Laos
The Country of the Week
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Vientiane (Viangchan)
- Population
- 7,953,556 (2024 est.)
- Area
- 236,800 sq km
- Government
- communist party-led state
- Religions
- Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.)
- 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% (2015 est.)
- Currency
- kips (LAK)
- Life Expectancy
- 69 years (2024 est.)
- Internet Domain
- .la
- Climate
- tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)
- Terrain
- mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus
- Natural Resources
- timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones
- Major Exports
- electricity, fertilizers, gold, garments, paper (2023)
Source: CIA World Factbook (public domain)
Overview
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.