Laos - Tourism and Travel

The Lao People's Democratic Republic, or Laos, is a country in southeast Asia.

It is a landlocked country with an area of 91,429 square miles (236,800 square kilometers).

Most of Laos consists of forested mountains and plateaus.

More than 90% of the terrain is over 600 feet (180 meters) above sea level.

The Chaîne Annamatique is a mountain range in eastern Laos, on the border with Vietnam.

The Mekong River runs along the border between Laos and Thailand.

Vientiane is the capital of Laos.

6,320,000 people live in Laos.

Most of the people of Laos live in the Mekong Valley or on a low plateau in the southern part of the country.

66% of the population is Lao Loum, 30% is Lao Theung and 2% is Lao Soung.

Lao is the official language. Other languages spoken include French, Chinese, Vietnamese Mon-Khmer and Yao.

Until the end of World War II, Laos was a French colony.

85% of the people are Buddhist.

Rice is the most important crop.

Important exports include coffee, tin and timber.

Laos exports hydroelectricity from a plant on the Mekong River.

The country is heavily dependent on foreign aid.

Laos was devastated during the Vietnam War; the economy is being revitalized..

Laos is a one party state.

The official currency is the new kip, which equals 100 at.