Lao People's Democratic Republic
Lao People's Democratic Republic
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
- Agriculture and Forestry
- 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
EDUCATION
Major Universities and Colleges
- National University of Laos Vientiane
- Technical colleges are located in Louangphrabang, Savannakhet, and Pakx?
