Laos

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Laos's Information


Capital	Vientiane
Languages	Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages
Ethnic Groups	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%
Religion	Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.)
Government	Communist state
Independance	19 July 1949 (from France)
Area	236,800.00 km²
Water Area	6,000.00 km²
Land Area	230,800.00 km²
Population	7,019,073.00 Its low population density is the lowest in Southeast Asia; the 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
Location	Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam
No. Bordering Countries	5
Bordering Countries	Burma 238 km, Cambodia 555 km, China 475 km, Thailand 1,845 km, Vietnam 2,161 km
GDP(PPP)	$40,960,000,000.00 (USD)
GDP (Per Capita)	$5,700.00 (USD)
Export Partners	Its major export partners are Thailand, China, and Vietnam.
Export Commodities	Its main exports are wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, and copper.
Import Partners	Its major import partners are Thailand, China, and Vietnam.
Import Commodities	Its major imports include machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, and consumer goods.
Climate	Tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)
Terrain	Mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Where is Laos?

Located in Southeastern Asia, Laos has a 5,274.00 km border with Burma (238 km), Cambodia (555 km), China (475 km), Thailand (1,845 km) and Vietnam (2,161 km). Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance in order to check the spread of avian flu.

The capital city of Laos is Vientiane. Located on the Mekong River, Vientiane was named the capital city of Laos in 1563. The administration of the government of Laos is carried out in the city. The city is also the economical center of Laos. It is also important to tourism, trade, transportation, and communication. For the past several years Vientiane has experienced a massive economic growth. The most magnificent Buddhist temples and monuments are located in the city; these buildings date back to ancient times.

Geography

Laos has a mean elevation of 710 m above sea level.

It has a tropical monsoon climate with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. Its terrain consists of mostly rugged mountains with some plains and plateaus.

Population

Laos has a population of 7,019,073 making it the 103rd largest in the world. The highest population density can be found in and around the capital city of Vientiane.

Lao is the official language. The major ethnic groups are Lao, Khmou, and Hmong. The majority of the population is Buddhist, with a large group identifying with non-religious.

Laos is home to more than 86 languages, spoken by more than 5.6 million people. The Lao language is the official language of the country as mandated by the Constitution of Laos. As Laos was colonized by the French, the French language is one of the minority languages spoken in the country. The Lao language has 10 vowels and 22 consonants. The vowels can only be differentiated by their length and are otherwise identical. The language is very closely related to Thai; many people in Laos can also speak Thai fluently.

Government

Laos is an independent country. It gained independence from France in 1949. Its constitution was last ratified in 1991.

The present day republic of Laos date back historically to the kingdom of Lan Xan Hom Lap, which means the "kingdom of vast elephants under a white parasol". The kingdom of Lan Xan existed for centuries and rose to be one of the most feared and successful kingdoms in southeast Asia. The present day Laos is an independent country that hosts a one-party republic. This party is the Laos People's Revolutionary Party.

Economy

Factoring in Purchasing Power Parity, Laos's GDP is $40,960,000,000.00 (USD) with $5,700.00 (USD) per capita. This makes it the 113th largest economy and its citizens the 159th richest in the world. The currency of Laos is the Kip (LAK).

Its major export partners are Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Its main exports are wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, and copper. Its major import partners are Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Its major imports include machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, and consumer goods.

Flag

The flag of Laos has undergone several transitions since its introduction. The current flag of Laos consists of three horizontal stripes. The outer stripes are red, while the middle stripe is blue. On the center of the middle portion is a white dot. The flag was originally adopted in 1945 and later on in 1975 the new version re-adopted with a unique and distinct design. The current flag was introduced to replace the old flag which had been used from the years 1952 and 1975.