| Local name: Sathalanalat PaxathipataiPaxaxon Lao....Rèpublique Dèmocratique Populaire de Lao |
| Surface : 236,800
sq km (91,400 sq miles) |
| Population : 5,240,000
inhabitants |
| Electricity: The
electric current for the whole of Laos is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles |
| Climate: Throughout
most of the country, the climate is hot and tropical, with the rainy
season between May and October when temperatures are at their highest.
The dry season runs from November to April. |
| Passports:
Passport with at least 6 months remaining
validity required by all. VISAS:
Required by all. Visas are issued on arrival at
Vientiane International Airport, Pakse Airport, Savannakhet,
Friendship Bridge, or Luang Prabang Airport for a stay of 15 days, on
presentation of a passport, passport-size photo and fee of US$30. If
entering Laos through any other international checkpoint, it is
necessary to obtain a visa in advance. |
| Capital : Vientiane
- Population: 531,800 |
| System : People’s
Republic since 1975. Gained independence from France in 1953 - Laos
has a 109-member legislature, the Sapha Heng Xat (National Assembly),
members of which are elected for five-year terms and must (with the
odd exception) belong to the ruling Lao People’s Revolutionary
Party. The assembly elects an executive president, also for a
five-year term. The president appoints a prime minister and council of
ministers. |
| Languages : Lao, French, English, and various
ethnic languages |
| Religions : 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. |
| Money : Lao Kip
(Kip) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Kip5000, 2000, 1000,
500 and 100 |
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