Historical Timeline
July 19, 1949 (Tuesday) – Granted autonomy within the French Union
October 22, 1953 (Thursday) – Becomes independent kingdom from France
December 2, 1975 (Tuesday) – Lao People’s Democratic Republic declared after communist takeover
May 1, 1991 (Wednesday) – New constitution adopted, formalizing one-party state
September 9, 1997 (Tuesday) – Joins the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
August 13, 2002 (Tuesday) – Landslide in Huaphan Province kills over 20
October 18, 2010 (Monday) – Flash floods in Savannakhet, ~40,000 people displaced
July 23, 2018 (Monday) – Saddle dam collapse of the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy hydropower project kills at least 40; hundreds displaced
February 2, 2020 (Sunday) – First confirmed COVID-19 case reported
September 5, 2022 (Monday) – Heavy monsoon floods in Vientiane and Attapeu; widespread damage
August 3, 2023 (Thursday) – Earthquake (M5.5) near Luang Namtha; minor damage, no casualties
December 14, 2024 (Saturday) – Severe flooding in Champasak Province displaces thousands
General Information
Continent: Asia
Location: Southeast Asia, landlocked
Capital: Vientiane
Language: Lao
Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)
Population: ~7.6 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT, UTC+7)*
Topography
Borders: China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar
Landscape: Mountainous with forested hills, river valleys, and plateaus
Major Rivers: Mekong, Nam Ou, Nam Ngum, Nam Theun
Major Mountains: Annamite Range, Phou Bia (highest)
Deserts: None
Lakes: Nam Ngum Reservoir, Nong Fa Lake
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Phou Bia – 2,819 m (9,249 ft)
Lowest Point: Mekong River valley – ~70 m (230 ft)
Climate: Tropical monsoon; rainy season (May–October), dry season (November–April)
Geological Features: Karst formations, limestone caves, rugged mountains, floodplains
Demography
Ethnic Groups: Lao (~53%), Khmu, Hmong, other hill tribes
Religion: Theravāda Buddhism (official), with animist practices
Urban Population: ~37% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~5.6% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)
Culture
Famous For: Buddhist temples, Mekong River culture, Laotian textiles
Cuisine: Sticky rice, laap (minced meat salad), tam mak hoong (papaya salad), grilled fish
Arts: Traditional dance, wood carving, weaving, Buddhist sculpture
Sports: Sepak takraw, football, muay Lao (kickboxing)
Economy
Economy Type: Developing, resource-based
GDP: Approx. $18.6 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Hydropower, mining, agriculture, tourism
Key Exports: Electricity, gold, copper, wood products, coffee
Unemployment Rate: ~1.9% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Vientiane (capital region), Champasak (agriculture), Luang Prabang (tourism)
Government
Government Type: Marxist–Leninist single-party socialist republic
Head of State: President Thongloun Sisoulith (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (as of April 2025)
Legislature: National Assembly (unicameral)
Constitution: Adopted on August 14, 1991; amended in 2003 and 2015
Travel Attractions
Luang Prabang: UNESCO World Heritage city with temples and colonial architecture
Vang Vieng: Karst landscape, caves, tubing, trekking
Plain of Jars: Mysterious ancient megalithic site
That Luang: Sacred stupa in Vientiane
Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands): Mekong archipelago with waterfalls and rare Irrawaddy dolphins
Bolaven Plateau: Coffee plantations, waterfalls, cool climate