Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country located in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar to the northwest.

The capital and largest city is Vientiane, which is located on the banks of the Mekong River. The official language is Lao, and the currency is the Lao kip.

Laos is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush forests, waterfalls, and rivers. It is also known for its unique culture and history, which is a mix of traditional Lao beliefs, Buddhism, and French colonial influence.

Tourism is a major industry in Laos, with popular attractions including the ancient city of Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, and the Wat Phou temple complex. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, and zip-lining.

However, Laos remains one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, with many challenges including high levels of poverty and limited infrastructure. The country is working to improve its economy and living standards, while also preserving its natural and cultural heritage.

Telephone Code
856

Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations


Climate
Tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)

Currency (Code)
Kips (LAK)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C, E, F

Major Languages
Lao, French, English, various ethnic languages

Major Religions
Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Elephant Village Sanctuary; Four Thousand Islands (includes Khone Pha Pheng Waterfall); Kong Lor Caves; Wat Phu;; Vientiane; Luang Prabang (former royal city); Plain of Jars

Major Sports
Soccer, sepak takraw (kick volleyball), muay lao (martial art)

Cultural Practices
It is considered very rude to touch another person's head or to touch their body with your feet.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not customary except in tourist-oriented restaurants where 10% of the bill is appreciated, but only if a service charge has not already been added. Tour guides and day-long drivers expect $10-15 (USD) per day for a gratuity. Tip hotel staff $2-3 (USD) per day for their service .

Souvenirs
Hand-woven silk or cotton sarongs, gold and gemstone jewelry, wood carvings, spices, Hill Tribe bags

Traditional Cuisine
Larb (or Laap) — minced meat, seasoned with lime juice, fermented fish sauce, and a variety of other ingredients such as finely ground roasted sticky rice, chilli, mint leaves, onions, herbs, and spices

Geography
Area
total: 236,800 sq km
land: 230,800 sq km
water: 6,000 sq km

Climate
tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)

Natural resources
timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

People and Society
Population
7,852,377 (2023 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.)

Languages
Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages

Religions
Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.)

Population growth rate
1.3% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
communist state

Capital
name: Vientiane (Viangchan)

Economy
Economic overview
lower middle-income, socialist Southeast Asian economy; one of the fastest growing economies; declining but still high poverty; natural resource rich; new anticorruption efforts; already high and growing public debt; service sector hit hard by COVID-19

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$58.264 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$7,800 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
rice, roots/tubers nes, cassava, sugar cane, vegetables, bananas, maize, watermelons, coffee, taro

Industries
mining (copper, tin, gold, gypsum); timber, electric power, agricultural processing, rubber, construction, garments, cement, tourism

Exports
$7.82 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Thailand 36%, China 28%, Vietnam 16% (2019)

Exports - commodities
electricity, copper, rubber, gold, flavored water (2019)

Imports
$6.527 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Thailand 53%, China 26%, Vietnam 10% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, cattle, iron structures, steel products (2019)