Capital of Laos:
VientianeArea of Laos: 236,800 km² (91,429 mi²) (
83th)
Population of Laos: 7,769,819 (
103nd) - (2024 est.)
Location: Southeastern Asia
Languages of Laos: Lao (official),
French,
English, various ethnic languages
Religions of Laos: Buddhism 66%,
Tai folk religion 30.7%,
Christian 1.5%,
other religions/not stated 1.8% (2015 est.)
Ethnic groups of Laos: Lao 53.2%,
Khmu 11%,
Hmong 9.2%,
Phu Thai 3.4%,
Tai 3.1%, Makong 2.5%,
Katang 2.2%,
Lue 2%,
Akha 1.8%, other 11.6% (2015 est.).
—
note: the Laos Government officially recognizes 49 ethnic groups, but the total number of ethnic groups is estimated to be well over 200.
Currency:
Kip (₭) (
LAK)
Calling code: (
+856)
Organizations: United Nations, Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Border countries (5):
Cambodia: 555 km (345 miles),
China: 475 km (295 miles),
Myanmar: 238 km (148 miles),
Thailand 1,845 km (1,146 miles),
Vietnam 2,161 km (1,343 miles).
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Administrative divisions of Laos
17 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural)
and 1 prefecture* (kampheng nakhon):
Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxay, Champasak, Houaphanh, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang (Luang Prabang), Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun, Xekong, Xiangkhouang.
Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones.