here? Lao 53.2%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 9.2%, Phouthay 3.4%, Tai 3.1%, Makong 2.5%, Katong 2.2%, Lue 2%, Akha 1.8%, other 11.6%. What are the languages in Laos? Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages. And the religions: Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.). How old are the people in average? 23 years. We have to add that this number is the median - so one half of the people is older than this, one half is younger. And what is their life expectancy (at birth)? This: 64.6 years. Where the people live in Laos? Here: most densely populated area is in and around the capital city of Vientiane; large communities are primarily found along the Mekong River along the southwestern border; overall density is considered one of the lowest in Southeast Asia. The major urban areas of Laos are: Vientiane (capital) 997,000 (2015).
Government and Economy of Laos
The capital of Laos is Vientiane (Viangchan) and the government type communist state. Let's take a look at the administrative divisions - 17 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 capital city (nakhon luang, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane), Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun, Xekong, Xiangkhouang. Regarding the economy of Laos, important industrial products are mining (copper, tin, gold, gypsum); timber, electric power, agricultural processing, rubber, construction, garments, cement, tourism. Important agricultural products are sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, peanuts, rice; cassava (manioc, tapioca), water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry. The most important export commodities are wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, gold, cassava and the most important export partners are Thailand 40.1%, China 28.5%, Vietnam 13.7% (2016). The most important import commodities are machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods and the most important import partners are Thailand 64.6%, China 16.5%, Vietnam 9.4% (2016). How rich is Laos and how rich are people in this country? The most important number here is GDP per capita (PPP): $7,400 (2017 est.). This is quite a low number. Let's add that this means Gross Domestic Product per person, which is recalculated with respect to the relative cost of local goods and services. And one more important number - population below poverty line: 22% (2013 est.).