Explore Real Asia - Laos Overview

Laos Overview

Full name: Lao People's Democratic Republic
Population: 5.8 million (via UN, 2006)
Capital: Vientiane
Area: 236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles)
Major languages: Lao, French (for diplomatic purposes)
Major religion: Buddhism
Main exports: Clothing, timber products, coffee
GNI per capita: US $440 (World Bank, 2006)
Internet domain: .la
International dialling code: +856

The People's Democratic Republic of Lao is located in the centre of Indochina, sharing borders with China to the north, Myanmar to the north-west, Thailand to the west, Cambodia to the south, and Vietnam to the east.

With an area of 236,800 square kilometers. Around 70% of its terrain is mountainous, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,820 m in Xieng Khouang province. The landscapes of northern Laos and the regions adjacent to Vietnam in particular are dominated by hills.

The Mekong river is the main geographical feature in the west and, in fact, forms a natural border with Thailand in some areas. The Mekong flows through nearly 1,900 km of Lao territory and shapes much of the lifestyle of the people of Laos. In the south the Mekong reaches a breadth of 14 km, creating an area with thousands of islands.

Time in Laos is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT*7).

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Testimonial

We had the most wonderful time and have some fantastic memories of the place, you did a superb job and I will certainly recommend you to others...

DEBS BUNYAN, UK, travelling to Vietnam late August and September 2009

All the family really enjoyed this trip. We have now plenty of souvenirs of various kinds in our heads : cultural,
human, food, and even clothes.

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