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General Information
Area 236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles). Population 5,529,000 (2002). Population Density 23.3 per sq km (2002). Capital Vientiane. Population: 663,000 (UN estimate 2001). Geography Laos is a landlocked country bordered to the north by China, to the east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia, and to the west by Thailand and Myanmar. Apart from the Mekong River plains, along the border of Thailand the country is mountainous, particularly in the north, and in places is densely forested. Government People’s Republic since 1975. Gained independence from France in 1953. Head of State: Khamtai Siphandon since 1998. Head of Government: Prime Minister Boungnang Vorachith since 2001. Language The official language is Lao, however, many tribal languages are also spoken. French, Vietnamese and some English are in circulation. Religion The Laos-Lum (Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of Buddhism. The religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range from traditional Confucianism to animism and Christianity. Time GMT + 7. Electricity 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Communications Telephone Restricted IDD available. Country code: 856. Outgoing international code: 00. Mobile telephone GSM 900 network operator is Lao Telecommunications (website: www.laotel.com). Coverage is sporadic and mainly, though not exclusively, situated around Vientiane. GSM 900/1800 network is available through Millicom Lao Co Ltd. Fax Facilities may be available in large hotels in urban areas. Internet Internet cafes are located in the major towns. Press English-language newspapers in Laos include the Vientiane Times. Radio BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online. |
