Laos

The '''Lao People's Democratic Republic''' is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar (commonly known in the west as Burma) and the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west. The term Lao is most frequently used to refer to the dominant language and people of Laos. It is also a romanised form of the word Laos in the Lao language (ລາວ). It is sometimes used in English to refer to the country as well, but romanisation standards hold that "Laos" is the preferred spelling. During its monarchial times before communist rule (pre-1975) the country was called Lan Xang or ''Land of A Million Elephants''. {| border=1 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=300 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;" |+ສາທາລະນະລັດປະຊາທິປະໄຕ
ປະຊາຊົນລາວ
Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao |- | style="background:#efefef;" align="center" colspan="2" | {| border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" | align="center" width="135px" | | align="center" width="135px" rowspan="2" height="120px" | |- | align="center" width="135px" | (Flag of Laos) |} |- | align="center" colspan=2 | ''National motto: Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity and Prosperity'' |- | align=center colspan=2 style="background: #ffffff;" | |- | Official language | Lao language |- | Capital | Vientiane |- | President of Laos | Khamtai Siphandon |- | Prime minister | Boungnang Vorachith |- | Area
- Total
- % water | List of countries by area
236,800 square kilometre
2% |- | Population
- Total (2004)
- Population density | List of countries by population
6,068,437
24/km² |- | Independence
- Date | From France
July 19, 1949 |- | Currency | Kip (currency) |- | Time zone | Coordinated Universal Time +7 |- | National anthem | Pheng Xat Lao |- | Top-level domain | .la |- | List_of_country_calling_codes | 856 |} == History == ''Main article: History of Laos'' The early History of Laos was dominated by the wider Nanzhao kingdom, which was succeeded in the 14th century by the local kingdom of Lan Xang that lasted until its decline in the 18th century, after which Thailand assumed control of the separate principality that remained. These then came under France influence during the 19th century and were incorporated into French Indochina in 1893. Following a Japanese occupation during World War II, the country became independent in 1949 as the Kingdom of Laos under the leadership of King Sisavang Vong. Political unrest in neighbouring Vietnam dragged Laos into the greater Indochina War (see also Secret War) which was a destabilising factor that contributed to civil war and several coup d'�tat. In 1975 the communist Pathet Lao backed by the Soviets and communist Vietnamese overthrew the royalist government of King Savang Vatthana who were backed by the US and France. After taking control of the country, they promptly renamed it the ''Lao People's Democratic Republic''. Initial closer ties to Vietnam and socialisation were replaced by a relaxation of economic restrictions in the late 1980s and the admission into ASEAN in 1997. == Politics == ''Main article: Politics of Laos'' The only legal political party is the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The head of state is a president elected by parliament for a five-year term. The head of government is a prime minister appointed by the president with parliamentary approval. Government policies are determined by the party through the all-powerful nine-member Politburo and the 49-member Central Committee. Important government decisions are vetted by the Council of Ministers. Laos adopted a new constitution in 1991. The following year, elections were held for a new 85-seat National Assembly with members elected by secret ballot to 5-year terms. This unicameral parliament, expanded in 1997 elections to 99 members, approves all new laws, although the executive branch retains authority to issue binding decrees. The most recent elections took place in February 2002 when the assembly was expanded to 109 members. == Provinces == ''Main article: Provinces of Laos'' Laos is divided into 16 provinces (''khoueng''), 1 municipality* (''kampheng nakhon''), and 1 special zone** (''khetphiset''): * Attapeu * Bokeo * Borikhamxay * Champassack * Houaphan * Khammouane * Louang Namtha * Louangphabang Province * Oudomxay * Phongsaly * Saravane * Savannakhet * Vientiane Prefecture * * Vientiane Province * Sayaboury * Saysomboun ** * Xekong * Xieng Khouang == Geography == ''Main article: Geography of Laos'' Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia and the thickly forested landscape consists mostly of rugged mountains, the highest of which is Phou Bia at 2,817 m, with some plains and plateaus. The Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand, whereas the mountains of the Annamite Chain form most of the eastern border with Vietnam. The local climate is tropical and characterised by monsoons. There is a distinct rainy season from May to November, followed by a dry season from December to April. The capital and largest city of Laos is Vientiane, other major cities include Luang Phrabang, Savannakhet and Pakse. In 1993, the government set aside 21% of the nation's land area as National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCA), which may be developed into a national park system. If completed, it is expected to be the most comprehensive and one of the finest national park systems in Southeast Asia. A number of new animal species have been discovered or re-discovered in Laos in recent years. These include the striped or Annamite rabbit the saola, and most recently the Laotian rock rat or ''kha-nyou''. == Economy == ''Main article: Economy of Laos'' The government of Laos - one of the few remaining official communist states - began decentralising control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking - growth averaged 6% in 1988-2004 except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis beginning in 1997. As in many developing countries, the major urban centers have experienced the most growth. The economies of Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet, in particular have experienced significant booms in recent years. Much of the country, however, lacks adequate infrastructure. Laos still has no railroads, although a short link is planned to connect Vientiane with Thailand over the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. The major roads connecting the major urban centers, namely Route 13, have been significantly upgraded in recent years, but villages that are far from major roads are accessible only through unpaved roads that may not be accessible year round. There is limited external and internal telecommunications, particularly the wireline sort, but cell phone usage has become widespread in urban centers. Electricity is not available in many rural areas or only during scheduled periods. Subsistence agriculture still accounts for half of Gross Domestic Product and provides 80% of total employment. The economy receives aid from the IMF and other international sources and from new foreign investment in food-processing and mining, most notably of copper and gold. In late 2004, Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US, allowing Laos-based producers to face lower tariffs on their exports; this may help spur growth. == Demographics == ''Main article: Demographics of Laos'' 68% of the country's people are ethnic Lao people, the principal lowland inhabitants and the politically and culturally dominant group. The Lao are descended from the Tai people who began migrating southward from China in the first millennium AD. Hill people such as the Hmong (Meo), Yao (Mien), Black Thai, Dao, Shan, and several Tibeto-Burman speaking peoples, have lived in isolated regions of Laos for many years. Mountain tribes of mixed ethnolinguistic heritage are found in northern Laos. Collectively, they are known as Lao Sung or highland Laotians. In the central and southern mountains, Mon people-Khmer people tribes, known as Lao Theung or midslope Laotians, predominate. Some Vietnamese and ethnic Chinese minorities remain, particularly in the towns, but many left in two waves; after independence in the late 1940s and again after 1975. The term ''Laotian'' does not necessarily refer to the ethnic Lao language, ethnic Lao people, language or customs, but is a political term that also includes the non-ethnic Lao groups within Laos and identifies them as "Laotian" because of their political citizenship. In a similar vein the word "Lao" can also describe the people, cuisine, language and culture of the people of Northeast Thailand (Isan) who are ethnic Lao. The predominant religion is Theravada which, along with the common Animism practiced among the mountain tribes, coexists peacefully with spirit worship. There also is a small number of Christianity and Islam. However, religion is strictly controlled, and the government will generally side with Buddhism over a minority religion. In 2004, Open Doors ranked Laos as the fourth worst persecutor of Christians, behind North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. The official and dominant language is Lao language, a tonal language of the Tai languages. Midslope and highland Laotians speak an assortment of tribal languages. == Culture == ''Main article: Culture of Laos'' Theravadan Buddhism has contributed greatly to the Lao culture. It is reflected throughout the country both in its language to the temple as well as art, literature, performing arts, etc. Laotian music is dominated by its national musical instrument, the khaen (a type of bamboo pipe). Bands typically include a singer/rapper (''mor lam'') and a khaen player (''mor khaen'') alongside fiddlers and other musicians. Lam saravane is the most popular genre of Laotian music, but ethnic Lao in Thailand have developed an internationally-best selling form called mor lam sing. One significant archive of ancient Laotian culture is the Plain of Jars. See also: * Cuisine of Laos * Music of Laos * Festivals of Laos == Media == ''Main article: Media of Laos'' All newspapers are published by the government, including two foreign language papers: the English language Vientiane Times and the French language Le Renovateur. Additionally, the Khao San Pathet Lao, the official news agency of the Lao P.D.R., publishes English and French versions of its eponymous paper. Internet cafes, serving the tourist market, are now common in the major urban centers. However, the government strictly censors content and controls access. Satellite television dishes, beaming content from Thailand, are common throughout Laos. Many Laotians access the outside world through Thai television programs. == Tourist Attractions == * Pak Ou Caves * Pha That Luang * The grave of Henri Mouhot * Sisavang Vong University * The Plain of Jars * Luang Prabang * Vang Vieng * The Bolovens Plateau * Wat Phu == Miscellaneous topics == * Communications in Laos * Transportation in Laos * Military of Laos * Foreign relations of Laos * List of Laos-related topics * Art of Laos == External links == * [http://www.laopdr.com Laos' Portal] - Directory of Laotian sites * [http://www.mekongcenter.com/home.htm Mekong Center] - Official tourism site * [http://www.laoconnection.com/ Laoconnection.com] - country, culture, language info., gallery, advice column, and more. * [http://wikitravel.org/en/article/Laos Wikitravel: Laos] ASEAN member states Communist states Laos Southeast Asian countries jv:Laos ks:लाओस la:Laonia lv:Laosa ms:Laos nds:Laos scn:Laos simple:Laos th:ประเทศลาว vi:L�o

Laos

http://www.mekong-protected-areas.org/lao_pdr/n_report.htm says 21% of land area is NBCA Lao should not redirect to Laos because Lao is also an ethnic group (to the tune of 30 million people) that resides in Thailand. ---- When is this page going to be wikied into the wiki country style??? let's make this like other wiki country pages ---- I have just created the List of Laos-related topics. Please add all pages I forgot or did not find, or those which you start into that list. User:Ahoerstemeier 11:58 Apr 8, 2003 (UTC) ---- Lao unicode doesn't work. Let's just use Thai. Lao people have no problem reading it. :What is the problem with Lao unicode? I can see the characters working - however what seems to be broken is the posing of the vocals above and below and in front the characters, something which works fine with Thai. But this is not a problem of unicode nor a problem of Wikipedia, it's just that the OS does not know about it. A western Win2000 handles Thai fine, but not Lao. Probably older Windows will have problem with handling Thai as well pr might not even include a font to render it, and maybe future OS will handle Lao correctly - I don't about other OS like MacOS or Linux how much these are prepared for non-latin languages. Some totally nonsense Lao: ຍີຽໃຜັ User:Ahoerstemeier 09:05 Apr 14, 2003 (UTC) Interesting. I can't read it. Only see empty boxes. I'm running 2000 :Then it's a font issue - I have one nearly complete unicode font (24MB) containing the japanese, chinese and koreanish characters as well, seems like that one adds the Laotian characters, too. Sadly, this font is no longer available from the Microsoft website, it was a free add-on to Office. However, at http://www.alanwood.net/unicode/fonts.html it has an alternative which only contain the Lao characters - and with that font even the placement is correct. User:Ahoerstemeier 07:46 Apr 15, 2003 (UTC) == Lao (ethnic group) == This isn't strictly about the Laos page, but I don't think there's a better place to mention it. I have a draft article on the Lao ethnic group at User:Markalexander100/Lao: is there any objection to putting it on Lao, which currently redirects here? The alternative (as far as I can see) is to put it on Lao (ethnic group) and have Lao as a disambig page. User:Markalexander100 09:27, 1 Jul 2004 (UTC) ----- Why does the article say that Laos only has electricity in a few urban areas? From my experience I thought that Laos has elecricity in ''all'' urban areas and in fact has electricity in all of the villages that I saw. Admittedly I haven't seen very many villages, but in any event I think that the phrase "Electricity is available only in a few urban areas" is misleading.

Laos

See also: List of Laos-related topics Southeast Asian countries th:Category:ประเทศลาว

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Words begining with Laos:

Laos
Laos
Laos
Laos-related_stubs
Laos-stub
Laos/Communications
Laos/Economy
Laos/Geography
Laos/Government
Laos/History
Laos/Military
Laos/People
Laos/Transnational_issues
Laos/Transportation
Laoshan
Laoshan
LaoSher
LaoSher
Laosian_art
Laosian_art
Laos_at_the_2004_Summer_Olympics
Laos_national_football_team
Laos_People's_Revolutionary_Party
Laos_provinces