| GENERAL INFORMATION
Official Name Lao People's Democratic Republic
Capital Vientiane (Viang Chan).
LAND
Area 236,800 sq km (91,400 sq mi)
Highest Point 2,819 m (9,249 ft) at Phou Bia (Phu Bia) above sea level
Lowest Point Sea level along the coast
CLIMATE
Average Temperatures
| Vientiane |
|
|
| January |
22° C |
72° F |
| April |
29° C |
84° F |
Average Annual Precipitation
1,780 mm (about 70 in)
POPULATION
Population 5,556,821 (2000 estimate),
Population Density 23 people per sq km (61 per sq mi) (2000estimate)
Urban/Rural Breakdown
25% Urban
75% Rural
(1998 estimate)
Largest Cities
Vientiane
Louangphrabang
Ethnic Groups
66% the Lao Lum
The Leu and the Phu-tai; the Black Tai and the Red Tai
Languages
Official Language Lao
Other Languages, Tai-Kadai, Mon-Khmer, Tibeto-Burman, Hmong-Mien and other minority languages
Religions
Buddhism
Christianity
Islam
Animism
ECONOMY
Gross Domestic Product $1.3 billion (1998)
Chief Economic Products
Agriculture and Forestry
Rice, corn, coffee (the only substantial export crop), soybeans, sugarcane, and sweet potatoes
Mining
tin, gypsum, rock salt, and coal
Manufacturing
saw milling, rice milling, brick making, and production of consumer products such as cigarettes, detergents, matches, plastics, beer, and soft drinks
Employment Breakdown
78% Agriculture
16% Services
6% Industry
Major Exports
timber, hydroelectricity, coffee, and tin
Major Imports
food, petroleum products, vehicles, machinery, and steel
Major Trading Partners
Thailand, Japan, and China
Currency Kip
Exchange Rate 920 kip to U.S.$1 (1997 average)
GOVERNMENT
Form of Government republic
Head of State president -
chosen by the National Assembly for a five-year term
Head of Government Prime minister
Appointed by the head of state upon advice of parliament
Legislature
The National Assembly
99 members
Voting Qualifications Universal suffrage for all citizens age 18 and older
Highest Court Supreme People's Court
Armed Services Lao People's Army 25,000 members
Political Divisions 16 provinces, the special region of Xaisomboun, and the municipality of Vientiane
EDUCATION
Major Universities and Colleges
National University of Laos Vientiane
Technical colleges are located in Louangphrabang, Savannakhét, and Pakxé
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