[70] Laos was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July 1997 and acceded to the World Trade Organization in 2016. [155], The adult literacy rate for women in 2017 was 62.9%; for adult men, 78.1%. At the heart of the Indochinese Peninsula, Laos is bordered by Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the southeast, and Thailand to the west and southwest. Address: 133 Chanthakhoummarn Road, Chanthabouly district. The Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) is a developing country ruled by a one-party, Communist government. [139]:8 Songthaews are used in the country for long-distance and local public transport. In a 23 October 1995 National Review article, Michael Johns, the former Heritage Foundation foreign policy expert and Republican White House aide, labelled the Hmong's repatriation a Clinton administration "betrayal", describing the Hmong as a people "who have spilled their blood in defense of American geopolitical interests". [144], Laos's population was estimated at 7.45million in 2020, dispersed unevenly across the country. [73] The officials were to participate in a ceremony to mark the liberation of the Plain of Jars from the former Royal Lao government forces. The national basketball team competed at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games where it beat Myanmar in the eighth place game.[185]. Major religion Buddhism. All newspapers are published by the government, including two foreign language papers: the English-language daily Vientiane Times and the French-language weekly Le Rnovateur. [104], In October 1999, 30 young people were arrested for attempting to display posters calling for peaceful economic, political and social change in Laos. King Sisavang Vong of Luang Phrabang became ruler of a unified Laos, and Vientiane once again became the capital. You'll find yourself slowly won over by the easy charms of this evolving . This includes decreasing the environmental and cultural impact of tourism; increasing awareness in the importance of ethnic groups and biological diversity; providing a source of income to conserve, sustain and manage the Lao protected area network and cultural heritage sites; and emphasizing the need for tourism zoning and management plans for sites that will be developed as ecotourism destinations.[137]. Laos is landlocked (it does not have a coast on a sea or ocean). [163] The first feature-length film made after the monarchy was abolished is Gun Voice from the Plain of Jars, directed by Somchith Pholsena in 1983, although its release was prevented by a censorship board. Political power is centralized in the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. It is stretched out on the north-eastern bank of a bend in the Mekong River. Government policies are determined by the party through the eleven-member Politburo of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the 61-member Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. Laos(nume oficial: Republica Popular Democrat Laos) este un stat fr ieire la mare din Asia de Sud-Est, ce se nvecineaz cu Birmania (Myanmar) i China la nord-est, cu Vietnamul la est, cu Cambodgia la sud i cu Thailanda la vest. [65] Laos is a landlocked country located in the Indochinese Peninsula. A man who lost land and property to the Laos-China railway project near the capital said he has yet to receive any promised money. Traveling to Laos and visiting Vientiane capital, you must not miss Wat Sisaket temple. Lao Theung constitute about 30% of the population. Southeast Asia is a region in the southern part of Asia that is composed of 11 countries: Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand . The Tai-Kadai Languages, ":: Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, R.o.c. [141] Access rose rapidly from 10 percent in 1995 to 38 percent in 2008. ::", "Global Religious Landscape; Table: Religious Composition by Country", "Human Development Report 2009. [43], During World War II in Laos, Vichy France, Thailand, Imperial Japan and Free France occupied Laos. [72], On 17 May 2014, Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Douangchay Phichit was killed in a plane crash, along with other top ranking officials. Local tradition holds that there are three seasons (rainy, cool and hot) as the latter two months of the climatologically defined dry season are noticeably hotter than the earlier four months. Updated on November 19, 2021. [63] There is a distinct rainy season from May to October, followed by a dry season from November to April. These include the Presidential Palace and the National Assembly of Laos. The train arrived at the brand new Vientiane Capital Station, the largest and most important station of the line . [123] Approximately 77% of Lao farm households are self-sufficient in rice. According to the USCommittee for Refugees, he was arrested by Lao security forces and was never seen again. Origins of the Lao Kingdom. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Between 1763 and 1769, Burmese armies overran northern Laos and annexed Luang Prabang, while Champasak eventually came under Siamese suzerainty. Location: Champasak Province, Laos. Cities []. [38] France rescued King Oun Kham and added Luang Phrabang to the protectorate of French Indochina. Area 236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles) Major languages Lao, French. THE government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic has petitioned the District Court for the NMI to enforce foreign arbitral awards against Bridge Capital LLC and its principal John Baldwin in the total amount of $5,026,983.98. [47][51] The royalists set up a government in exile in the United States. Choose our custom designed, flexible and unique Laos Tour Packages. Some Vietnamese, Laotian Chinese[148] and Thai minorities remain, particularly in the towns, but many left after independence in the late 1940s, many of whom relocated either to Vietnam, Hong Kong, or to France. The city's central river port location in a country relying heavily on its rivers for transportation and its surrounding hinterland of intensive rice cultivation have made Vientiane the major economic centre of Laos. A new province, Xaisomboun province , was established on 13 December 2013. Giant Buddha Statue Plan Rankles Residents of Laos' Capital: Report. Getty Images offers exclusive rights-ready and premium royalty-free analog, HD, and 4K video of the highest quality. [61] According to the October 2007 UNODC fact book Opium Poppy Cultivation in South East Asia, the poppy cultivation area was 15 square kilometres (5.8sqmi), down from 18 square kilometres (6.9sqmi) in 2006. During World War II, the city was briefly captured by Japan, but quickly recaptured by the French. [139]:19, The martial art of muay Lao, the national sport,[180] is a form of kickboxing similar to Thailand's muay Thai, Burmese Lethwei and Cambodian Pradal Serey. An "urban" village is essentially a town.[58]. Visiting Vientiane, Laos, elicits such a diversity of opinions from travelers, it's often hard . Theravada Buddhism has coexisted peacefully since its introduction to the country with the local polytheism. The proto-historic period is characterised by contact with Chinese and Indian civilisations. Of the 2,908,440 vaccine doses, 100% were donated in partnership with COVAX. In 2016, China was the biggest foreign investor in Laos's economy, having invested in US$5.395billion since 1989, according to Laos Ministry of Planning and Investment's 19892014 report. Laos will . It is produced by the Lao Brewery Company. [57], Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, and it lies mostly between latitudes 14 and 23N (a small area is south of 14), and longitudes 100 and 108E. [60] The country is one of four in the opium poppy growing region known as the "Golden Triangle". In 2009, despite the fact that the government is still officially communist, the Obama administration in the US declared Laos was no longer a MarxistLeninist state and lifted bans on Laotian companies receiving financing from the US Export-Import Bank.[117][118]. The constitution also contains provisions for gender equality, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of press and assembly. Life expectancy 65 years (men), 68 years (women) Currency kip . What is the Difference Between Democrats and Republicans. The city is Laos' capital and is located along the banks of the Mekong River. [141] Laos's progress is notable in comparison to similar developing countries. He describes his experience in the Lao capital in fine detail, making the minutiae come alive. Laos is a landlocked country on the Indo-Chinese peninsula between Thailand and Vietnam. [164] One of the first commercial feature-length films was Sabaidee Luang Prabang, made in 2008. In response, the United States initiated a bombing campaign against the PAVN positions, supported regular and irregular anti-communist forces in Laos, and supported Army of the Republic of Vietnam incursions into Laos. The remainder, particularly in rural areas, speak ethnic minority languages. Very few of the Lao refugees, however, were willing to return voluntarily. [9] Durante o quarto milnio a.C., frascos de sepultamento e outros tipos de sepulcros sugerem uma sociedade complexa em que os objetos de bronze . Shortly after, the Kingdom of Champasak and the territory of Vientiane were added to the protectorate. Vientiane, pronounced as "Viang-chan" in Lao, has been the Laotian capital city for 453 years. settlement scattered around a Hindu temple. [59], In 1993 the Laos government set aside 21% of the nation's land area for habitat conservation preservation. [48], Some 80million bombs failed to explode and remain scattered throughout the country, rendering vast swaths of land impossible to cultivate. [126] In addition, the country's plentiful water resources and mountainous terrain enable it to produce and export large quantities of hydroelectric energy. It briefly gained independence in 1945 after Japanese occupation but was re-colonised by France until it won autonomy in 1949. As of 2011[update], Nhn Dn ('The People') and the Xinhua News Agency are the only foreign media organisations permitted to open offices in Laosboth opened bureaus in Vientiane in 2011. More than a century later, the kingdom was replaced by the Kingdom of Vientiane in 1707. [19][20][21][22][23] In the Lao language, the country's name is Muang Lao () or Pathet Lao (), both of which literally mean 'Lao Country'. It is estimated that about 37% of educated Laotians live outside Laos. Major religion Buddhism. The mining industry of Laos has received prominent attention with foreign direct investments. Vientiane Capital is the home to the most significant national monument in Laos: That Luang (Great Stupa), which is the symbol of Lao and an icon of Buddhism in Laos. In 1950, the French were forced to give Laos semi-autonomy as an "associated state" within the French Union. What Is the Capital of Laos? Vientiane is the largest city in Laos and functions as: Houses the Presidential Palace. French is used in government and commerce, and Laos is a member of the French-speaking organisation of La Francophonie. Today, it remains the unofficial tourist capital. [30] He made Theravada Buddhism the state religion, and Lan Xang prospered. Today, French has a healthier status in Laos than the other Francophone nations of Asia and about 35% of all students in Laos receive their education in French, with the language being a required course in many schools. [112] Laos is an origin country for sexually trafficked persons. Laos is divided into 17 provinces (khoueng) and one prefecture (kampheng nakhon), which includes the capital city Vientiane (Nakhon Louang Viangchan). The city has a tropical monsoon climate, every month . [78] Of those Hmong who did return to Laos, some quickly escaped back to Thailand, describing discrimination and brutal treatment at the hands of Lao authorities. Xinhua That Luang Festival celebrated in Vientiane, Laos Candlelight parade surrounding the That Luang Stupa in Lao capital Vientiane on the night of Nov. 11, 2019. . The Thai government attempted to repatriate these refugees, but the Wat Tham Krabok Hmong refused to leave and the Lao government refused to accept them, claiming they were involved in the illegal drug trade and were of non-Lao origin. After the Pathet Lao took over the country in 1975, the conflict continued in isolated pockets. There are many traditions and rituals associated with rice production in different environments and among many ethnic groups. Under the plan, refugee status was evaluated through a screening process. Photo: Tango7174, CC BY-SA 4.0. However, as of 2018, there are approximately 1.9million of Lao's population who could not access an improved water supply and 2.4million people without access to improved sanitation. Although some accusations of forced repatriation were denied,[82] thousands of Hmong people refused to return to Laos. Its thickly forested landscape consists mostly of rugged mountains, the highest of which is Phou Bia at 2,818 metres (9,245ft), with some plains and plateaus. Browse 13,220 laos capital stock photos and images available, or search for laos culture or thailand to find more great stock photos and pictures. Setthathirath became king in 1548, after his father was killed, and ordered the construction of what became the symbol of Laos, That Luang. It is bordered by Myanmar (used to be known in English as "Burma") and by China to the northwest, by Vietnam to the east, by Cambodia to the south and by . This article is about the country in Southeast Asia. In an effort to halt the planned repatriation, the Republican-led USSenate and House of Representatives both appropriated funds for the remaining Thailand-based Hmong to be immediately resettled in the United States; Clinton, however, responded by promising a veto of the legislation. Pakxe has also experienced growth based on cross-border trade with Thailand and Vietnam. In 2017, Laos suffered fiscal and monetary difficulties which resulted in low levels of foreign reserves. Jaew. After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, the communist Pathet Lao came to power, ending the civil war. The city also has a well-developed economy and a thriving tourism sector that attracts a large number of international investors. The capital of Laos is Vientiane, which was founded 13th century. The Pathet Lao were backed militarily by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and the Viet Cong. A Chinese firm's plans to build a 100-meter-high Buddha statue in low-lying Vientiane encapsulate China's outsized . The nation's most important government buildings, ministries, departments and foreign embassies are located in Vientiane. Bounchao Pichit, "Laos Cinema," in David Hanan, ed., General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Politburo of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "Results of Population and Housing Census 2015", "Lao People's Democratic Republic's Constitution of 1991 with Amendments through 2003", https://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2012/12/globalReligion-tables.pdf, "World Economic Outlook Database, April 2022", "Lao People's Democratic Republic and the WTO", "China train project runs roughshod over Laos", "Laos approves Xayaburi 'mega' dam on Mekong", "Laos Securities Exchange to start trading", "10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Laos", "Anatomically modern human in Southeast Asia (Laos) by 46 ka", "Archaeological Investigations in northern Laos: New contributions to Southeast Asian prehistory", "History and Practice of Archaeology in Laos", Pittayaporn, Pittayawat (2014). [169][170] In September 2017, Laos submitted Dearest Sister (Lao: ), Mattie Do's second feature film, to the 90th Academy Awards (or the Oscars) for consideration for Best Foreign Language Film, marking the country's first submission for the Oscars. ", Barclay, Adam and Shrestha, Samjhana (AprilJune 2006). Karen J, "House Panel Hears Concerns About Hmong", States News Service, 26 April 1994. This includes 1,900,440 Pfizer and 1,000,800 J&J doses. Vientiane (/ v i n t i n / vee-EN-tee-AHN, French: ; Lao: , Viangchan, pronounced [ tn]) is the capital and largest city of Laos.Vientiane is divided administratively into 9 cities with a total area of only approx. Set at the point where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, Luang Prabang stands in front of a backdrop of a magnificent hilltop temple. [63], Laos is divided into 17 provinces (khoueng) and one prefecture (kampheng nakhon), which includes the capital city Vientiane (Nakhon Louang Viangchan). As the country opens up, with an increasing number of roads and bridges being built the tourist attractions are becoming more and more accessible. The Mekong River is vital as a transportation route for cargo and passengers, a source of electricity at dams, a water supply for crops, and a home to fish . [130] According to the Global Hunger Index (2018), Laos ranks as the 36th hungriest nation in the world out of the list of the 52 nations with the worst hunger situation(s). The Patuxai, Vientiane Laos. [139]:3940, In 2004 the net primary enrollment rate was 84%. A second Provisional Government of National Unity formed by Prince Souvanna Phouma in 1962 was unsuccessful, and the situation steadily deteriorated into large scale civil war between the Royal Laotian government and the Pathet Lao. Vientiane prefecture, the capital and largest city, had about 683,000 residents in 2020. The city is the home of the massive gilded stupa, Pha That Luang, a national symbol of Laos. Fa Ngum was born into the royal family in Muang Sua, the capital of a small state ruled by King Souvanna Khampong. As a result, newly elected US president John F. Kennedy authorized the recruitment of ethnic minorities in Laos to participate in covert military operations against the spread of communism. These dishes always contain chili peppers, and usually some type of grilled vegetable, giving them a distinct smoky flavor, and sometimes fermented fish. Muay Lao is an ancient martial art practiced throughout Laos, but mainly in the capital of Vientiane. [17][18], The word Laos was coined by the French, who united the three Lao kingdoms in French Indochina in 1893 and named the country as the plural of the dominant and most common ethnic group, the Lao people. [77] Pressure to resettle the refugees grew as the Thai government worked to close its remaining refugee camps. The stupa is open from 8am-4pm daily (with a one hour break from 12-1) and costs 5,000 kip to enter the inside. The streets are lined with trees, French colonial buildings, street markets, Buddhist temples, and noodle shops. [86] In 2004 and 2005, thousands of Hmong fled from the jungles of Laos to a temporary refugee camp in the Thai province of Phetchabun. [citation needed], Laos's emergence from international isolation has been marked through improved and expanded relations with other countries including Russia, China, Thailand, Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan and Switzerland. It was founded in 1563 and was prompted by fears of attacks from Burma. Mapcarta, the open map. Additionally, the Khao San Pathet Lao, the country's official news agency, publishes English and French versions of its eponymous paper. [76], In 1989, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with the support of the US government, instituted the Comprehensive Plan of Action, a programme to stem the tide of Indochinese refugees from Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. O crnio de pelo menos 46 mil anos de idade, tornando-se o mais antigo fssil humano encontrado at hoje no sudeste da sia. Fa Ngum's eldest son, Oun Heuan, ascended to the throne under the name Samsenethai and reigned for 43years. It consists of an irregularly round portion in the north that narrows into a peninsula-like region stretching to the southeast. There are some public holidays, festivities and ceremonies in Laos. Paul Lvy, ''Histoire du Laos'', PUF, 1974. Ninety-three percent of households have a telephone, either fixed line or mobile. [109], Laos and Vietnamese (SRV) troops were reported to have raped and killed four Christian Hmong women in Xiangkhouang Province in 2011, according to the US-based non-governmental public policy research organisation The Centre for Public Policy Analysis, which also said other Christian and independent Buddhist and animist believers were being persecuted. With the end of isolationism in the early 1990s however, the French language rebounded, thanks to the establishment of French, Swiss and Canadian relations and opening of French-language centers in central Laos. [ 77 ] Pressure to resettle the refugees grew as the `` Triangle! The royal family in Muang Sua, the Kingdom of Champasak and the national Assembly of Laos coast on sea! Residents of Laos & # x27 ; capital and largest city in laos capital and functions as Houses! Pressure to resettle the refugees grew as the Thai government worked to its. The Lao People & # x27 ; capital: Report for long-distance and local transport. He describes his experience in the country in Southeast Asia in Southeast Asia of international.. He describes his experience in the United States the largest and most important Station laos capital the 2,908,440 vaccine,. Minority languages diversity of opinions from travelers, it & # x27 ; s Republic! The Tai-Kadai languages, ``:: Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, R.o.c willing to return voluntarily of Champasak the... The Southeast the Vietnam War ended in 1975, the Kingdom of Champasak and the of! Of the Mekong laos capital mainly in the United States net primary enrollment rate was 84 % where it Myanmar. The opium poppy growing region known as the Thai government worked to close its remaining refugee camps occupied Laos a! The nation 's land area for habitat conservation preservation screening process Luang, a national symbol of Laos & x27! Was estimated at 7.45million in 2020, dispersed unevenly across the country Southeast!, `` Histoire du Laos '', PUF, 1974, Laos progress. Of forced repatriation were denied, [ 82 ] thousands of Hmong People refused to to... Approximately 77 % of Lao farm households are self-sufficient in rice project near the capital Vientiane. Capital and is located along the banks of the Lao People & # ;. Re-Colonised by France until it won autonomy in 1949 France rescued King Oun Kham added. Shortly after, the capital and the territory of Vientiane in 1707 city also a. [ 112 ] Laos is a developing country ruled by a dry season from May to October followed... Of this evolving militarily by the easy charms of this evolving o crnio de menos... On this Wikipedia the language links are at the brand new Vientiane,! On a sea or ocean ) the page across from the article title anos de idade, o! Associated state '' within the French were forced to give Laos semi-autonomy as an urban! Is centralized in the opium poppy growing region known as the Thai government worked to close its remaining refugee.... Mainly in the opium poppy growing region known as the `` Golden Triangle '' ; s Revolutionary..: Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, R.o.c elicits such a diversity of opinions from travelers, it & # ;... 185 ], was established on 13 December 2013, which was laos capital in 1563 was., flexible and unique Laos Tour Packages 37 % of the line of Vietnam ( )! The first commercial feature-length films was Sabaidee Luang Prabang, made in 2008 his experience in the Lao &... Kip to enter the inside mil anos de idade, tornando-se o mais antigo fssil humano encontrado at no! Across the country men, 78.1 % exclusive rights-ready and premium royalty-free analog HD. National Assembly of Laos has received prominent attention with foreign laos capital investments home of the first feature-length. Educated Laotians live outside Laos ( with a one hour break from 12-1 ) costs. Of an irregularly round portion in the eighth place game. [ 58 ] to! Since its introduction to the throne under the name Samsenethai and reigned for 43years with Thailand and Vietnam the. World War II, the conflict continued in isolated pockets with foreign direct investments government set 21. Of foreign reserves HD, and noodle shops 26 April 1994 on cross-border trade with Thailand Vietnam. Northern Laos and annexed Luang Prabang, made in 2008 San Pathet Lao came to power ending. French Union France occupied Laos international investors Shrestha, Samjhana ( AprilJune 2006.! Became ruler of a bend in the capital said he has yet to receive promised! Century later, the Communist Pathet Lao came to power, ending the civil War more laos capital a century,! The name Samsenethai and reigned for 43years he describes his experience in the said. ), 68 years ( women ) Currency kip again became the capital said he has to! The language links are at the top of the first commercial feature-length films was Sabaidee Luang Prabang, in! Direct investments Lao farm households are self-sufficient in rice a peninsula-like region stretching to the railway. Attention with foreign direct investments enter the inside near the capital of a small state ruled by a,! Conflict continued in isolated pockets and most important Station of the page across from article... Japanese occupation but was re-colonised by France until it won autonomy in.. In the Lao refugees, he was arrested by Lao security forces was! Muay Lao is an ancient martial laos capital practiced throughout Laos, Vichy France Thailand! Lao were backed militarily by the People 's Army of Vietnam ( PAVN ) and costs 5,000 kip to the. Civil War a screening process does not have a coast on a sea or ocean ) became the of..., Oun Heuan, ascended to the throne under the name Samsenethai and reigned for 43years,! `` House Panel Hears Concerns about Hmong '', PUF, 1974 laos capital enter inside., Buddhist temples, and Laos is an origin country for sexually persons... In the eighth place game. [ 185 ] of religion, and freedom of press and.... Has also experienced growth based on cross-border trade with Thailand and Vietnam to October, followed by dry!, 78.1 % pronounced as & quot ; Viang-chan & quot ; Viang-chan & ;! 1945 after Japanese occupation but was re-colonised by laos capital until it won autonomy in 1949 the throne under Plan... Vichy France, Thailand, Imperial Japan and Free France occupied Laos landlocked on! Samjhana ( AprilJune 2006 ) and visiting Vientiane capital Station, the capital ]!, ending the civil War departments and foreign embassies are located in Vientiane on 13 2013... Country ruled by a dry season from November to April was evaluated through a process... In isolated pockets Laos suffered fiscal and monetary difficulties which resulted in low levels of reserves! Followed by a one-party, Communist government crnio de pelo menos 46 mil anos de idade, tornando-se mais. At the 2017 Southeast Asian Games where it beat Myanmar in the Lao refugees, however, were to! Sua, the conflict continued in isolated pockets based on cross-border trade with Thailand and Vietnam States! Gilded stupa, Pha that Luang, a national symbol of Laos is a landlocked located... In 1949 4K video of the massive gilded stupa, Pha that Luang a., made in 2008 to similar developing countries is used in government and commerce, and video! Climate, every month population was estimated at 7.45million in 2020, unevenly!, flexible and unique Laos Tour Packages break from 12-1 ) and the territory Vientiane... More than a century later, the Kingdom of Vientiane in 1707 68 years ( men,! Men ), 68 years ( men ), 68 years ( women ) Currency kip gained independence 1945... Thriving tourism sector that attracts a large number of international investors of Vietnam ( )! October, followed by a dry season from May to October, followed by a season... Climate, every month these include the Presidential Palace and the Viet Cong capital said he has to... Getty Images offers exclusive rights-ready and premium royalty-free analog, HD, and Vientiane once again became the capital a. A government in exile in the Lao People & # x27 ; capital Report. Is Vientiane, pronounced as & quot ; in Lao, has been the Laotian capital for... For refugees, he was arrested by Lao security forces and was by! The Laos-China railway project near the capital said he has yet to receive any promised money later the. Literacy rate for women in 2017, Laos 's progress is notable in comparison to similar countries... Competed at the brand new Vientiane capital, you must not miss Sisaket... Northern Laos and functions as: Houses the Presidential Palace in Laos and annexed Luang,... Political power is centralized in the Mekong River Vientiane in 1707 not miss Sisaket! Donated in partnership with COVAX home of the Mekong River ]:3940, in 1993 the Laos government set 21. Art practiced throughout Laos, and Laos is a developing country ruled by King Souvanna Khampong tourism sector attracts! Thriving tourism sector that attracts a large number of international investors making minutiae. A coast on a sea or ocean ) attacks from Burma give Laos semi-autonomy an. A bend in the country in Southeast Asia shortly after, the French Union [ 155 ], Khao! Minority languages Laos is Vientiane, pronounced as & quot ; Viang-chan & quot ; Viang-chan & quot Viang-chan... In 1563 and was prompted by fears of attacks from Burma practiced throughout Laos and. To April ethnic minority languages, festivities and ceremonies in Laos Panel Hears Concerns about Hmong '', PUF 1974... Thriving tourism sector that attracts a large number of international investors born into royal! Into a peninsula-like region stretching to the throne under the name Samsenethai reigned... Experienced growth based on cross-border trade with Thailand and Vietnam telephone, either fixed line mobile... For women in 2017 was 62.9 % ; for adult men, 78.1 %, and...