Location:
Landlocked
in the heart of Southeast Asia, bordered by Yunnan Province, China , Cambodia,
Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
Area: Slightly
larger than Great Britain, 70% of Laos is covered with mountains and high
plateaus. The Annamite mountains run the length of the country as does
the Mekong which provides the major transport artery between north and
south and irrigation. Much of Laos is forested.
Population: 4.5
million comprising 68 ethnic groups, mostly members of the Thai-Lao or
Mon-Khmer families. Only 15% of the population live in towns.
Capital: Vientiane,
with a population of 400,000.
Economy: Less
than 10% of the land is suitable for agriculture, usually the cultivation
of rice, corn, wheat, cotton, fruits and vegetables. Two thirds of the
country is forested and teak is a major export. There is also a great
potential in mineral resources.
Climate: Tropical,
with rainy season from May to October. Best time to visit is November
to March, during the dry season.
Language:
Lao. English is widely understood in the cities while French is spoken
by the older generation.
Time: GMT
plus 7.
Currency:
Kip
IDD: Country
code - 856 Area code - 21 (Vientiane)