Laos - Country Details

Basic Information

Capital

Vientiane

Region

Asia / South-Eastern Asia

Population

7,975,100

Area

236,800 km²

Currencies

Lao kip (₭)

Languages

Lao

About country

Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Historically, the kingdom of Lan Xang flourished as a crucial trade hub from the 13th to 18th centuries, later dividing into three kingdoms. French colonization in the 19th century unified these kingdoms under French Indochina, followed by a period of Japanese administration during WWII. The country gained full independence in 1953, transitioning from a kingdom to a republic. The recent completion of the Laos–China Railway is poised to significantly boost economic connectivity and trade within the region.