Laos Map

Description: This map shows governmental boundaries of countries; provinces, province capital cities, and major cities and towns in Laos.
Size: 900x1406px / 304 Kb
Author: Ontheworldmap.com

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Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic, occupies a central part of the Southeast Asian peninsula. It shares borders with five countries: China to the north, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar to the northwest. Unlike many of its neighbors, Laos it as a landlocked country. The Mekong River plays a big part in the region's economy and society and boerders mainly with Thailand.

The geographical landscape of Laos features a predominantly mountainous terrain, with some plains and plateaus. The Annamite Range in the east and the Luang Prabang Range in the north contribute to the country's rugged topography. Its climate, tropical and monsoonal, supports diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, particularly in areas like the Bolaven Plateau and the Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area.

Vientiane, the capital, lies on the banks of the Mekong River near the Thai border. It serves as the country's economic, cultural, and political hub. Other significant cities include Luang Prabang, renowned for its Buddhist temples and colonial architecture, and Savannakhet, which plays a vital role in regional trade due to its proximity to Thailand and Vietnam.

Tourism in Laos has grown substantially, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Key attractions include the ancient city of Luang Prabang, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic temples and French colonial architecture. The Plain of Jars, a mysterious archaeological site in Xieng Khouang Province, draws considerable interest for its thousands of stone jars scattered across the landscape. Vang Vieng, once known for its backpacker-oriented nightlife, now attracts tourists for its outdoor activities like caving, rock climbing, and river tubing.

Laos also boasts significant religious and natural sites, such as the Pak Ou Caves with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) in the Mekong River, where tourists can spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Moreover, the Bolaven Plateau is famous for its waterfalls, ethnic villages, and coffee plantations.

In conclusion, Laos, with its blend of cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and religious sites, continues to evolve as a key destination in Southeast Asia for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

The Facts:

Flag:
Capital:	Vientiane
Area:	91,400 sq mi (236,800 sq km)
Population:	~ 7,800,000 (2023 estimate)
Official language:	Lao
Religion:	66.0% Buddhism 30.7% Tai folk religion 1.5% Christianity 1.8% Others
Ethnic groups:	53.2% Lao 11% Khmu 9.2% Hmong 3.4% Phu Thai 3.1% Tai 2.5% Makong 2.2% Katang 2.0% Lue 1.8% Akha 11.6% Others
Currency:	Kip (₭) (LAK)
Driving side:	right
Calling code:	+856
Internet TLD:	.la
Time zone:	UTC+7 (ICT)
Gross domestic product (PPP):	$74.205 billion (Total) $9,787 (Per capita)
Gross domestic product (nominal):	$14.244 billion (Total) $1,878 (Per capita)
Official tourism website:	www.tourismlaos.org

Google Map of Laos

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List of Largest Cities in Laos

1. Vientiane (1,000,000)
2. Savannakhet (130,000)
3. Pakxe (125,000)
4. Thakhek (90,000)
5. Luang Prabang (60,000)

6. Xam Neua (50,000)
7. Phonsavan (40,000)
8. Muang Pakxan (30,000)
9. Vang Vieng (28,000)
10. Muang Xai (27,000)

11. Xaysomboun (26,000)
12. Attapeu (22,000)
13. Houayxay (20,000)
14. Luang Namtha (19,000)
15. Sainyabuli (17,000)

Main sights in Laos

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Provinces of Laos

List of Provinces of Laos

Province	Capital	Area	Population
Attapeu	Attapeu	3,985 sq mi (10,320 sq km)	120,000
Bokeo	Houayxay	2,392 sq mi (6,196 sq km)	160,000
Bolikhamsai	Paksan	5,739 sq mi (14,863 sq km)	225,000
Champasak	Pakse	5,952 sq mi (15,415 sq km)	590,000
Houaphanh	Xam Neua	6,371 sq mi (16,500 sq km)	330,000
Khammouane	Thakhek	6,299 sq mi (16,315 sq km)	365,000
Luang Namtha	Luang Namtha	3,600 sq mi (9,325 sq km)	155,000
Luang Prabang	Luang Prabang	6,515 sq mi (16,875 sq km)	420,000
Oudomxay	Muang Xay	5,934 sq mi (15,370 sq km)	285,000
Phongsaly	Phongsali	6,282 sq mi (16,270 sq km)	205,000
Sainyabuli	Sayabouly	6,328 sq mi (16,389 sq km)	395,000
Salavan	Salavan	4,128 sq mi (10,691 sq km)	350,000
Savannakhet	Savannakhet	8,407 sq mi (21,774 sq km)	750,000
Sekong	Sekong	2,959 sq mi (7,665 sq km)	85,000
Vientiane Prefecture	Vientiane	1,514 sq mi (3,920 sq km)	1,100,000
Vientiane Province	Phonhong	6,149 sq mi (15,927 sq km)	390,000
Xiengkhouang	Phonsavan	6,131 sq mi (15,880 sq km)	235,000
Xaisomboun	Anouvong	3,205 sq mi (8,300 sq km)	85,000

Geography of Laos

Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, has a total area of approximately 236,800 square kilometers. Its terrain is characterized by rugged mountains in the north, including the Annamite Mountain Range, which also extends into Vietnam, and plateaus and fertile plains in the south. The Mekong River, a prominent feature of Laos, runs along the western border and serves as a major transportation route and a vital source of water for agriculture.

The country has a tropical monsoon climate, featuring distinct wet and dry seasons, with high humidity and rainfall. Laos is rich in biodiversity, with dense forests covering a significant portion of its land, and the country is known for its natural beauty and ecotourism opportunities.

Major Rivers of Laos

Mountains of Laos

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Brief History of Laos

Laos has a complex history characterized by various kingdoms and dynasties. The region that is now Laos was initially inhabited by tribal groups before the establishment of the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang in the 14th century. Lan Xang, meaning "Million Elephants," was founded by King Fa Ngum and became a powerful state that controlled much of present-day Laos and parts of neighboring territories.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Laos came under French colonial rule as part of French Indochina, alongside Vietnam and Cambodia. The French established administrative control, introducing Western education and institutions. Laos gained independence from France in 1954 following the First Indochina War, but political instability and conflicts persisted.

The Vietnam War had a significant impact on Laos, as the country became embroiled in the conflict due to its strategic location. Laos experienced heavy bombing by the United States during the war, affecting its infrastructure and economy. The Pathet Lao, a communist group, gained control of Laos in 1975, establishing a single-party state that continues to govern the country to this day.

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Last Updated: March 26, 2024