Laos

Laos This country comes with great hospitality and relaxed way of living. Lying between Thailand and Vietnam, and having the Mekong River going through the country, it has the beautiful weather and nature for you to explore. It is not very populated, so it will be easy to get around. The capital city Vientiane is dominated by the buddhist culture, and will see the most amazing monuments and temples. Let the sound of gongs and drums wake you up, and go out and enjoy the sights.

Area: 236.800 Km²
Population: 5.636.000 (2001 est.)
Density: 24 pop/Km²

System of government: Republic
Capital: Vientiane (442.000 pop.)
Major cities: Savannakhét 55.000 pop.
Ethnic majority: Laotian 56%, Lao-Theung 34%, Lao-Soung 9%, Chinese and Vietnamese 1%
Border countries: Thailand and Burma WEST, China NORTH, Vietnam EAST, Cambodia SOUTH

Principal mountains: Phou Bia 2820 m
Principal rivers: Mekong 1600 Km (laotian tract, total 4500 Km)
Principal lakes: Ngum 320 Km²
Principal islands: -
Climate: Monsoon tropical

Language: Lao (official), French, English, Thai
Religion: Buddhist 50%, Animist 50%
Currency: Kip (LAK)

Fixed public holidays: 1/1, 6/1, 20/1, 8/3, 22/3, 13/4, 14/4, 15/4, 1/5, 1/6, 13/8, 12/10, 2/12
Dialling code: 00856
GMT: +7

World Heritage List:

• Town of Luang Prabang (1995)
• Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape (2001)