Laos

Official name: Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR)
Also known as: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ (Lao), Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao

Flag of Laos
Capital of Laos: Vientiane
Area 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)
Time zone: UTC+7 (ICT)
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
Laos Map

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.