LAO People's Democratic Republic
Land of Million Elephants

Quick Fact

Flag
Government	Socialist Republic
Independence	July 19, 1949 (from France)
National Flower	Champa
Population	~ 6 million
Pop Density	25/KM²
People	68% Lao Loum (lowland), 22% Lao Theung (upland), 10% Lao Highland & ethnic minorities
Religion	Predominantly Buddhist (>60%); Animist & others
Language	Lao
Capital	Vientiane, Pop (500 000)
Land Areas	236 800 KM ²
Border with	China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar
Time Zone	GMT + 7 hours
Currency	Lao Kips, 1 USD= 9500 Kips (as of June 07)
Major Transport	Road (limited to within town), River (important to connect major towns), Air (fast and convenient)
Electricity	220V AC
Calling Code	+856

Laos or officially referred to as Lao PDR is a rather quiet, unexplorerd jewel of Southeast Asia country. It is the only landlocked ASEAN country bordered with China (north), Vietnam (east), Cambodia (south), Thailand (west) and Myanmar (northeast). It is hence that this socialist Republic country has long remained isolated from outside world. This isolation has somewhat retains it remarkable serenity and unique culture of this 6 million population country. Lao PDR gained independence in 1949 from French, however a decade long civil war which erupted in the 1960s had hold back much of its development. The cilvil war was ended when the communist Pathet Lao came into power in 1975, Laos was then renamed officially as Lao People's Democratic Republic (LAO PDR) until today. It is interesting that Lao people has this motto : "Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity and Prosperity", it could be as a result of the long colonization and the civil war that the people of Lao had long wanted to have peaceful and harmonious life.

Traveling to Lao PDR by land remain a big challenge due to its limited infrastructure which is rather under developed as a result of poor funding. This is coupled with the fact that the countries mountainous topography, a smooth and rail link will probably take years to build. Air link is important, currently there are limited daily internal flights between the local cities. inbound and outbound flight to/from other cities in its neighbouring countries are also available. Long haul flight beyond its immediate neighbouring countries is still not available at this moment.

Traveling by river a popular mode of transportation in Lao PDR especially Mekong river runs its full length cross the country. Traveling by river is also popular among the traveller to Lao PDR as it is more relaxing and less bumpy (compared to land), besides the Mekong river also offers beautiful scenery and adventurous travel for those who like to appreciate this truly Mekong river country. Travelling by river is also popular among backpackers and budget travelers.

Provincial

In term of administration, Lao PDR is divided in 16 provinces and 1 municipality (Vientiane Capital).

Vientiane (formally called Vieng Chan - "City of Moon" and was renamed under French colonization to "Vientiane"), being the capital and the largest city in Lao PDR, it has about 500,000 population. Most of the government administrative headquarter and commerical activities are located here. It has direct air link to many cities of the neighbouring countries.

Most of Lao PDR ancient archealogical treasure still intact despite the war in the '60s and early '70s. This tiny country is the host for two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; 1. Vat Phou and Assiciate Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape; 2. The City of LuangPrabang. Much of the Luangprabang town and its temples are protected under UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Other major cities include Savannkhet and Pakse.