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(441410) (Bot) {{For|the Greek political party called LAOS|Popular Orthodox Rally}} {{Infobox Country |native_name = ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ <br/>''Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao'' <br/>Lao People's Democratic Republic |common_name = Laos |image_flag = Flag of Laos.svg |image_coat =Wappen_laos_sw.svg |symbol_type = Coat of arms |image_map = LocationLaos.svg |national_motto = ສັນຕິພາບ ເອກະລາດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ເອກະພາບ ວັດທະນາຖາວອນ<br/>"Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity and Prosperity" |national_anthem = ''[[Pheng Xat Lao]]'' |official_languages = [[Lao language|Lao]] |demonym = [[Lao people|Laotian]], [[Lao people| Lao]] |capital = [[Vientiane]] |latd=17 |latm=58 |latNS=N |longd=102 |longm=36 |longEW=E |largest_city = capital |government_type = [[Socialist Republic]] |leader_title1 = [[President of Laos|President]] |leader_name1 = Lt. Gen. [[Choummaly Sayasone]] |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Laos|Prime Minister]] |leader_name2 = [[Bouasone Bouphavanh]] |sovereignty_type = [[Independence]] |sovereignty_note = from [[France]] |established_event1 = Date |established_date1 = [[19 July]] [[1949]] |area_rank = 83rd |area_magnitude = 1 E11 |area_km2 = 236,800 |area_sq_mi = 91,429 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |percent_water = 2 |population_estimate = 6,521,998 |population_estimate_year = 2007 |population_estimate_rank = 106th |population_census = 4,574,848 |population_census_year = 1995 |population_density_km2 = 25 |population_density_sq_mi = 65 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |population_density_rank = 177th |GDP_PPP_year = 2006 |GDP_PPP = $13.75 billion |GDP_PPP_rank = 129th |GDP_PPP_per_capita = $2,200 |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 138th |HDI_year = 2007 |HDI = {{increase}} 0.601 |HDI_rank = 130th |HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font> |Gini = 34.6 |Gini_year = 2002 |Gini_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font> |currency = [[Lao kip|Kip]] |currency_code = LAK |time_zone = |utc_offset = +7 |time_zone_DST = |utc_offset_DST = |cctld = [[.la]] |calling_code = [[856]]}} '''Laos''' ({{pronEng|ˈlɑːoʊs}} or {{IPA|/ˈlaʊs/}}), officially the '''Lao People's Democratic Republic''', is a [[landlocked]] country in [[southeast Asia]], bordered by [[Burma]] (Myanmar) and [[People's Republic of China|China]] to the northwest, [[Vietnam]] to the east, [[Cambodia]] to the south, and [[Thailand]] to the west. Laos traces its history to the Kingdom of [[Lan Xang]] or ''Land of a Million Elephants'', which existed from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century. After a period as a [[French colonial empires|French protectorate]], it gained independence in 1949. A long [[Laotian Civil War|civil war]] ended officially when the [[Communism|communist]] [[Pathet Lao]] movement came to power in 1975 but the protesting between factions continued for several years. [[Private enterprise]] has increased since the late 1990s when economic reforms including rapid business licensing were introduced. Laos is still ranked among the lowest countries in terms of economic and political freedom.<ref>[http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/country.cfm?id=Laos Heritage Foundation]</ref> The [[economy of Laos]] grew at 7.2% in 2006,<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2003rank.html CIA World Factbook]</ref> [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) growth rate|35th]] fastest in the world. Eighty percent of the employed practice [[subsistence agriculture]].<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/la.html#Econ CIA World Factbook]</ref> The country's ethnic make-up is diverse, with around 70% belonging to the largest ethnic group, the [[Lao people|Lao]].<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/la.html#People CIA World Factbook], May 2007</ref> == Etymology == In the [[Lao language]], the country's name is "Meuang Lao". The Imperial French, who made the country part of [[French Indochina]] in 1893, spelled it with a final silent "s", i.e. "Laos" (The Lao language itself has no final 's' sound, so Lao people do not pronounce the word Laos). The usual adjectival form is "Lao", e.g. "the Lao economy", not the "Laotian" economy--although "Laotian" is used to describe the people of Laos to avoid confusion with the [[Lao people|Lao ethnic group]]. == History == {{main|History of Laos}} [[Image:Luang Prabang Phou Si 2.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Mekong]] river at [[Luang Prabang]]]] Laos traces its history to the kingdom of [[Lan Xang]], founded in the [[14th century|fourteenth century]] by Fa Ngum, himself descended from a long line of Lao kings, tracking back to Khoun Boulom. Lan-Xang prospered until the [[18th century|eighteenth century]], when the kingdom was divided into three principalities, which eventually came under Siamese suzerainty. In the 19th century, Luang Prabang was incorporated into the 'Protectorate' of [[French Indochina]], and shortly thereafter, the kingdom of Champassack and the territory of Vientiane were also added to the protectorate. The French saw Laos as a useful buffer state between the two expanding empires of France and Britain. Under the French, [[Vientiane]] once again became the capital of a unified Lao state. Following a brief [[Japan]]ese occupation during [[World War II]], the country declared its independence in 1945, but the French under [[De Gaulle]] re-asserted their control and only in 1950 was Laos granted semi-autonomy as an "associated state" within the [[French Union]]. Moreover, the French remained in ''de facto'' control until 1954, when Laos gained full independence as a constitutional monarchy. Under a special exemption to the [[Geneva Convention]], a French military training mission continued to support the [[Royal Laos Army]]. In 1955, the [[U.S. Department of Defense]] created a special [[Programs Evaluation Office]] to replace French support of the Royal Lao Army against the communist [[Pathet Lao]] as part of the U.S. [[containment]] policy. Laos was dragged into the [[Vietnam War]], and the eastern parts of the country were invaded and occupied by the [[North Vietnamese Army]] (NVA), which used Laotian territory as a staging ground and supply route for its war against the [[Republic of Vietnam|South]]. In response, the [[United States]] initiated a bombing campaign against the North Vietnamese, supported regular and irregular anticommunist forces in Laos and supported a [[ARVN|South Vietnamese]] invasion of Laos. The result of these actions were a series of [[coup d'état|coups d'état]] and, ultimately, the [[Laotian Civil War]] between the Royal Laotian government and the communist Pathet Lao. In the Civil War, the NVA, with its heavy artillery and tanks, was the real power behind the Pathet Lao insurgency. In 1968, the North Vietnamese Army launched a multi-division attack against the Royal Lao Army. The attack resulted in the army largely demobilizing and leaving the conflict to irregular forces raised by the United States and Thailand. Massive aerial bombardment by the United States followed as it attempted to eliminate North Vietnamese bases in Laos in order to disrupt supply lines on the [[Ho Chi Minh trail|Ho Chi Minh/Trường Sơn Trail]]. Between 1971 and 1973 the USAF dropped more ordnance on Laos than was dropped worldwide during World War II (1939−45). In total more than 2 million tonnes of bombs were dropped (almost 1/2 a tonne per head of population at the time). [[Image:Pha That Luang, Vientiane, Laos.jpg|thumb|left|Pha That Luang in Vientiane, the national symbol of Laos.]] In 1975, the [[communist]] [[Pathet Lao]], backed by the [[Soviet Union]] and the North Vietnamese Army (justified by the communist ideology of "proletarian internationalism"), overthrew the royalist government, forcing King [[Savang Vatthana]] to abdicate on [[December 2]] [[1975]]. He later died in captivity. After taking control of the country, Pathet Lao's government renamed the country as the "Lao People's Democratic Republic" and signed agreements giving Vietnam the right to station military forces and to appoint advisers to assist in overseeing the country. Laos was ordered in the late 1970s by Vietnam to end relations with the [[People's Republic of China]] which cut the country off from trade with any country but Vietnam.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Control by Vietnam and socialization were slowly replaced by a relaxation of economic restrictions in the 1980s and admission into [[ASEAN]] in 1997. The [[Tai Dam]] are an ethnic group from Laos that escaped the country as a group. After thousands of years of political oppression, the Tai Dam people vowed to unite as one group and find a country they could call their own. The Tai Dam are known as "the people without a country." More than 90 percent of Tai Dam refugees emigrated to the state of Iowa after the governor agreed to take the Tai Dam as a group and have organizations sponsor families. In 2005, the [[United States]] established [[Normal Trade Relations]] with Laos, ending a protracted period of punitive import taxes.<ref>[http://vientiane.usembassy.gov/dec_15_2005.html U.S.-Laos Business Opportunities Making Normal Trade Relations a Reality (Dec. 15-2005) - U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> == Provinces and districts == [[Image:Laos provinces.png|thumb|Provinces of Laos]] {{main|Provinces of Laos|Districts of Laos}} Laos is divided into [[Provinces of Laos|sixteen provinces]] (''qwang'') and Vientiane Capital (''Na Kone Luang Vientiane''): <div style="width:55%;"> 1. [[Attapu Province|Attapu]]<br/> 2. [[Bokeo Province|Bokeo]]<br/> 3. [[Bolikhamxai]]<br/> 4. [[Champasak Province|Champasak]]<br/> 5. [[Houaphan]]<br/> 6. [[Khammouan]]<br/> 7. [[Louang Namtha Province|Loung Namtha]]<br/> 8. [[Louangphabang Province|Louangphabang]]<br/> 9. [[Oudomxai]]<br/> 10. [[Phongsali Province|Phongsali]]<br/> 11. [[Salavan Province|Salavan]]<br/> 12. [[Savannakhet Province|Savannakhet]]<br/> 13. [[Vientiane|Vientiane Capital]]<br/> 14. [[Vientiane Province]]<br/> 15. [[Xaignabouli Province|Xaignabouli]]<br/> 16. [[Xiangkhoang Province|Xiangkhoang]]<br/> 17. [[Xekong Province|Xekong]] </div> The country is further divided into [[Districts of Laos|district]]s (''muang''). == Geography == [[Image:La-map.png|thumb|Map of Laos]] {{main|Geography of Laos}} Laos is a landlocked country in [[Southeast Asia]] and the thickly forested landscape consists mostly of rugged mountains, the highest of which is [[Phou Bia]] at 2,817&nbsp;m (9,242 [[foot (unit of length)|feet]]), with some plains and plateaus. The [[Mekong]] River forms a large part of the western boundary with [[Thailand]], whereas the mountains of the [[Annamite Chain]] form most of the eastern border with [[Vietnam]]. [[Image:Laos Landscape in Vang Vieng.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Landscape in [[Vang Vieng]]]] The [[climate]] is tropical and [[monsoon]]al. There is a distinct rainy season from May to November, followed by a dry season from December to April. Local tradition holds that there are three seasons (rainy, cold and hot) as the latter two months of the climatologically defined dry season are noticeably hotter than the earlier four months. The capital and largest city of Laos is [[Vientiane]], and other major cities include [[Luang Prabang]], [[Savannakhet (city)|Savannakhet]] and [[Pakxe]]. In 1993, the government set aside 21% of the nation's land area as [[National Biodiversity Conservation Areas]] (NBCA), which may be developed into a national park system. {{wikinews|"Living fossil" found in Laos}} Laos is the home to the [[Indochinese tiger]], the giant [[gaur]], and the [[Asian elephant]]. A number of animal species have been discovered or re-discovered in Laos in recent years. These include the striped or [[Annamite rabbit]], the [[saola]], and most recently the [[Laotian rock rat]] or ''kha-nyou''. The country is one of four in the opium poppy growing region known as the "[[Golden Triangle (Southeast Asia)|Golden Triangle]]". According to the October 2007 UNODC fact book "Opium Poppy Cultivation in South East Asia", the poppy cultivation area was {{convert|15|km2|acre}}, down from {{convert|18|km2|acre}} in 2005. == Economy == {{main|Economy of Laos}} {{seealso|Tourism in Laos}} [[Image:Wattay Intl Airport Vientiane Laos.jpg|thumb|[[Wattay International Airport]] in [[Vientiane]].]] [[Image:Luang Prabang Phou Si 2.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Mekong]] at [[Luang Prabang]].]] The government of Laos — one of the few remaining official [[communist state]]s — began decentralising control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986. {{Fact|date=February 2007}} The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking: growth averaged 6% in 1988-2004 except during the short drop caused by the [[Asian financial crisis]] beginning in 1997. Major urban centers have experienced the most growth. The economies of [[Vientiane]], [[Luang Prabang]] and [[Savannakhet]] in particular have experienced significant booms in recent years. The Lao economy is heavily dependent on investment and trade with its larger and richer neighbors, Thailand, Vietnam, and, especially in the north, China. [[Pakxe]] has also experienced growth based on cross-border trade with Thailand and Vietnam. Much of the country, however, lacks adequate infrastructure. Laos has no railways, although a short link to connect Vientiane with Thailand over the [[Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge]] is currently under construction. The major roads connecting the major urban centres, in particular Route 13 South, have been significantly upgraded in recent years, but villages far from major roads are accessible only through unpaved roads that may not be accessible year-round. There is limited external and internal [[telecommunication]], particularly of the wire line sort, but mobile cellular phone use has become widespread in urban centres. In many rural areas electricity is unavailable or offered only during scheduled periods. [[Songthaew]]s (pick-up trucks with benches) are used in the country for long-distance and local public transport. [[Image:Nam ou 1.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Nam Ou]] river is an important transportation route in Laos.]] Subsistence [[agriculture]] still accounts for half of [[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] and provides 80% of total employment. Laos has the lowest percentage of arable land and permanent crop land in the [[Greater Mekong Subregion]].<ref>About Greater Mekong Subregion at [http://www.adb.org/GMS/about.asp Asian Development Bank]</ref> Only 4.01% of Laos is arable land, and only 0.34% of the country is planted with permanent crops.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2097.html CIA World Factbook]</ref> Rice dominates agriculture, with about 80% of the arable land area used for growing rice.<ref>[http://www.irri.org/donors/SDC/pdfs/RiceFabricOf%20LifeInLaos.pdf Rice, the fabric of life in Laos]</ref> Approximately 77% of Lao farm households are self-sufficient in rice.<ref>[http://www.irri.org/publications/today/pdfs/5-2/22-27.pdf Genuinely Lao]</ref> Through the development, release and widespread adoption of improved rice varieties, and through economic reforms, Lao PDR achieved a net balance of rice imports and exports for the first time in 1999.<ref name="eurekalert">[http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-03/irri-tgr031506.php The Green Revolution comes to Laos]</ref> Between 1990 and 2005, rice production increased from 1.5 million tons to 2.5 million tons [http://www.irri.org/donors/SDC/pdfs/15YearsOfSupport.pdf] [http://www.irri.org/donors/SDC/pdfs/Asia_Brief.pdf]: an average annual growth rate of more than 5%.<ref>[http://www.irri.org/donors/SDC/pdfs/GenuinelyLao.pdf Genuinely Lao]</ref> This increase in production has been valued at $8 million to $19 million per year.<ref name="eurekalert"/> Lao PDR may have the greatest number of rice varieties in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Since 1995 the Lao government has been working with the [[International Rice Research Institute]] (IRRI) to collect seed samples of each of the thousands of rice varieties found in Laos.<ref>[http://www.irri.org/publications/annual/pdfs/ar2000/Race.pdf A Race Against Time]</ref> The economy receives aid from the [[IMF]] and other international sources and from new foreign investment in food processing and [[mining]], most notably of copper and gold. [[Tourism]] is the fastest-growing industry in the country. However, economic development in general is hampered by a serious case of [[brain drain]]. A 2005 [[World Bank]] study reported that 37% of educated Laotians lived abroad, putting the country in fifth place for worst [[brain drain]]. {{Fact|date=February 2008}} In late 2004, Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US, allowing Laos-based producers to face lower tariffs on their exports; this may help spur growth. {{Fact|date=February 2008}} ===Drugs=== {{see|Agriculture_in_Laos#Opium}} Laos has historically been a involved with production of drugs, notably [[Opium]]. In 1959 Laos was producing aproximatly 150 tons. In 1971 production had increased to approximately 300 tons. During the [[Vietnam War]], the vast majority of the opium produced in Loas was consumed by [[US soldiers]].<ref name='Whiteout'>{{cite book | last = [[Alexander Cockburn]] | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = [[Jeffrey St. Clair]] | title = Whiteout: The CIA, Drugs and the Press | publisher = Verso | date = 1998 | location = | pages = 246 | url = http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=s5qIj_h_PtkC&dq=whiteout+cockburn&pg=PP1&ots=zcnx1c_zsd&sig=LnBzt4NDpMJKvLQgScEPwTmtfa0&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA246,M1 | doi = | id = | isbn = 1859841392 }}</ref> == Demographics == {{main|Demographics of Laos}} [[Image:Patuxay, Vientiane, Laos.jpg|thumb|[[Patuxay]], was built with [[USAID]] funds in Vientiane in the 1960s to celebrate the independence struggle.]] 69% of the country's people are ethnic [[Lao people|Lao]], the principal lowland inhabitants and the politically and culturally dominant group. The Lao belong to the [[Tai languages|Tai]] linguistic group who began migrating southward from [[China]] in the first millennium AD. A further 8% belong to other "lowland" groups, which together with the Lao people make up the [[Lao Loum]]. [[Image:LaosDSCN4342a.jpg|left|thumb|150px|In Luang Prabang, a young girl at the time of a Hmong Meeting Festival.]] Hill people and minority cultures of Laos such as the [[Hmong people|Hmong]] (Miao), [[Yao people|Yao]] (Mien), [[Tai dumm]], [[Dao]], [[Shan]], and several [[Tibeto-Burman]] speaking peoples have lived in isolated regions of Laos for many years. Mountain/hill tribes of mixed ethno/cultural-linguistic heritage are found in northern Laos which include the [[Lua people|Lua]] (Lua) and Khammu people who are indigenous to Laos. Today, the Lua people are considered endangered. Collectively, they are known as [[Lao Soung]] or highland Laotians. In the central and southern mountains, [[Mon people|Mon]]-[[Khmer people|Khmer]] tribes, known as [[Lao Theung]] or mid-slope Laotians, predominate. Some [[Vietnamese people|Vietnamese]] and [[Overseas Chinese|Chinese]] minorities remain, particularly in the towns, but many left in two waves; after independence in the late 1940s and again after 1975. The term "Laotian" does not necessarily refer to the ethnic Lao language, ethnic Lao people, language or customs, but is a political term that also includes the non-ethnic Lao groups within Laos and identifies them as "Laotian" because of their political citizenship. In a similar vein, the word "Lao" can also describe the people, cuisine, language and culture of the people of [[Northeast Thailand]] ([[Isan]]) who are ethnic Lao. The predominant [[religion in Laos]] is [[Theravada|Theravada Buddhism]] which, along with the common [[Animism]] practiced among the mountain tribes, coexists peacefully with spirit worship. There also are a small number of [[Christianity|Christians]], mostly restricted to the Vientiane area, and [[Islam|Muslims]], mostly restricted to the Myanmar border region. Christian missionary work is regulated by the government. The official and dominant language is [[Lao language|Lao]], a tonal language of the [[Tai languages|Tai]] linguistic group. Midslope and highland Lao speak an assortment of tribal languages. French, still common in government and commerce, has declined in usage, while knowledge of English, the language of the [[ASEAN|Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] (ASEAN), has increased in recent years. == Culture == {{main|Culture of Laos}} {{seealso|Art of Laos|Cuisine of Laos|Dance and theater of Laos|Festivals of Laos|Music of Laos}} [[Image:Vat Aham Bouddha.JPG|left|300px|thumb|Budda statues at Vat Aham in Luang Prabang]] [[Theravada]] [[Buddhism]] is a dominant influence in Lao culture. It is reflected throughout the country from language to the temple and in art, literature, performing arts, etc. Many elements of Lao culture predate Buddhism, however. For example, Laotian [[music]] is dominated by its national [[musical instrument|instrument]], the [[khaen]], a type of [[bamboo]] [[Pan pipes|pipe]] that has prehistoric origins. The khaen traditionally accompanied the singer in ''[[Mor lam|lam]]'', the dominant style of [[folk music]]. Among the various ''lam'' styles, the ''[[lam saravane]]'' is probably the most popular. The country has two [[World Heritage Site]]s: [[Luang Prabang]] and [[Vat Phou]]. The government is seeking the same status for the [[Plain of Jars]]. The [[People's Republic of China]] has recently allowed its citizens to travel more freely to Laos{{Fact|date=November 2007}}. As such, Chinese [[tourists]] are expected to account for 25% of the total number of visitors to Laos (up from only a few percent) in 2006. Pressures to modernize tourist infrastructure, particularly to cater to package tourism, are expected to significantly impact Luang Prabang and other culturally important Laotian cities. The people of Laos have a reputation for being very kind and welcoming to all visitors. Rice is the staple food and has cultural and religious significance. There are many traditions and rituals associated with rice production in different environments, and among many ethnic groups. For example, Khammu farmers in Luang Prabang plant the rice variety Khao Kam in small quantities near the hut in memory of dead parents, or at the edge of the rice field to indicate that parents are still alive.<ref>[http://www.adb.org/Evaluation/case-studies/LAO/Evaluation-Synthesis-on-Rice.pdf An Evaluation of Synthesis of Rice]</ref> == Media == All newspapers are published by the government, including two foreign language papers: the English-language ''[[Vientiane Times]]'' and the French-language ''[[Le Rénovateur]]''. Additionally, the Khao San Pathet Lao, the country's official news agency, publishes English and French versions of its eponymous paper. Internet cafes, serving the tourist market, are now common in the major urban centres. However, the government strictly [[censor]]s content and controls access. Satellite television dishes, beaming content from [[Thailand]], are common throughout Laos. Many Laotians access the outside world through Thai television programs. ==International rankings== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Organisation ! Survey ! Ranking |- | [[Heritage Foundation]]/''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' | [[Index of Economic Freedom#Current ratings|Index of Economic Freedom]] | 149 out of 157 |- | [[Reporters Without Borders]] | [[Reporters Without Borders#Worldwide press freedom index|Worldwide Press Freedom Index]] | 156 out of 167 |- | [[Transparency International]] | [[Corruption Perceptions Index]] | 111 out of 163 |- | [[United Nations Development Programme]] | [[List of countries by Human Development Index|Human Development Index]] | 130 out of 177 |- |} == See also == *[[List of Laos-related topics]] *[[Communications in Laos]] *[[Emblem of Laos]] *[[Foreign relations of Laos]] *[[List of indices of freedom]] *[[Military of Laos]] *[[North Vietnamese invasion of Laos]] *[[Scouting in Laos]] *[[Transport in Laos]] *[[Laotian Civil War]] *[[Vietnam War]] *[[French Empire]] '''Leaders of ethnic minorities in Laos''' *[[Pa Chay Vue]] *[[Ong Keo]] *[[Ong Kommandam]] == Notes and references == {{reflist}} {{refbegin}} * Fredenburg, P. and B. Hill. 2006. ''Sharing Rice for Peace and Prosperity in the Greater Mekong Subregion.'' Sid Harta Publishers, Victoria. ISBN 1-921206-08-X. pp271. * J. M. Schiller, M. B. Chanphengxay, B. Linquist and S. Appa Rao, editors. 2006. Rice in Laos. Los Banos, (Philippines). International Rice Research Institute. 457 p. ISBN 978-971-22-0211-7. * Stuart-Fox, M. 1999. A History of Laos. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-59235-6. *[http://www.irri.org/donors/SDC/pdfs/15YearsOfSupport.pdf Fifteen years of support for rice research in Lao PDR] {{refend}} == External links == {{sisterlinks}} * [http://www.laopdr.gov.la/viewPortalPage.do?PPID=200 The National Portal of Laos] * [http://www.tourismlaos.gov.la Lao National Tourism Administration] * [http://laovoices.com/about-laos/ Lao Voices] * [http://www.laomedia.net Lao Media] * {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/Laos|Laos}} * {{wikia|world:Laos|Laos}} * {{wikitravelpar|Laos}} * {{wikiatlas|Laos}} {{Template group |title = Geographic locale |list = {{Countries and territories of Southeast Asia}} {{Countries of Asia}} }} {{Template group |title = International membership and history |list = {{Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)}} {{East Asia Summit (EAS)}} {{La Francophonie|state=collapsed}} {{Communist states}} {{Former French colonies}} }} [[Category:Laos| ]] [[Category:ASEAN members]] [[Category:Member states of La Francophonie]] [[Category:Least Developed Countries]] [[Category:Landlocked countries]] {{Link FA|lo}} [[af:Laos]] [[ar:لاوس]] [[an:Laos]] [[frp:Laos]] [[ast:Laos]] [[bn:লাওস]] [[zh-min-nan:Lao-kok]] [[be-x-old:Лаос]] [[bo:ལ་འོ་གོ]] [[bs:Laos]] [[br:Laos]] [[bg:Лаос]] [[ca:Laos]] [[cv:Лаос]] [[ceb:Laos]] [[cs:Laos]] [[cy:Laos]] [[da:Laos]] [[de:Laos]] [[et:Laos]] [[el:Λάος]] [[es:Laos]] [[eo:Laoso]] [[eu:Laos]] [[fa:لائوس]] [[fr:Laos]] [[fy:Laos]] [[ga:Laos]] [[gv:Yn Laos]] [[gd:Làthos]] [[gl:República Democrática Popular Lao - ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນ ລາວ]] [[zh-classical:老撾]] [[hak:Liàu-koet]] [[ko:라오스]] [[hy:Լաոս]] [[hi:लाओस]] [[hsb:Laos]] [[hr:Laos]] [[io:Laos]] [[ilo:Laos]] [[bpy:লাওস]] [[id:Laos]] [[os:Лаос]] [[is:Laos]] [[it:Laos]] [[he:לאוס]] [[jv:Laos (bumbu)]] [[pam:Laos]] [[kn:ಲಾವೋಸ್]] [[ka:ლაოსი]] [[ks:लाओस]] [[csb:Laòs]] [[kk:Лаос]] [[kw:Pow Lao]] [[sw:Laos]] [[ht:Laos]] [[ku:Laos]] [[lo:ປະເທດລາວ]] [[la:Laotia]] [[lv:Laosa]] [[lb:Laos]] [[lt:Laosas]] [[lij:Laòs]] [[li:Laos]] [[ln:Laos]] [[hu:Laosz]] [[mk:Лаос]] [[ml:ലാവോസ്]] [[ms:Laos]] [[nah:Laos]] [[nl:Laos]] [[new:लाओस]] [[ja:ラオス]] [[nap:Laos]] [[no:Laos]] [[nn:Laos]] [[nov:Laos]] [[oc:Laos]] [[ps:لاووس]] [[km:ឡាវ]] [[pms:Làos]] [[nds:Laos]] [[pl:Laos]] [[pt:Laos]] [[crh:Laos]] [[ro:Laos]] [[ru:Лаос]] [[se:Laos]] [[sa:लाओस]] [[sq:Laosi]] [[scn:Laos]] [[simple:Laos]] [[sk:Laos]] [[sl:Laos]] [[sr:Лаос]] [[sh:Laos]] [[fi:Laos]] [[sv:Laos]] [[tl:Laos (bansa)]] [[ta:லாவோஸ்]] [[te:లావోస్]] [[th:ประเทศลาว]] [[vi:Lào]] [[tg:Лаос]] [[tr:Laos]] [[tk:Laos]] [[udm:Лаос]] [[uk:Лаос]] [[ur:لاؤس]] [[vo:Laosän]] [[wo:Republik Popileer Demokaraatik bu Laawos]] [[wuu:老挝]] [[zh-yue:寮國]] [[diq:Laos]] [[bat-smg:Lauosos]] [[zh:老挝]]