{{Short description|Country in Southeast Asia}} {{About|the country||Laos (disambiguation)}} {{pp-move|small=yes}} {{AI-generated|partial=y|date=February 2026|reason=this 2025 partial rewrite; note WP:AISIGNS in superficial analyses, vocab distribution typical of 2024-25 LLM text, etc}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}} {{Infobox country | conventional_long_name = Lao People's Democratic Republic | common_name = Laos | native_name = {{native name|lo|ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ|italics=off}}<br>{{small|{{transliteration|engvar=gb|lo|Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao}}}} | image_flag = Flag of Laos.svg | image_coat = Emblem_of_Laos_(2025-).svg | coa_size = 90 | symbol_type = Emblem | national_motto = {{lang|lo|ສັນຕິພາບ ເອກະລາດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ເອກະພາບ ວັດທະນະຖາວອນ}}<br />{{transliteration|engvar=gb|lo|Santiphap, Ekalat, Paxathipatai, Ekaphap, Vatthanathavon}}<br />"Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity and Prosperity" | national_anthem = {{lang|lo|ເພງຊາດລາວ}}<br />{{transliteration|engvar=gb|lo|Pheng Xat Lao}}<br />"Lao National Anthem"{{parabr}}{{center|File:National Anthem of Laos.ogg}} | image_map = {{Switcher|frameless|Show globe|250px|upright=1.15|frameless|Show ASEAN|default=1}} | map_caption = {{map caption |location_color= green |region=|region_color= none}} | capital = Vientiane | coordinates = {{Coord|17|58|N|102|36|E|type:city}} | largest_city = | official_languages = Lao | recognised_languages = | languages_type = Spoken languages | languages = {{hlist|Lao|Khmu|Hmong|Phu Thai|Tai<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.studycountry.com/guide/LA-language.htm|title=The Languages spoken in Laos|website=Studycountry|access-date=16 September 2018|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225003905/https://www.studycountry.com/guide/LA-language.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | ethnic_groups = {{unbulleted list | 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% other }} | ethnic_groups_year = 2015<ref name="Census2015">{{cite web|url=https://lao.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/PHC-ENG-FNAL-WEB_0.pdf|title=Results of Population and Housing Census 2015|publisher=Lao Statistics Bureau|access-date=1 May 2020|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308153132/https://lao.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/PHC-ENG-FNAL-WEB_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> | demonym = Laotian | government_type = Unitary communist state{{sfnm|1a1=Brown|1y=1982|1p=30|2a1=Norindr|2y=1982|2pp=39 & 44|3a1=Gunn|3y=1998|3p=120|4a1=Pholsena|4y=2006|4pp=91 & 142|5a1=Bestari|5a2=Mongcopa|5a3=Samson|5a4=Ward|5y=2006|5p=2|6a1=High|6y=2014|6pp=169–170|7a1=Rehbein|7y=2019|7p=168|8a1=Son|8y=2020|8pp=119–120|9a1=Central Intelligence Agency|9y=2025}} | leader_title1 = General Secretary and President | leader_name1 = Thongloun Sisoulith | leader_title2 = Vice President | leader_name2 = Viengthong Siphandone | leader_title3 = Prime Minister | leader_name3 = Sonexay Siphandone | leader_title4 = President of the National Assembly | leader_name4 = Saysomphone Phomvihane | leader_title5 = Chief Justice | leader_name5 = Phaivy Siboualipha | legislature = National Assembly | sovereignty_type = Formation | established_event1 = Kingdom of Lan Xang | established_date1 = 1353–1707 | established_event2 = Kingdoms of Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Champasak | established_date2 = 1707–1778 | established_event3 = Vassals of Siam | established_date3 = 1778–1893 | established_event4 = French protectorate | established_date4 = 1893–1953 | established_event5 = Unified kingdom | established_date5 = 11 May 1947 | established_event6 = Independence from France | established_date6 = 22 October 1953 | established_event7 = Communist state established | established_date7 = 2 December 1975 | area_km2 = 236,800 | area_rank = 82nd <!-- Area rank should match List of countries and dependencies by area--> | area_sq_mi = 91,428.991 <!--Do not remove per WP:MOSNUM--> | area_footnote = <ref name=CIA>{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Laos|access-date=24 September 2022}}</ref> | percent_water = 2 | population_estimate = 6,740,000<ref name="thestar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/05/08/laos-sees-decline-in-population-growth#goog_rewarded|title=Laos sees decline in population growth|website=The Star|publisher=The Star|archive-url=|archive-date=}}</ref> | population_estimate_year = 2025 | population_estimate_rank = | population_density_km2 = 28.46 | population_density_sq_mi = <!--Do not remove per WP:MOSNUM--> | population_density_rank = | GDP_PPP = {{increase}} $78.850 billion<ref name="World Economic Outlook Databases">{{cite web |title=World Economic Outlook Databases |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/SPROLLs/world-economic-outlook-databases}}</ref> | GDP_PPP_year = 2025 | GDP_PPP_rank = 108th | GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{increase}} $10,120<ref name="World Economic Outlook Databases"/> | GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 126th | GDP_nominal = {{increase}} $16.320 billion<ref name="World Economic Outlook Databases"/> | GDP_nominal_year = 2025 | GDP_nominal_rank = 138th | GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $2,100<ref name="World Economic Outlook Databases"/> | GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 150th | Gini = 36.4 <!--number only--> | Gini_year = 2012 | Gini_change = <!--increase/decrease/staedy--> | Gini_ref = <ref name="wb-gini">{{cite web|url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI/|title=Gini Index|publisher=World Bank|access-date=2 March 2011|archive-date=9 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209003326/http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI|url-status=live}}</ref> | Gini_rank = | HDI = 0.617<!--number only--> | HDI_year = 2023 <!--Please use the year in which the HDI data refers to and not the publication year--> | HDI_change = decrease <!--increase/decrease/steady--> | HDI_ref = <ref name="HDI">{{cite web|url=https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2025reporten.pdf|title=Human Development Report 2025|publisher=United Nations Development Programme|date=2025|access-date=14 May 2025}}</ref> | HDI_rank = 147th | currency = Kip (₭) | currency_code = LAK | time_zone = ICT | utc_offset = +7 | calling_code = +856 | cctld = .la | religion = {{unbulleted list | 66.0% Buddhism{{efn|"The State respects and protects all lawful activities of Buddhists and of followers of other religions, [and] mobilises and encourages Buddhist monks and novices as well as the priests of other religions to participate in activities that are beneficial to the country and people."<ref>{{cite web|title=Lao People's Democratic Republic's Constitution of 1991 with Amendments through 2003|url=https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Laos_2003.pdf?lang=en|website=constituteproject.org|access-date=29 October 2017|quote=Article 9: The State respects and protects all lawful activities of Buddhists and of followers of other religions, [and] mobilises and encourages Buddhist monks and novices as well as the priests of other religions to participate in activities that are beneficial to the country and people.|archive-date=10 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210232122/https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Laos_2003.pdf?lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | 30.7% Tai folk religion | 1.5% Christianity | 1.8% other / none<ref name="globalReligion" /> }} | footnotes = {{notelist}} }}
'''Laos''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Laos.ogg|l|aʊ|s}}, {{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɑː|oʊ|s|,_|ˈ|l|ɑː|ɒ|s|,_|ˈ|l|eɪ|ɒ|s}} {{respell|LOWSS|,_|LAH|ohss|,_|LAH|oss|,_|LAY|oss}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Laos|title=Laos|via=The Free Dictionary|access-date=8 September 2016|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225194143/https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Laos|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/english/Laos|title=Laos – definition of Laos in English from the Oxford dictionary|date=9 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109212153/http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/english/Laos |archive-date=9 November 2015}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20151130123751/http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/laos Oxford Dictionaries (American English)]</ref>}} officially the '''Lao People's Democratic Republic''' ('''LPDR'''),{{efn|{{langx|lo|ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ|translit=Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao|engvar=gb}}}} is a country in Mainland Southeast Asia, and the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the southeast, and Thailand to the west and southwest. Laos has a population of more than 6 million,<ref name="thestar"/> and its capital and most populous city is Vientiane. It has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the town of Luang Prabang, the temple complex of Vat Phou, and the Plain of Jars.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Vongvilay |first1=Xayaphone |last2=Shin |first2=Jai-Eok |last3=Kang |first3=Young-Hwan |last4=Kim |first4=E-Doo |last5=Choi |first5=Joong-Hyun |date=2015-05-01 |title=The Influence of French Colonial Rule on Lao Architecture with a Focus on Residential Buildings |journal=Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=279–286 |doi=10.3130/jaabe.14.279 |issn=1346-7581|doi-access=free}}</ref> The 2021 completion of the Boten–Vientiane railway, Laotian section of the Laos–China Railway (LCR), connects Vientiane to Kunming.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Osaka City University, Japan |last2=Yan |first2=Xuchong |date=2024-09-18 |title=A Study on the China-Laos Railway's Economic and Strategic Significance |url=http://www.su-journal.com/index.php/su/article/view/407 |journal=Souphanouvong University Journal Multidisciplinary Research and Development |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=115–123 |doi=10.69692/SUJMRD1001115|url-access=subscription|doi-access=free }}</ref>
The kingdom of Lan Xang existed in what later is Laos from the 13th to 18th centuries and was a hub for overland trade through its location.<ref name="Stuart-Fox">{{Cite book|title=The Lao Kingdom of Lan Xang: Rise and Decline|last=Stuart-Fox|first=Martin|publisher=White Lotus Press|year=1998|isbn=974-8434-33-8|page=49}}</ref> In 1707, it split into three kingdoms: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Champasak. In 1893, these kingdoms were unified under French protection as part of French Indochina. Laos was under Japanese administration during World War II, gaining independence in 1945 before returning to French administration until achieving autonomy in 1949. It regained full independence in 1953 as the Kingdom of Laos, with a constitutional monarchy under Sisavang Vong. A civil war from 1959 to 1975 saw the communist Pathet Lao, supported by China, North Vietnam, and the Soviet Union, oppose the Royal Lao Armed Forces, backed by the United States. It ended with the establishment of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) in 1975 that aligned with the Soviet Union until the latter's dissolution in 1991. Laos participates in the Greater Mekong Subregion economic cooperation programme,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Verbiest |first=Jean-Pierre A. |date=2013 |title=Regional Cooperation and Integration in the Mekong Region |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aepr.12015 |journal=Asian Economic Policy Review |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=148–164 |doi=10.1111/aepr.12015 |issn=1748-3131|url-access=subscription}}</ref> and is a member of ASEAN, the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement, East Asia Summit, La Francophonie, and the World Trade Organization.<ref name="wto">{{cite web | url=http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/lao_e.htm | title=Lao People's Democratic Republic and the WTO | publisher=World Trade Organization | access-date=9 August 2014 | archive-date=12 August 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812135345/http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/lao_e.htm | url-status=live}}</ref>
== Geography == {{Main|Geography of Laos}}
[[File:Mekong River (Luang Prabang).jpg|thumb|Mekong River flowing through Luang Prabang ]] Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia and lies mostly between latitudes 14° and 23°N, and longitudes 100° and 108°E. Laos's forested landscape consists mostly of mountains, the highest of which is Phou Bia at {{convert|2818|m|ft|0}}, with some plains and plateaus. The Mekong River forms a part of the western boundary with Thailand, where the mountains of the Annamite Range form most of the eastern border with Vietnam and the Luang Prabang Range the northwestern border with the Thai highlands. There are two plateaus, the Xiangkhoang in the north and the Bolaven Plateau at the southern end.<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite web|title=Nsc Lao Pdr|url=http://www.nsc.gov.la/Products/Populationcensus2005/PopulationCensus2005_chapter2.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123082302/http://www.nsc.gov.la/Products/Populationcensus2005/PopulationCensus2005_chapter2.htm|archive-date=23 January 2012|publisher=Nsc.gov.la}}</ref> Laos had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 5.59/10, ranking it 98th globally out of 172 countries.<ref name="FLII-Supplementary">{{cite journal|last1=Grantham|first1=H. S.|display-authors=et al.|title=Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity|journal=Nature Communications|volume=11|issue=1|year=2020|article-number=5978|issn=2041-1723|doi=10.1038/s41467-020-19493-3|pmid=33293507|pmc=7723057|bibcode=2020NatCo..11.5978G}}</ref>
In 1993, the Laotian government set aside 21% of the nation's land area for habitat conservation preservation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indochinatrek.com/laos/lao-guides.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110175658/http://indochinatrek.com/laos/lao-guides.html|archive-date=10 November 2010 |title=Laos travel guides|publisher=Indochinatrek.com |access-date=23 January 2011}}</ref> The country is one of four nations in the opium poppy growing region known as the "Golden Triangle".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123604085|title=Mekong Divides Different Worlds In 'Golden Triangle'|website=NPR.org|access-date=1 February 2019|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204231526/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123604085|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the October 2007 UNODC fact book ''Opium Poppy Cultivation in South East Asia'', the poppy cultivation area was {{convert|15|km2|sqmi}}, down from {{convert|18|km2|sqmi}} in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unodc.org/documents/crop-monitoring/2007-opium-SEAsia.pdf|title=Opium Poppy Cultivation in South East Asia|date=October 2007|website=UNODC|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308175047/https://www.unodc.org/documents/crop-monitoring/2007-opium-SEAsia.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Climate === thumb|Köppen climate classification map of Laos The climate is mostly tropical savanna and influenced by the monsoon pattern. There is a rainy season from May to October, followed by a dry season from November to April Local tradition holds that there are three seasons: rainy, cool and hot. The latter two months of the climatologically defined dry season are hotter than the earlier four months.<ref name="climate">{{cite web|title=Laos – Climate|url=http://countrystudies.us/laos/45.htm|access-date=23 January 2011|publisher=Countrystudies.us|archive-date=20 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520154327/http://countrystudies.us/laos/45.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Wildlife=== {{Main|Wildlife of Laos}}
Laos, with its forests and river systems, is home to an array of wildlife.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/lao/publication/lao-biodiversity-a-priority-for-resilient-green-growth |title=Biodiversity |publisher=dicf.unepgrid.ch |access-date=4 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dicf.unepgrid.ch/lao-peoples-democratic-republic/biodiversity? |title=Lao Biodiversity: A Priority for Resilient Green Growth |date=17 July 2020 |website=worldbank.org |access-date=4 May 2025}}</ref> National parks like Nam Et-Phou Louey are refuges, supporting endangered species such as the northern white-cheeked gibbon and the saola.<ref name="Laos wildlife1">{{cite web|url=https://www.namet.org/wildlife |title=Laos wildlife |website=worldbank.org |access-date=4 May 2025}}</ref> These forests shelter more than 50 mammal species and nearly 300 bird species, along with a variety of reptiles and amphibians.{{efn|The Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park harbours over 50 species of mammals, more than 300 species of birds, and reptiles and amphibians.<ref name="Laos wildlife1" />}}
=== Administrative divisions === {{Main|Administrative divisions of Laos}}
thumb|Map of provinces of Laos (in 2014) Laos is divided into 17 provinces and one prefecture, which includes the capital city Vientiane.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/laos/|title=East Asia/Southeast Asia |website=The World Factbook |access-date=23 May 2019|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307193820/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/laos/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size:90%;" |- style="font-size:100%; text-align:right;" ! scope="col" | No. ! scope="col" | Subdivisions ! scope="col" | Capital ! scope="col" | Area (km<sup>2</sup>) ! scope="col" | Population |- ! 1 | Attapeu || Attapeu (Samakkhixay district) || style="text-align:right"|10,320|| style="text-align:right"|114,300 |- ! 2 | Bokeo || Houayxay (Houayxay district) || style="text-align:right"|6,196|| style="text-align:right"|149,700 |- ! 3 | Bolikhamsai || Paksan (Paksane District) ||style="text-align:right"|14,863|| style="text-align:right"|214,900 |- ! 4 | Champasak || Pakse (Pakse District) || style="text-align:right"|15,415|| style="text-align:right"|575,600 |- ! 5 | Houaphanh || Xam Neua (Xamneua District) || style="text-align:right"|16,500|| style="text-align:right"|322,200 |- ! 6 | Khammouane || Thakhek (Thakhek District) ||style="text-align:right"|16,315|| style="text-align:right"|358,800 |- ! 7 | Luang Namtha || Luang Namtha (Namtha District) || style="text-align:right"|9,325|| style="text-align:right"|150,100 |- ! 8 | Luang Prabang || Luang Prabang (Luang Prabang district) || style="text-align:right"|16,875|| style="text-align:right"|408,800 |- ! 9 | Oudomxay || Muang Xay (Xay District) || style="text-align:right"|15,370|| style="text-align:right"|275,300 |- ! 10 | Phongsaly || Phongsali (Phongsaly District) || style="text-align:right"|16,270|| style="text-align:right"|199,900 |- ! 11 | Sainyabuli || Sayabouly (Xayabury District) || style="text-align:right"|16,389|| style="text-align:right"|382,200 |- ! 12 | Salavan || Salavan (Salavan District) || style="text-align:right"|10,691|| style="text-align:right"|336,600 |- ! 13 | Savannakhet || Savannakhet (Kaysone Phomvihane District) || style="text-align:right"|21,774|| style="text-align:right"|721,500 |- ! 14 | Sekong || Sekong (Lamarm District) || style="text-align:right"|7,665|| style="text-align:right"|83,600 |- ! 15 | Vientiane Prefecture || Vientiane (Chanthabouly district) || style="text-align:right"|3,920|| style="text-align:right"|1,001,477 |- ! 16 | Vientiane Province || Phonhong (Phonhong District) || style="text-align:right"|15,927|| style="text-align:right"|373,700 |- ! 17 | Xiengkhouang || Phonsavan (Pek District) || style="text-align:right"|15,880|| style="text-align:right"|229,521 |- ! 18 | Xaisomboun|| Anouvong (Anouvong district) || style="text-align:right"|8,300|| style="text-align:right"|82,000 |}
== History == {{Main|History of Laos}}
=== Prehistory === In 2009, an anatomically modern human skull was recovered from the Tam Pa Ling Cave in the Annamite Mountains in northern Laos; the skull is at least 46,000 years old, making it the oldest modern human fossil found to date in Southeast Asia.<ref>{{Cite journal|pmid = 22908291|pmc = 3437904|year = 2012|last1 = Demeter|first1 = F|display-authors=et al.|title = Anatomically modern human in Southeast Asia (Laos) by 46 ka|journal = Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences|volume = 109|issue = 36|pages = 14375–14380|doi = 10.1073/pnas.1208104109|bibcode = 2012PNAS..10914375D|doi-access = free|issn = 0027-8424}}</ref> Stone artefacts including Hoabinhian types have been found at sites dating to the Pleistocene in northern Laos.<ref>{{Cite journal|year = 2009|last1 = White|first1 = J.C.|title = Archaeological Investigations in northern Laos: New contributions to Southeast Asian prehistory|journal = Antiquity|volume = 83|issue = 319|last2 = Lewis|first2 = H.|last3 = Bouasisengpaseuth|first3 = B.|last4 = Marwick|first4 = B.|last5 = Arrell|first5 = K|url = http://antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/white/|access-date = 2016-09-18 |archive-date = 2017-10-10 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171010191403/http://antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/white/|url-status = live}}</ref>
Archaeological evidence suggests an agriculturist society developed during the 4th millennium BCE,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Marwick |first1=Ben |last2=Bouasisengpaseuth |first2=Bounheung |chapter=History and Practice of Archaeology in Laos |editor1-last=Habu |editor1-first=Junko |editor2-last=Lape |editor2-first=Peter |editor3-last=Olsen |editor3-first=John |title=Handbook of East and Southeast Asian Archaeology |publisher=Springer |date=2017|chapter-url=https://osf.io/preprints/socarxiv/75zhc/|access-date=2018-01-20|archive-date=2019-07-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706125232/https://osf.io/preprints/socarxiv/75zhc/|url-status=live}}</ref> a society in which bronze objects appeared around 1500 BCE, and iron tools were known from 700 BCE. The proto-historic period is characterised by contact with Chinese and Indian civilisations. According to linguistic and other historical evidence, Tai-speaking tribes migrated southwestward to the territories of Laos and Thailand from Guangxi sometime between the 8th and 10th centuries.<ref name="PittayawatPittayaporn">{{cite journal |url=http://www.manusya.journals.chula.ac.th/files/essay/Pittayawat%2047-68.pdf |last=Pittayaporn |first=Pittayawat |date=2014 |title=Layers of Chinese Loanwords in Proto-Southwestern Tai as Evidence for the Dating of the Spread of Southwestern Tai] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627063518/http://www.manusya.journals.chula.ac.th/files/essay/Pittayawat%2047-68.pdf |archivedate=2015-06-27 |journal=MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities |number=Special Issue No 20 |pages=47–64}}</ref>
=== Lan Xang === {{Main|Lan Xang}}
The kingdom of Lan Xang ('million elephants') was founded in the 13th century by a prince, Fa Ngum,<ref name="Coedes">{{cite book|last= Coedès|first= George|author-link= George Coedès|editor= Walter F. Vella|others= trans. Susan Brown Cowing|title= The Indianized States of Southeast Asia|year= 1968 |publisher= University of Hawaii Press |isbn = 978-0-8248-0368-1}}</ref>{{rp|223}} whose father had his family exiled from the Khmer Empire. Fa Ngum, with 10,000 Khmer troops, conquered some principalities in the Mekong river basin, culminating in the capture of Vientiane. Ngum was descended from a line of kings that traced back to Khoun Boulom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fa-Ngum|title=Fa Ngum|website=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=23 December 2019|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308050252/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fa-Ngum|url-status=live}}</ref> He made Theravada Buddhism the state religion. His ministers, unable to tolerate his ruthlessness, forced him into exile to what is later the Thai province of Nan in 1373,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.history.com/topics/fa-ngum |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100308201136/http://www.history.com/topics/fa-ngum |archive-date = 8 March 2010 |title = Fa Ngum |publisher=History.com |access-date = 23 January 2011}}</ref> where he died. Fa Ngum's eldest son, Oun Heuan, ascended to the throne under the name Samsenethai and reigned for 43 years. Lan Xang became a trade centre during Samsenthai's reign, and after his death in 1421 it collapsed into warring factions for nearly a century.<ref>Sanda Simms, ch. 3, "Through Chaos to a New Order", in ''The Kingdoms of Laos'' (London: Taylor & Francis, 2013). {{ISBN|9781136863370}}</ref>
In 1520, Photisarath came to the throne and moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane to avoid a Burmese invasion. Setthathirath became king in 1548, after his father was killed, and ordered the construction of That Luang. Settathirath disappeared in the mountains on his way back from a military expedition into Cambodia, and Lan Xang fell into more than 70 years of "instability", involving Burmese invasion and civil war.<ref>Sanda Simms, ch. 6, "Seventy Years of Anarchy", in ''The Kingdoms of Laos'' (London: Taylor & Francis, 2013). {{ISBN|9781136863370}}; see also P.C. Sinha, ed., ''Encyclopaedia of South East and Far East Asia'', vol. 3 (Anmol, 2006).</ref> In 1637, when Sourigna Vongsa ascended the throne, Lan Xang further expanded its frontiers. When he died without an heir, the kingdom split into three principalities. Between 1763 and 1769, Burmese armies overran northern Laos and annexed Luang Prabang, while Champasak eventually came under Siamese suzerainty.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Askew, Marc.|title=Vientiane: transformations of a Lao landscape|year=2010|orig-date= 2007|publisher=Routledge|others=Logan, William Stewart, 1942–, Long, Colin, 1966–|isbn=978-0-415-59662-6|location=London|oclc=68416667}}</ref> Anouvong was installed as a vassal king of Vientiane by the Siamese. He encouraged a renaissance of Lao fine arts and literature and improved relations with Luang Prabang. Under Vietnamese pressure, he rebelled against the Siamese in 1826. The rebellion failed, and Vientiane was ransacked.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?sec=3&id=15718 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126004328/http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=15718&sec=3 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=26 November 2010 |title=Let's hope Laos hangs on to its identity |publisher=Asianewsnet.net |access-date=23 January 2011}}</ref> Anouvong was taken to Bangkok as a prisoner, where he died.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Imperial Wars 1815–1914 | series = Encyclopedia of Warfare Series |editor-last=Showalter | editor-first = Dennis | editor-link = Dennis Showalter |date= 2013|isbn=978-1-78274-125-1|publisher = Amber Books | location=London|oclc=1152285624}}</ref>
In a time period where the acquisition of humans was a priority over the ownership of land, the warfare of Southeast Asia revolved around the seizing of people and resources from its enemies. A Siamese military campaign in Laos in 1876 was described by a British observer as having been "transformed into slave-hunting raids on a large scale".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-10-12 |title=Slavery in Nineteenth-Century Northern Thailand: Archival Anecdotes and Village Voices |publisher=The New Kyoto Review of South East Asia Website |url=http://kyotoreviewsea.org/slavery3.htm |access-date=2025-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012011239/http://kyotoreviewsea.org/slavery3.htm |archive-date=2010-10-12}}</ref>
=== French Laos === {{Main|French protectorate of Laos|First Indochina War}}
thumb|Local Lao soldiers in the French Colonial guard, {{circa| 1900}} In the 19th century, Luang Prabang was ransacked by the Chinese Black Flag Army.<ref>{{cite web |author=Librios Semantic Environment |url = http://www.culturalprofiles.net/laos/Directories/Laos_Cultural_Profile/-1064.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070718125054/http://www.culturalprofiles.net/laos/Directories/Laos_Cultural_Profile/-1064.html |archive-date = 18 July 2007 |title = Laos: Laos under the French |publisher = Culturalprofiles.net |date=11 August 2006 |access-date = 23 January 2011}}</ref> France rescued King Oun Kham and added Luang Phrabang to the protectorate of French Indochina. The Kingdom of Champasak and the territory of Vientiane were added to the protectorate. King Sisavangvong of Luang Phrabang became ruler of a unified Laos, and Vientiane once again became the capital.<ref>Carine Hahn, ''Le Laos'', Karthala, 1999, pp. 69–72</ref>
Laos produced tin, rubber, and coffee; the country never accounted for more than 1% of French Indochina's exports. By 1940, around 600 French citizens lived in Laos.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.lonelyplanet.com/laos/history |title = History of Laos |website = Lonely Planet |date = 9 August 1960 |access-date = 23 January 2011 |archive-date = 25 February 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210225100345/https://www.lonelyplanet.com/laos/history}}</ref> Under French rule, the Vietnamese were encouraged to migrate to Laos; this was seen by the French colonists as a rational solution to a labour shortage within the confines of an Indochina-wide colonial space.<ref name="SørenIvarsson">{{Cite book |last=Ivarsson |first=Søren |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FsXjlJF_fokC&pg=PA102 |title=Creating Laos: The Making of a Lao Space Between Indochina and Siam, 1860–1945 |date=2008 |publisher=NIAS Press |isbn=978-87-7694-023-2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410140148/https://books.google.com/books?id=FsXjlJF_fokC&pg=PA102 |archive-date=10 April 2023}}</ref> By 1943, the Vietnamese population stood at nearly 40,000, forming the majority in some cities of Laos and having the right to elect its own leaders. As a result, 53% of the population of Vientiane, 85% of Thakhek, and 62% of Pakse were Vietnamese; the exception was Luang Prabang, where the population was predominantly Lao. As late as 1945, the French drew up a plan to move a number of Vietnamese to three areas (i.e., the Vientiane Plain, Savannakhet region, and the Bolaven Plateau), which was derailed by the Japanese invasion of Indochina. Otherwise, according to Martin Stuart-Fox, the Lao might well have lost control over their own country.<ref name="MartinStuart-FoxA">{{Cite book |last=Stuart-Fox |first=Martin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8VvvevRkX-EC&dq=A+History+of+Laos&pg=PA51 |title=A History of Laos |date=1997-09-28 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-59746-3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405045254/https://books.google.com/books?id=8VvvevRkX-EC&dq=A+History+of+Laos&pg=PA51 |archive-date=5 April 2023}}</ref>
During World War II in Laos, Vichy France, Thailand, Imperial Japan and Free France occupied Laos.<ref>Paul Lévy, ''Histoire du Laos'', PUF, 1974.</ref> On 9 March 1945, a nationalist group declared Laos independent, with Luang Prabang as its capital; on 7 April 1945, two battalions of Japanese troops occupied the city. The Japanese attempted to force Sisavang Vong (the king of Luang Prabang) to declare Laotian independence, and on 8 April he instead declared an end to Laos's status as a French protectorate. The king then secretly sent Prince Kindavong to represent Laos to the Allied forces and Prince Sisavang as representative to the Japanese.<ref name="A Country Study: Laos">Savada, Andrea Matles (editor) (1994). "Events in 1945". [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/latoc.html ''A Country Study: Laos''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721090309/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/latoc.html |date=21 July 2015}}. Federal Research Division, Library of Congress.</ref> When Japan surrendered, some Lao nationalists (including Prince Phetsarath) declared Laotian independence, and by 1946, French troops had reoccupied the country and conferred autonomy on Laos.<ref name="britannica" /> During the First Indochina War, the Indochinese Communist Party formed the Pathet Lao independence organization. The Pathet Lao began a war against the French colonial forces with the aid of the Vietnamese independence organization, the Viet Minh. In 1950, the French were forced to give Laos semi-autonomy as an "associated state" within the French Union. France remained in de facto control until 22 October 1953, when Laos gained full independence as a constitutional monarchy.<ref name=bbc>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-15355605|title=Laos profile|date=9 January 2018|access-date=26 April 2019|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308064338/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-15355605|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="britannica">{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/330219/Laos/52500/People?anchor=ref509292 |title=Laos – Overview |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=23 January 2011 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511175031/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/330219/Laos/52500/People?anchor=ref509292 |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Independence, and communist state === {{Main|History of Laos since 1945|3 = Laotian Civil War}}
[[File:FrenchLaos1953.png|thumb|French general Raoul Salan and Prince Sisavang Vatthana in Luang Prabang, 4 May 1953]] The First Indochina War took place across French Indochina and eventually led to French defeat and the signing of a peace accord for Laos at the Geneva Conference of 1954. In 1960, amidst a series of rebellions in the Kingdom of Laos, fighting broke out between the Royal Lao Army (RLA) and the communist Pathet Lao, a group allied with North Vietnam and the Soviet Union. A second Provisional Government of National Unity formed by Prince Souvanna Phouma in 1962 was unsuccessful, and the situation turned into civil war between the Royal Laotian government and the Pathet Lao. The Pathet Lao guerillas were backed militarily by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and the Viet Cong.<ref name="bbc" /><ref name="britannica" />
Laos was a part of the Vietnam War since parts of Laos were invaded and occupied by North Vietnam since 1958 for use as a supply route for its war against South Vietnam. In response, the United States initiated an aerial bombing campaign against the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) positions, supported regular and irregular anti-communist forces in Laos, and supported incursions into Laos by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam.<ref name="bbc2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-15355605|title=Laos profile|date=9 January 2018|access-date=26 April 2019|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308064338/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-15355605|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="britannica2">{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/330219/Laos/52500/People?anchor=ref509292 |title=Laos – Overview |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=23 January 2011 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511175031/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/330219/Laos/52500/People?anchor=ref509292 |url-status=live}}</ref> Aerial bombardments against the PAVN/Pathet Lao forces were carried out to prevent the collapse of the Kingdom of Laos central government, and to deny them use of the Ho Chi Minh Trail to attack US forces in South Vietnam.<ref name="bbc2" />[[File:Muang Khoun - Laos - 01.JPG|thumb|right|Ruins of Muang Khoun, former capital of Xiangkhouang province, destroyed by the American bombing of Laos in the 1960s]]Between 1964 and 1973, the US dropped more than 2 million tons of bombs on Laos, more than all the bombs dropped during World War II combined (American bombers dropped 2.1 million tons of bombs on Europe and Asia during all of World War II).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rotondi |first=Jessica P. |date=December 5, 2019 |orig-date=Last Updated: May 28, 2025. |title=Why Laos Has Been Bombed More Than Any Other Country |url=https://www.history.com/articles/laos-most-bombed-country-vietnam-war |url-status=live |access-date=29 May 2026 |website=History.com}}</ref> This made Laos the most heavily bombed country in history relative to the size of its population; ''The New York Times'' notes this was "nearly a ton for every person in Laos".<ref>{{cite web|author-link1=Ben Kiernan|last1=Kiernan|first1=Ben|last2=Owen|first2=Taylor|url=http://apjjf.org/2015/13/16/Ben-Kiernan/4313.html|title=Making More Enemies than We Kill? Calculating U.S. Bomb Tonnages Dropped on Laos and Cambodia, and Weighing Their Implications|work=The Asia-Pacific Journal|date=26 April 2015|access-date=18 September 2016|archive-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301041322/http://apjjf.org/2015/13/16/Ben-Kiernan/4313.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Some 80 million bombs failed to explode and remain scattered throughout the country. Unexploded ordnance (UXO), including cluster munitions and mines, kill or maim approximately 50 people every year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wright|first=Rebecca|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/05/asia/united-states-laos-secret-war/|title='My friends were afraid of me': What 80 million unexploded US bombs did to Laos|work=CNN|date=6 September 2016|access-date=18 September 2016|archive-date=17 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117203916/https://www.cnn.com/2016/09/05/asia/united-states-laos-secret-war/|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to the impact of cluster bombs during this war, Laos was an advocate of the Convention on Cluster Munitions to ban the weapons and was host to the First Meeting of States Parties to the convention in November 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Disarmament|url=http://www.unog.ch/80256EE600585943/(httpPages)/B3F3E37A2838630FC125772E0050F4F7?OpenDocument|work=The United Nations Office at Geneva|publisher=United Nations|access-date=20 September 2013|date=November 2011|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060643/http://www.unog.ch/80256EE600585943/(httpPages)/B3F3E37A2838630FC125772E0050F4F7?OpenDocument|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Vientianne1973.jpg|thumb|Pathet Lao soldiers in Vientiane, 1973]]
In 1975, the Pathet Lao overthrew the royalist government, forcing King Savang Vatthana to abdicate on 2 December 1975. He later died in a re-education camp. Between 20,000 and 62,000 Laotians died during the civil war.<ref name=bbc /><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Obermeyer|first1=Ziad|last2=Murray|first2=Christopher J. L.|last3=Gakidou|first3=Emmanuela|year=2008|title=Fifty years of violent war deaths from Vietnam to Bosnia: analysis of data from the world health survey programme|journal=BMJ|volume=336|issue=7659|pages=1482–1486|doi=10.1136/bmj.a137|pmid=18566045|pmc=2440905}} See Table 3.</ref> On 2 December 1975, after taking control of the country, the Pathet Lao government under Kaysone Phomvihane renamed the country as the ''Lao People's Democratic Republic''; the government signed agreements giving Vietnam the right to station armed forces and to appoint advisers to assist in overseeing the country. The ties between Laos and Vietnam were formalised via a treaty signed in 1977, which has since provided direction for Laotian foreign policy, and provides the basis for Vietnamese involvement in Laotian political and economic life.<ref name=bbc /><ref name="Martin Stuart-Fox">{{Cite journal |last=Stuart-Fox |first=Martin |date=1980 |title=LAOS: The Vietnamese Connection |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27908403 |journal=Southeast Asian Affairs |pages=191–209 |article-number=SEAA80n |doi=10.1355/SEAA80N |jstor=27908403 |issn=0377-5437 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013074847/https://www.jstor.org/stable/27908403?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents |archive-date=13 October 2021}}</ref> In 1979, Laos was requested by Vietnam to end relations with the People's Republic of China; this led to isolation in trade by China, the United States, and other countries.<ref name="DamienKingsbury">{{Cite book |last=Kingsbury |first=Damien |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8CQlDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA50 |title=Politics in Contemporary Southeast Asia: Authority, Democracy and Political Change |date=2016-09-13 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-317-49628-1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410140218/https://books.google.com/books?id=8CQlDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA50 |archive-date=10 April 2023}}</ref> In 1979, there were 50,000 PAVN troops stationed in Laos and as many as 6,000 civilian Vietnamese officials including 1,000 directly attached to the ministries in Vientiane.<ref name="Savada">Savada, Andrea M. (1995). ''[http://www.public-library.uk/dailyebook/Laos%20-%20a%20country%20study.pdf Laos: a country study] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419183125/http://www.public-library.uk/dailyebook/Laos%20-%20a%20country%20study.pdf |date=19 April 2018}}''. Federal Research Division, Library of Congress, p. 271. {{ISBN|0-8444-0832-8}}</ref><ref name="Prayaga">Prayaga, M. (2005). ''[http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/103010/8/08_chapter-iv.pdf Renovation in Vietnam since 1988 a study in political, economic and social change] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419122734/http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/103010/8/08_chapter-iv.pdf |date=19 April 2018}} (PhD thesis''). Sri Venkateswara University. Chapter IV: The Metamorphosed Foreign Relations, pg. 154.</ref>
The conflict between Hmong rebels and Laos continued in areas of Laos, including in Saysaboune Closed Military Zone, Xaisamboune Closed Military Zone near Vientiane Province and Xiangkhouang Province.<ref>[https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2770.htm Laos (04/09)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024185208/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2770.htm |date=24 October 2020}}. U.S. Department of State.{{failed verification|date=January 2021}}</ref> In 1977, a communist newspaper promised the party would hunt down the "American collaborators" and their families "to the last root".<ref name="timesonline2006">{{cite news |url = https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/france/paris/no-way-out-hczwmj77xln |work = The Times |date = 30 July 2006 |title = No way out |location = London |access-date = 14 November 2022 |archive-date = 12 November 2022 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20221112154909/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/no-way-out-hczwmj77xln|url-status = live}}</ref> As many as 200,000 Hmong went into exile in Thailand, with some ending up in the US. Other Hmong fighters hid out in mountains in Xiangkhouang Province for years, with a remnant emerging from the jungle in 2003.<ref name="timesonline2006" />
==Politics== {{Main|Politics of Laos}}
The LPDR is a unitary<ref>{{cite web |title=Intergovernmental Profile: Laos |publisher=decentralization.net |url=https://decentralization.net/countries/laos/ |quote=Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is a unitary republic located in South East Asia.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC |publisher=sng-wofi.net |url=https://www.sng-wofi.org/country_profiles/lao_peoples_democratic_republic.html |quote=Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is a unitary and socialist republic.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Laos summary |publisher=Britannica.com |url=https://www.britannica.com/summary/Laos |quote=It is a unitary single-party people’s republic with one legislative house; its head of state is the president, and its head of government is the prime minister.}}</ref> communist state that self-designates as a people's democratic state,{{sfnm|1a1=Brown|1y=1982|1p=30|2a1=Norindr|2y=1982|2pp=39 & 44|3a1=Gunn|3y=1998|3p=120|4a1=Pholsena|4y=2006|4pp=91 & 142|5a1=Bestari|5a2=Mongcopa|5a3=Samson|5a4=Ward|5y=2006|5p=2|6a1=High|6y=2014|6pp=169–170|7a1=Rehbein|7y=2019|7p=168|8a1=Son|8y=2020|8pp=119–120|9a1=Central Intelligence Agency|9y=2025}} meaning that it officially tries to transition the country from capitalism to socialism, before commencing to transition from socialism to communism.{{sfnm|1a1=Norindr|1y=1982|1pp=50−51|2a1=Stuart-Fox|2y=1997|2pp=201−202|3a1=Pholsena|3y=2006|3p=5|4a1=Bestari|4a2=Mongcopa|4a3=Samson|4a4=Ward|4y=2006|4p=2|5a1=High|5y=2014|5p=91|6a1=Chang|6a2=Thio|6a3=Tan|6a4=Yeh|6y=2014|6pp=173−174|7a1=Son|7y=2020|7p=232}} In ''The Economist'''s ''Democracy Index 2016'', Laos was classified as an "authoritarian regime", ranking lowest of the 9 ASEAN nations included in the study.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cigaral |first1=Ian Nicolas |title=In charts: How the Philippines fares in Southeast Asia |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/11/11/1757872/charts-how-philippines-fares-southeast-asia |access-date=12 November 2017 |work=The Philippine Star |date=11 November 2017 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308104435/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/11/11/1757872/charts-how-philippines-fares-southeast-asia |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Democracy Index 2016 |url=https://www.eiu.com/topic/democracy-index |access-date=12 November 2017 |work=The Economist Intelligence Unit |date=2017 |archive-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024223940/http://www.eiu.com/topic/democracy-index |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Lao People's Revolutionary Party's leading role in the political system=== [[File:Flag of LPRP.svg|thumb|Flag of the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party]] The Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) is the founding and ruling party of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The leading role of the LPRP over the political system is enshrined in the constitution by stating that "The rights of the multi-ethnic people to be the masters of the country are exercised and ensured through the functioning of the political system with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party as its leading nucleus."{{sfnm|1a1=Son|1y=2020|1pp=211 & 233}} All Laotian state organs operate under the leadership of the LPRP; because of the party's organizational principle of democratic centralism, all party members in state organs are required to implement the decisions of the Central Committee of the LPRP. The party establishes party groups within state organs, which the LPRP Central Committee supervises through its Secretariat and the Organisation Commission.{{sfnm|1a1=Soukamneuth|1y=2006|1p=54|2a1=Creak|2a2=Sayalath|2y=2017|2p=181|3a1=Punya|3y=2019|3p=58|4a1=Croissant|4y=2022|4p=120}}
The highest organ of the LPRP is the party congress, which meets at least every fifth year.{{sfnm|1a1=Soukamneuth|1y=2006|1p=54|2a1=Creak|2a2=Sayalath|2y=2017|2p=179}} It elects the members and candidates of the LPRP Central Committee.{{sfnm|1a1=Punya|1y=2019|1p=58}} At its first session after a party congress, the LPRP Central Committee elects its central leading organs: the Politburo, the Secretariat, the Inspection Commission, and the Defence and Public Security Commission (DPSC).{{sfnm|1a1=Stuart-Fox|1y=2002|1p=309|2a1=Soukamneuth|2y=2006|2p=54|3a1=Punya|3y=2019|3p=98}} It also elects the party leader, the general secretary of the LPRP Central Committee.{{sfnm|1a1=Soukamneuth|1y=2006|1p=54}} The general secretary leads the work of the Politburo while concurrently serving as chairman of the DPSC. He co-leads the Secretariat with the Permanent Member of the LPRP Secretariat.{{sfnm|1a1=Stuart-Fox|1y=2002|1p=309|2a1=Soukamneuth|2y=2006|2p=55}} These organs are delegated specific powers of the Central Committee when the latter is not in session; the Politburo is the party's highest decision-making organ when the Central Committee, the Conference, and the Congress are not in session.{{sfnm|1a1=Punya|1y=2019|1p=98}} The party heads are elected by a session of the LPRP Central Committee.{{sfnm|1a1=''Vientiane Times''|1y=2026}}
The LPRP, as the leading force of the political system, has a legal monopoly on state power.{{sfn|Son|2020|p=211}} According to scholar Martin Stuart-Fox, the LPRP's control is cemented by populating every state organ, bureaucracy, transmission belt mass organization, and the Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF) with party members.{{sfnm|1a1=Stuart-Fox|1y=2002|1p=309|2a1=Son|2y=2020|2p=232}} The LPAF is tasked by the state constitution to defend the gains of the revolution. The LPRP's statute states that political leadership over the military and other security forces is in the hands of the LPRP DPSC, which maintains direct, united, and full control of the LPAF.{{sfnm|1a1=Stuart-Fox|1y=2002|1p=309}}
===National Assembly's unified state power=== [[File:National Assembly of Laos (11888085666).jpg|thumb|right|The seat of the National Assembly of Laos, the supreme state organ of power.]] The National Assembly is the Laotian supreme state organ of power and formally holds the unified powers of the state. It is the only state organ that can adopt or amend the country's communist state constitution, which was adopted on 14 August 1991.{{sfnm|1a1=Son|1y=2020|1pp=218 & 238|2a1=''Vientiane Times''|2y=2025|3a1=Visapra|3y=2025}} The National Assembly is officially considered the embodiment of popular sovereignty since it is elected through elections in which candidates are vetted by the National Election Committee. The LPRP, state organs, the Lao Front for National Development as the largest transmission belt mass organization in the country, and other transmission belt mass organizations are allowed to nominate candidates to the National Election Committee, which can either approve or reject them.{{sfnm|1a1=Son|1y=2019|1pp=766–767|2a1=International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance|2y=2025}}
The National Assembly is not a permanent organ, and in between its sessions, it is led by its permanent organ, the Standing Committee. As the state's highest organ, all other state organs are inferior to the National Assembly and accountable to it per democratic centralism since, according to the constitution, "The National Assembly, the Local People's Assemblies and other state organisations are established and function in accordance with the principle of democratic centralism."{{sfnm|1a1=Son|1y=2020|1p=234}} As a result, the National Assembly establishes all other state organs that make up the unified state apparatus per the division of labour of state organs. The Laotian constitution has created the following hierarchy of state organs: the National Assembly as the highest, followed by the president of Laos, the government of Laos, the system of people's councils and their governments, the People's Supreme Court, the People's Supreme Procuratorate, the State Inspection Authority, the State Audit Organisation, and the National Election Committee. All these organs are, in theory, accountable to the National Assembly.{{sfnm|1a1=Son|1y=2020|1pp=766–770|2a1=''Vientiane Times''|2y=2025|3a1=''Vientiane Times''|3y=2021}}
The National Assembly and its Standing Committee are headed by a chair and vice chairs. The chair concurrently serves ''ex officio'' as a member of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, the LPRP Central Committee, and the LPRP Politburo. The National Assembly is empowered to adopt and amend laws and legislation. It can decide whether Laos should approve, withdraw, or cancel international treaties. The National Assembly is responsible for adopting a five-year work plan for itself and for all inferior state organs. It can rescind legislation issued by other state organs if it conflicts with adopted laws or the constitution. The National Assembly also adopts a five-year plan for economic development, known as the National Socio-Economic Development Plan, and a state budget plan. It has the right to hold individuals it elects or appoints to state organs accountable for their work and to check whether these individuals are implementing the policies adopted by the National Assembly. Since it is not in permanent session, the National Assembly delegates some of its powers to its Standing Committee under the constitution, and it can delegate specific powers through a majority vote at one of its sessions. All inferior state organs and the Lao Front for National Development can propose legislation and amendments to the constitution to the National Assembly.{{sfnm|1a1=Kitcharoen|1y=2019}}
{{multiple image | align = right | total_width = 320 | image1 = Thongloun Sisoulith (2019-05-30).jpg | alt1 = Thongloun Sisoulith | caption1 = Thongloun Sisoulith,<br />LPRP general secretary and president since 2021 | image2 = Sonexay Siphandone (2023) (cropped).jpg | alt2 = Sonexay Siphandone | caption2 = Sonexay Siphandone,<br />prime minister since 2022 }}
The president is the Laotian head of state, and the officeholder concurrently serves as the LPRP general secretary. The officeholder is bound by a term limit of two consecutive electoral terms.{{sfnm|1a1=Son|1y=2020|1p=768}} The officeholder is empowered to promulgate the constitution and law, issue presidential edicts and decrees, convene and preside over special sessions of the government, and attend sessions of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly if deemed necessary. The president can instigate the appointment, reassignment, and removal of deputy prime ministers and members of the government, the vice president of the People's Supreme Court and the Deputy People's Supreme Procurator, the vice president of the State Audit Organisation, and the vice president of the State Inspection Authority on the approval of the National Assembly. Should the president be incapacitated, the vice president takes over their duties.{{sfnm|1a1=Kitcharoen|1y=2019}}
The Laotian government is the supreme executive and administrative organ of state power and is headed by the prime minister, who serves as head of government. The prime minister is elected by the National Assembly on the president's recommendation. Neither the prime minister nor any member of the government may serve more than two electoral terms.{{sfnm|1a1=Son|1y=2020|1p=768}} The members of the government are dually responsible to the president and the National Assembly, and can be removed by the National Assembly through a vote of no confidence.{{sfnm|1a1=Son|1y=2020|1pp=768–769}} The government is responsible for leading state economic policy and administering the Laotian state on behalf of the National Assembly and the LPRP.{{sfnm|1a1=Kitcharoen|1y=2019}}
The National Assembly heads the system of people's councils, the system of state organs of power, that controls the state apparatus at lower levels, and these lower-level people's councils elect the people's governments at their corresponding level. People's councils exist at the provincial, district, and village levels. Their powers mirror those of the National Assembly in their own jurisdiction. The people's governments at the provincial, district, and village levels are elected by the people's councils, and are accountable to them and the government as the supreme executive and administrative organ of state power.{{sfnm|1a1=Kitcharoen|1y=2019}}
Laos has two judicial organs: the People's Supreme Court (PSC), the supreme judicial organ, and the People's Supreme Procuratorate (PSP), the supreme procuratorial organ. Both are considered political organs because they implement the political line adopted by the National Assembly, which operates under the LPRP's leadership. The PSC is solely focused on adjudication. It heads the unified system of judicial organs and leads nationwide judicial work. The PSP monitors the implementation of the constitution and laws in all state organs and society at large. It is also empowered to initiate investigations against suspected wrongdoers and file cases against defendants in court.{{sfnm|1a1=Kitcharoen|1y=2019}}
Auditing and anti-corruption work are the responsibility of the State Audit Organisation (SAO), the supreme auditing organ, and the State Inspection Authority (SIA), the supreme supervisory organ. SAO is tasked with conducting an audit of the use of the state budget, finances, and use of state assets. It is responsible for auditing all state organs, transmission belt mass organisations, and organisations financed by the state budget, state funds, or state assets. The SAO president is responsible to the National Assembly and its permanent organ, and the prime minister.{{sfnm|1a1=Kitcharoen|1y=2019}} The SIA leads anti-corruption work in all state organisations and organisations financed from the state budget, state funds, and state assets.{{sfnm|1a1=Vaenkeo|1y=2021}}
The National Election Committee (NEC) is a non-permanent organ elected by the National Assembly. It is responsible for organising the elections of the people's councils and the National Assembly. The NEC sets the date of election day, which is promulgated through a presidential decree. It is also responsible for disseminating information about the elections to the public. The NEC also plans the composition of the National Assembly. For the 2026 elections, for example, it set a target that at least 30% of elected members were to be female.{{sfnm|1a1=Lao News Agency|1y=2025|2a1=Volakhoun|2y=2025}}
===Foreign relations=== {{main|Foreign relations of Laos}}
[[File:Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ASEAN heads of state and government at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.jpg|thumb|Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ASEAN heads of state in New Delhi on 25 January 2018]] The foreign relations of Laos after the takeover by the Pathet Lao in December 1975 were characterised by a hostile posture toward the West, with the government of the LPDR aligning itself with the Soviet Bloc, maintaining ties with the Soviet Union<ref>{{Cite web |title=Laos economy set for impressive recovery |url=https://ge63.com/laos-economy |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=GE63 |date=11 April 2023 |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411140612/https://ge63.com/laos-economy |url-status=live}}</ref> and depending on the Soviets for most of its foreign assistance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-7857.html|title=Laos – Foreign Aid|access-date=26 October 2020|archive-date=30 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430074145/http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-7857.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Laos's emergence from international isolation has been marked through expanded relations with other countries including Russia, China, Thailand, Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan and Switzerland.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://oec.world/en/profile/country/lao/|title=OEC – Laos (LAO) Exports, Imports, and Trade Partners|website=oec.world|access-date=30 September 2019|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413192130/https://oec.world/en/profile/country/lao|url-status=live}}</ref> Trade relations with the United States were normalised in November 2004 through Congress approved legislation.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Lum|first=Thomas|date=5 February 2007|title=Laos: Background and U.S. Relations|url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS20931.pdf|journal=CRS Report for Congress|access-date=18 March 2026|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308134615/https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS20931.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Laos was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July 1997 and acceded to the World Trade Organization in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.export.gov/article?id=Laos-Trade-Agreements|title=Laos – Trade Agreements |website=export.gov|access-date=23 May 2019|archive-date=10 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410142811/https://www.trade.gov/export-solutions|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, it attended the inaugural East Asia Summit.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-asia-summit-east-qa-idUSTRE59N0I020091024|title=Q+A – What is the East Asia Summit all about?|date=24 October 2009|work=Reuters|access-date=30 September 2019|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308143504/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-asia-summit-east-qa-idUSTRE59N0I020091024|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Human rights=== {{Main|Human rights in Laos}}
Ostensibly, the Constitution of Laos that was promulgated in 1991 and amended in 2003 contains safeguards for human rights. For example, Article 8 states that Laos is a multinational state and is committed to equality between ethnic groups. The constitution contains provisions for gender equality, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of press and assembly.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Laos Constitution |url=https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Laos_2003.pdf?lang=en |access-date=25 November 2020 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225112920/https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Laos_2003.pdf?lang=en |url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 September 2009, Laos ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, nine years after signing the treaty. The stated policy objectives of the Laotian government and international donors remain focused upon achieving sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldbank.org/lao |title=Lao PDR |publisher=World Bank |date=14 July 2011 |access-date=24 July 2011 |archive-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220084200/http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/lao |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Constitution of the Lao PDR |url=https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Laos_2003.pdf?lang=en |access-date=25 November 2020 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225112920/https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Laos_2003.pdf?lang=en |url-status=live}}</ref>
An organisation raised concerns in relation to freedom of expression, prison conditions, restrictions on freedom of religions, protection of refugees and asylum-seekers, and the death penalty.<ref name="Amnesty International">{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa26/003/2009/en/ |author=Amnesty International |date=May 2010 |title=Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review: Eighth session of the UPR Working Group of the Human Rights Council |access-date=20 November 2018 |archive-date=30 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130202121/https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa26/003/2009/en/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Laos has been cited as an origin country for human trafficking.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://un-act.org/lao-pdr/ |title=LAO PDR UN ACT |website=UN ACT |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729200446/http://un-act.org/lao-pdr/}}</ref> A number of citizens have been victims of sex trafficking in Laos.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.thanhniennews.com/society/two-teenagers-rescued-from-forced-prostitution-in-laos-33562.html |title=Two teenagers rescued from forced prostitution in Laos |date=4 November 2014 |website=Thanh Nien News |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224124915/http://m.thanhniennews.com/society/two-teenagers-rescued-from-forced-prostitution-in-laos-33562.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/trafficking-10142010182720.html |title=Trafficking Racket Smashed |date=14 October 2010 |website=Radio Free Asia |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-date=4 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404152404/https://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/trafficking-10142010182720.html/ampRFA |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f9cad113.html |title=Chinese marriage proposals become prostitution nightmares for some Lao girls |date=13 February 2017 |website=Radio Free Asia |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308171553/https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f9cad113.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The Laotian government sometimes controls media channels to prevent critique of its actions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Laos: Crony scheme in control of press and civil society |url=http://www.indexoncensorship.org/2014/05/laos-crony-scheme-control-press-civil-society/ |website=index on censorship |date=12 May 2014 |access-date=11 July 2019 |archive-date=3 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303175155/https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2014/05/laos-crony-scheme-control-press-civil-society/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Citizens who have criticised the government have been subjected to enforced disappearances, arrests and torture.<ref name="state">{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2012/eap/204213.htm|title=2012 Human Rights Reports: Laos|publisher=State.gov|access-date=9 August 2014|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624001945/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2012/eap/204213.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="atimes">{{cite news|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NB22Ae01.html|title=Off the air in Laos|work=Asia Times Online|access-date=9 August 2014|archive-date=29 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329180831/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NB22Ae01.html|url-status=unfit}}</ref>
== Economy == {{Main|Economy of Laos}}
thumb|GDP per capita development in Laos Pakse has experienced growth based on cross-border trade with Thailand and Vietnam. In 2009, the Obama administration in the US declared Laos was no longer a communist state and lifted bans on Laotian companies receiving financing from the US Export-Import Bank.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fuller |first=Thomas |date=2009-09-17 |title=Communism and Capitalism Are Mixing in Laos |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/18/world/asia/18laos.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308122542/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/18/world/asia/18laos.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=2025-05-16 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=USA: Obama promotes Laos e Cambogia|url=https://www.lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it/news/mondo/106182/usa-obama-promuove-laos-e-cambogia.html|access-date=1 June 2019|work=La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308215939/https://www.lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it/news/mondo/106182/usa-obama-promuove-laos-e-cambogia.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, China was the biggest foreign investor in the Laotian economy, having invested US$5.395 billion since 1989, according to the Laos Ministry of Planning and Investment's 1989–2014 report. Thailand (invested US$4.489 billion) and Vietnam (invested US$3.108 billion) are the second and third largest investors respectively.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://asiatimes.com/article/china-top-foreign-investor-behind-laos-fast-growth/|title=Out of obscurity|last=Lowe|first=Sandra|date=10 December 2016|work=Asia Times|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-date=13 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013074849/https://asiatimes.com/2016/12/china-top-foreign-investor-behind-laos-fast-growth/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Subsistence agriculture accounts for half of the GDP and provides 80% of employment. 4% of the country is arable land and 0.3% used as permanent crop land,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2097.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219174755/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2097.html |archive-date=19 December 2018 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=www.cia.gov}}</ref> the lowest percentage in the Greater Mekong Subregion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-11-17 |title=About Greater Mekong Subregion |publisher=Asian Development Bank |url=http://beta.adb.org/countries/gms/main |access-date=2025-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117130328/http://beta.adb.org/countries/gms/main |archive-date=2011-11-17}}</ref> The irrigated areas account for 28% of the total area under cultivation which, in turn, represents 12% of all of the agricultural land in 2012.<ref>Kyophilavong, Phouphet, et al. "Effects of AFTA on poverty: Evidence from Laos." ''Journal of Economic Integration'' (2016): 353–376.</ref> Rice dominates agriculture, with about 80% of the arable land area used for growing rice.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070628094304/http://www.irri.org/donors/SDC/pdfs/RiceFabricOf%20LifeInLaos.pdf Rice: The Fabric of Life in Laos]. Lao_IRRI Project</ref> Approximately 77% of Laotian farm households are self-sufficient in rice.<ref>Barclay, Adam and Shrestha, Samjhana (April–June 2006) [https://web.archive.org/web/20061012050925/http://www.irri.org/publications/today/pdfs/5-2/22-27.pdf "Genuinely Lao"], ''Rice Today''.</ref>
Laos imports petroleum and gas. Metallurgy is an industry, and the government hopes to attract foreign investment to develop the deposits of coal, gold, bauxite, tin, copper, and other metals. The mining industry of Laos has received attention with foreign direct investments. More than 540 mineral deposits of gold, copper, zinc, lead and other minerals have been identified, explored and mined.<ref name="Kyophilvong">{{Cite web|last=Kyophilvong|first=Phouphet|title=Mining Sector in Laos|url=http://www.ide.go.jp/English/Publish/Download/Brc/pdf/02_ch3.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106165900/http://www.ide.go.jp/English/Publish/Download/Brc/pdf/02_ch3.pdf|archive-date=6 January 2013|access-date=29 November 2015|publisher=Institute of Developing Economies|page=69}}</ref> The country's water resources and mountainous terrain enable it to produce and export quantities of hydroelectric energy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vakulchuk |first=Roman |last2=Chan |first2=Hoy-Yen |last3=Kresnawan |first3=Muhammad Rizki |last4=Merdekawati |first4=Monika |last5=Overland |first5=Indra |last6=Sagbakken |first6=Haakon Fossum |last7=Suryadi |first7=Ben |last8=Utama |first8=Nuki Agya |last9=Yurnaidi |first9=Zulfikar |date=June 2020 |title=Lao PDR: How to Attract More Investment in Small-Scale Renewable Energy? |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341793965_Lao_PDR_How_to_Attract_More_Investment_in_Small-Scale_Renewable_Energy |access-date=21 April 2026 |website=ResearchGate |series=No. 07 / 2020 |type=PDF |doi=10.13140/RG.2.2.31192.72966}}</ref> Of the potential capacity of approximately 18,000 megawatts, around 8,000 megawatts have been committed for export to Thailand and Vietnam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adb.org/Documents/TARs/LAO/40514-LAO-TAR.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515093014/http://www.adb.org/Documents/TARs/LAO/40514-LAO-TAR.pdf |archive-date=15 May 2011 |title=Preparing the Cumulative Impact Assessment for the Nam Ngum 3 Hydropower Project: Financed by the Japan Special Fund |access-date=27 June 2010}}</ref> As of 2021, Laos continues to rely on fossil fuels, coal in particular, in domestic electricity production.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Overland |first1=Indra |last2=Sagbakken |first2=Haakon Fossum |last3=Chan |first3=Hoy-Yen |last4=Merdekawati |first4=Monika |last5=Suryadi |first5=Beni |last6=Utama |first6=Nuki Agya |last7=Vakulchuk |first7=Roman |title=The ASEAN climate and energy paradox |journal=Energy and Climate Change |date=December 2021 |volume=2 |article-number=100019 |doi=10.1016/j.egycc.2020.100019 |hdl=11250/2734506 |hdl-access=free}}</ref> In 2018, the country ranked 139th on the Human Development Index (HDI), indicating medium development.<ref name="UNDP">{{cite web|url=http://hdr.undp.org/sites/all/themes/hdr_theme/country-notes/LAO.pdf|title=Briefing note for countries on the 2015 Human Development Report – Laos|publisher=HDRO (Human Development Report Office) United Nations Development Programme|access-date=26 December 2015|archive-date=1 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101054812/http://hdr.undp.org/sites/all/themes/hdr_theme/country-notes/LAO.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the Global Hunger Index (2018), Laos ranks as the 36th hungriest nation in the world out of the list of the 52 nations with the worst hunger situation(s).<ref>[http://ghi.ifpri.org/ 2015 Global Hunger Index] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831100148/http://ghi.ifpri.org/ |date=31 August 2018}}, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)</ref> In 2019, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights conducted an official visit to Laos and found that the country's top-down approach to economic growth and poverty alleviation "is all too often counterproductive, leading to impoverishment and jeopardizing the rights of the poor and marginalized."<ref name="OHCHR March 2019">{{cite web|last1=Alston|first1=Philip|author-link1=Philip Alston|title=UN expert: Lao PDR's economic strategy entrenches poverty|url=https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24416&LangID=E|publisher=Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights|access-date=11 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611154553/https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24416&LangID=E|archive-date=11 June 2019|location=Vientiane|date=28 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
A product, Beerlao, was exported in 2017 to more than 20 countries worldwide. It is produced by the Lao Brewery Company.<ref>{{cite web|date=14 August 2017|title=The Heart of ASEAN sets pulses racing|url=https://panoramagroup.com/reports/2017_Laos_report.pdf|access-date=2 August 2020|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923155211/https://panoramagroup.com/reports/2017_Laos_report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Tourism === {{Main|Tourism in Laos}}
[[File:ViewFromWatPhu.JPG|thumb|Near the sanctuary on the upper level of Vat Phou, looking back towards the Mekong River ]]
The tourism sector has grown from 80,000 international visitors in 1990, to 1.876 million in 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wttc.org/research/economic-data-search-tool/ |title=International visitor data |publisher=World Travel & Tourism Council |access-date=20 January 2011 |archive-date=2 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702142820/http://wttc.org/research/economic-data-search-tool/ |url-status=live}}</ref> when tourism had been expected to rise to US$1.5857 billion by 2020. In 2010, 1 in every 11 jobs was in the tourism sector. Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are expected to generate 16% of total exports or US$270.3 million in 2010, growing in nominal terms to US$484.2 million (12.5% of the total) in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wttc.org/eng/Tourism_Research/Economic_Research/Country_Reports/Laos/|title=Laos – Key Facts|publisher=World Travel & Tourism Council|access-date=20 January 2011|archive-date=11 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511074239/http://www.wttc.org/eng/Tourism_Research/Economic_Research/Country_Reports/Laos/}}</ref> The European Council on Trade and Tourism awarded the country the "World Best Tourist Destination" designation for 2013 for architecture and history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE DELEGATION VISIT TO LAOS-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION |url=http://ectt.webs.com/apps/blog/show/26368358-european-council-on-tourism-and-trade-delegation-visit-to-laos-world-best-tourist-destination |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928103822/https://ectt.webs.com/apps/blog/show/26368358-european-council-on-tourism-and-trade-delegation-visit-to-laos-world-best-tourist-destination |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2024, tourist numbers topped 5 million, contributing over US$1 billion to the economy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sitthixay |first=Phonethida |date=2024-11-19 |title=Laos Welcomes Over Five Million Tourists in 2024, Generating Over USD 1 Billion |url=https://laotiantimes.com/2024/11/19/laos-welcomes-over-five-million-tourists-in-2024-generating-over-usd-1-billion/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Laotian Times}}</ref>
The Laotian National Tourism Administration, related government agencies and the private sector are working together to realise the vision put forth in the country's National Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan. This includes decreasing the environmental and cultural impact of tourism; increasing awareness in the importance of ethnic groups and biological diversity; providing a source of income to conserve, sustain and manage the Laotian protected area network and cultural heritage sites; and emphasising the need for tourism zoning and management plans for sites that will be developed as ecotourism destinations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecotourismlaos.com/laoecotourism.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122030330/http://ecotourismlaos.com/laoecotourism.htm|archive-date=22 November 2010|title=The Lao People's Democratic Republic's Vision for Ecotourism |access-date=20 January 2014}}</ref>
=== Transportation === {{Main|Transport in Laos|Telecommunications in Laos}}
thumb|Rivers are a means of transport in Laos. Laos's first railway line, a 3-km long metre-gauge railway that connects southern Vientiane to Thailand, opened in 2009. In December 2021, the 422-km long Boten–Vientiane railway that runs from the capital Vientiane to Boten at the northern border with China, built as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, was opened.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/11/chinas-bri-and-its-high-speed-railways-to-nowhere/#:~:text=Announced%20in%202015%2C%20a%20414,operational%20some%20time%20in%202022.|title=China's BRI and its High-Speed Railways to Nowhere|access-date=21 January 2021|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520133519/https://thediplomat.com/2020/11/chinas-bri-and-its-high-speed-railways-to-nowhere/#:~:text=Announced%20in%202015%2C%20a%20414,operational%20some%20time%20in%202022.|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=21 December 2021 |title=The Completed China-Laos Railway |url=https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/the-completed-china-laos-railway/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512130726/https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/the-completed-china-laos-railway/ |archive-date=12 May 2022 |access-date=18 May 2022 |website=ASEAN Business News}}</ref>
There is external and internal telecommunication. 93% of households have a telephone, either fixed line or mobile.<ref name="LSIS-II" />{{RP|8}} Electricity is available to 93% of the population.<ref name="LSIS-II" />{{RP|8}}
=== Water supply === {{Main|Water supply and sanitation in Laos}}
According to the World Bank data conducted in 2014, Laos has met the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets on water and sanitation regarding the UNICEF/WHO Joint Monitoring Programme. As of 2018, there are approximately 1.9 million of Lao's population who could not access an improved water supply and 2.4 million people without access to improved sanitation.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/295731467999376153/pdf/100892-WSP-P131116-AUTHOR-Susanna-Smets-Box393244B-PUBLIC-WSP-SERIES-WSP-LaoPDR-WSS-Turning-Finance-into-Service-for-the-Future.pdf|title=Water Supply and Sanitation in Lao PDR|website=worldbank.org|access-date=10 December 2018|archive-date=20 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820000057/http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/295731467999376153/pdf/100892-WSP-P131116-AUTHOR-Susanna-Smets-Box393244B-PUBLIC-WSP-SERIES-WSP-LaoPDR-WSS-Turning-Finance-into-Service-for-the-Future.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
Laos has made progress increasing access to sanitation.<ref name="ODI1">{{Cite web |title=Lao PDR's progress in rural sanitation {{!}} Development Progress |url=http://www.developmentprogress.org/progress-stories/lao-pdrs-progress-rural-sanitation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915164756/http://www.developmentprogress.org/progress-stories/lao-pdrs-progress-rural-sanitation |archive-date=15 September 2013 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=www.developmentprogress.org |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1990 8% of the rural population had access to improved sanitation.<ref name="ODI1"/> Access rose from 10% in 1995 to 38% in 2008. Between 1995 and 2008, approximately 1,232,900 more people had access to improved sanitation in rural areas.<ref name="ODI1"/> The authorities in Laos have developed an innovative regulatory framework for public–private partnership contracts signed with enterprises, in parallel with more conventional regulation of state-owned water enterprises.<ref>{{cite web|author=Laponche, Bernard|display-authors=etal|year=2008|title=Focales n° 8. Energy Efficiency Retrofitting of Buildings – Challenges and Methods|url=http://www.afd.fr/lang/en/home/publications/travaux-de-recherche/publications-scientifiques/focales|access-date=17 February 2011|publisher=afd.fr|format=PDF|archive-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809195444/http://www.afd.fr/lang/en/home/publications/travaux-de-recherche/publications-scientifiques/focales|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Demographics == {{Main|Demographics of Laos}}
[[Image:Laos-demography.png|thumb|300px|right|Population graph of Laos, number of inhabitants in millions between 1800 and 2021 (Our World in Data data, 2022)]] The population of Laos in 2024 is estimated to be 7,769,819, with an approximately even distribution of females and males (49.8% female).<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Bank Open Data |url=https://data.worldbank.org/ |access-date=2026-02-27 |website=World Bank Open Data}}</ref> This makes Laos the 103rd most populous country in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=Laos |date=7 May 2025|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/laos/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260119001922/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/laos/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 January 2026 |access-date=12 May 2025}}</ref>
=== Ethnicity === The people of Laos are categorised by their distribution by elevation (lowlands, midlands and uplands), as this somewhat correlates with ethnic groupings. More than half of the country's population is ethnic Lao—the principal lowland inhabitants.<ref name="UN Demographic Yearbooks">{{cite web| url = http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/dyb/dyb2.htm#2001| title = UN Demographic Yearbooks| access-date = 30 November 2018| archive-date = 27 December 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161227194033/http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/dyb/dyb2.htm#2001| url-status = live}}</ref> The Lao belong to the Tai linguistic group<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Diller |first1=Anthony |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0lmQAgAAQBAJ&dq=kra=Kadai&pg=PA6 |title=The Tai-Kadai Languages |last2=Edmondson |first2=Jerry |last3=Luo |first3=Yongxian |date=2004-11-30 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-135-79116-2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410140148/https://books.google.com/books?id=0lmQAgAAQBAJ&dq=kra%3DKadai&pg=PA6 |archive-date=10 April 2023}}</ref> who began migrating south from China in the first millennium AD.<ref>[http://www.manusya.journals.chula.ac.th/files/essay/Pittayawat%2047-68.pdf Pittayaporn, Pittayawat (2014). Layers of Chinese Loanwords in Proto-Southwestern Tai as Evidence for the Dating of the Spread of Southwestern Tai] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627063518/http://www.manusya.journals.chula.ac.th/files/essay/Pittayawat%2047-68.pdf |date=27 June 2015}}. ''MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities,'' Special Issue No 20: 47–64.</ref> 10% belong to other "lowland" groups, which together with the Lao people make up the Lao Loum (lowland people).<ref name="UN Demographic Yearbooks"/>
In the central and southern mountains, Mon-Khmer-speaking groups, known as Lao Theung or mid-slope Laotians, predominate. Other terms are Khmu, Khamu (Kammu) or Kha as the Lao Loum refer to them to indicate their Austroasiatic language affiliation. The latter is considered pejorative, meaning 'slave'. They were the indigenous inhabitants of northern Laos. Some Vietnamese, Laotian Chinese<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocac.gov.tw/english/public/public.asp?selno%3D1163%26no%3D1163%26level%3DB |title=Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, R.o.c. |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104195124/http://www.ocac.gov.tw/english/public/public.asp?selno=1163&no=1163&level=B |archive-date=4 January 2011}}</ref> and Thai minorities remain, particularly in the towns, and some left after independence in the 1940s, some of whom relocated either to Vietnam, Hong Kong, or to France. Lao Theung constitute about 30% of the population.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omf.org/omf/us/peoples_and_places/people_groups/khmu_of_laos |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109063510/http://www.omf.org/omf/us/peoples_and_places/people_groups/khmu_of_laos |archive-date=9 November 2007 |title=Khmu people of Laos. OMF International |publisher=Omf.org |access-date=23 January 2011}}</ref>
Hill people and minority cultures of Laos such as the Hmong, Yao (Mien) (Hmong-Mien), Dao, Shan, and Tibeto-Burman speaking peoples have lived in isolated regions of Laos for years. Mountain/hill tribes of mixed ethno/cultural-linguistic heritage are found in northern Laos, which include the Lua and Khmu people who are indigenous to Laos. Collectively, they are known as Lao Soung or highland Laotians. Lao Soung account for about 10% of the population.<ref name="britannica" />
=== Languages === The official language is Lao, a language of the Tai-Kadai language family. The Lao alphabet, which evolved sometime between the 13th and 14th centuries, was derived from the Khmer script.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.2307/2049433|jstor=2049433|title=Languages and Literatures of Indochina|journal=The Far Eastern Quarterly|volume=6|issue=4|pages=379–389|year=1947|last1=Benedict|first1=Paul K.|s2cid=162902327}}</ref> Languages like Khmu (Austroasiatic) and Hmong (Hmong-Mien) are spoken by minorities, particularly in the midland and highland areas. A number of Laotian sign languages are used in areas with higher rates of congenital deafness.<ref name=britannica />
French is used in government and commerce, and Laos is a member of the French-speaking organisation of La Francophonie. The organisation estimated in 2010 that there were 173,800 French speakers in Laos.<ref>{{cite web |title=Laos |url=https://www.francophonie.org/laos-968 |publisher=La Francophonie |access-date=7 February 2021 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518191146/https://www.francophonie.org/laos-968 |url-status=live}}</ref> English, the language of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has become increasingly studied.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tlfq.ulaval.ca/AXL/asie/Laos.htm |title=Languages of Laos |publisher=Laval University |access-date=9 July 2012 |archive-date=27 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027231143/http://www.tlfq.ulaval.ca/AXL/asie/Laos.htm}}</ref>
=== Religion === {{Main|Religion in Laos}}
[[File:Vat_Nong_Sikhounmuang.jpg|right|thumb|Wat Nong Sikhounmuang pagoda in Luang Prabang]] 66% of Laotians were Theravada Buddhist, 1.5% Christian, 0.1% Muslim, 0.1% Jewish, and 32.3% were other or traditional (mostly practitioners of Tai folk religion) in 2010.<ref name="globalReligion">{{cite web |title=Global Religious Landscape; Table: Religious Composition by Country |url=https://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2012/12/globalReligion-tables.pdf |website=Pew Research |access-date=16 April 2020 |page=47 |date=2010 |archive-date=23 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323215031/http://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2012/12/globalReligion-tables.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cia.gov">{{Citation |title=Laos |date=2025-05-14 |work=The World Factbook |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/laos/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307193820/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/laos/ |archive-date=7 March 2021 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency}}</ref>
=== Health === {{Main|Health in Laos}}
[[File:VientianeHospital.jpg|thumb|Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane]] Female life expectancy at birth was at 70.7 years and male was at 67.4 years in 2025.{{sfnm|1a1=Central Intelligence Agency|1y=2025}} Healthy life expectancy was 54 years in 2007.<ref name="hdrstats.undp.org">{{cite web|url=http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/countries/data_sheets/cty_ds_LAO.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100707000524/http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/countries/data_sheets/cty_ds_LAO.html|archive-date=7 July 2010|title=Human Development Report 2009. Lao People's Democratic Republic |publisher=HDRstats.undp.org |access-date=27 June 2010}}</ref> Government expenditure on health is about 4% of GDP,<ref name="hdrstats.undp.org"/> about US$18 (PPP) in 2006.<ref name="hdrstats.undp.org"/>
=== Education === {{Main|Education in Laos}}
[[File:National University of Laos(NUOL)ມ.ຊ - panoramio.jpg|thumb|National University of Laos in Vientiane]]
The adult literacy rate for women in 2017 was 62.9%; for adult men, 78.1%.<ref name="LSIS-II">{{cite book|title=Lao Social Indicator Survey II 2017, Survey Findings Report|date=2018|publisher=Lao Statistics Bureau and UNICEF|location=Vientiane|url=https://laopdr.un.org/sites/default/files/2019-08/2017%20MICS%20Social%20Indicator%20Survey%20II%20Survey_Findings%20Report_0.pdf|access-date=26 January 2021|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429023811/https://laopdr.un.org/sites/default/files/2019-08/2017%20MICS%20Social%20Indicator%20Survey%20II%20Survey_Findings%20Report_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>{{RP|39–40}} In 2004, the net primary enrolment rate was 84%.<ref name="hdrstats.undp.org"/> Laos was ranked 109th in the Global Innovation Index in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GII Innovation Ecosystems & Data Explorer 2025 |url=https://www.wipo.int/gii-ranking/en/lao-people-s-democratic-republic |access-date=2025-10-16 |website=WIPO}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Dutta |first1=Soumitra |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2025/en/index.html |title=Global Innovation Index 2025: Innovation at a Crossroads |last2=Lanvin |first2=Bruno |publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization |year=2025 |isbn=978-92-805-3797-0 |page=19 |language=en |doi=10.34667/tind.58864 |access-date=2025-10-17}}</ref>
== Culture == {{Main|Culture of Laos}}
{{See also|List of festivals in Laos|Music of Laos}}
=== Cuisine === [[File:3 Nagas Feast.jpg|thumb|An example of Lao cuisine]] Sticky rice is a staple food. There are traditions and rituals associated with rice production in environments and among ethnic groups. For example, Khammu farmers in Luang Prabang plant the rice variety ''khao kam'' near the farm house in memory of dead parents, or at the edge of the rice field to indicate that parents are alive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adb.org/Evaluation/case-studies/LAO/Evaluation-Synthesis-on-Rice.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702234215/http://www.adb.org/Evaluation/case-studies/LAO/Evaluation-Synthesis-on-Rice.pdf|archive-date=2 July 2007|title=Evaluation Synthesis of Rice in Lao PDR|access-date=27 June 2010}}</ref>
''Larb'' is a dish in which chopped meat is blended with toasted rice and then seasoned with herbs, fish sauce, and lime.<ref>{{cite web |title=Southeast Asian Cuisine: What to Eat in Southeast Asia and Where to Find It |url=https://www.tripsavvy.com/southeast-asian-cuisine-1458385 |access-date=18 January 2023 |website=tripsavvy |publication-date=26 June 2019}}</ref>
=== Cinema === {{Main|Cinema of Laos}}
The first feature-length film made after the monarchy was abolished is ''Gun Voice from the Plain of Jars'' directed by Somchith Pholsena in 1983 and its release was prevented by a censorship board.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Southiponh, Som Ock |author2=Gerow, Aaron |title=Starting an Asian Cinema: Laos Past and Present |journal=Documentary Box |date=1999 |volume=12 |page=27 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dt9kAAAAMAAJ |access-date=1 January 2019 |publisher=Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410140149/https://books.google.com/books?id=Dt9kAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live}}</ref> A commercial feature-length film was ''Sabaidee Luang Prabang'', made in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/good-morning-luang-prabang-ndash-and-hello-to-laoss-film-industry-843557.html|title=Good Good Morning, Luang Prabang – and hello to Laos's film industry|last=Buncomb|first=Andrew|work=The Independent|date=10 June 2010|access-date=22 May 2014|archive-date=3 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403212836/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/good-morning-luang-prabang-ndash-and-hello-to-laoss-film-industry-843557.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2017 documentary feature film ''Blood Road'' was predominantly shot and produced in Laos with assistance from the Laotian government. It was recognised with a News and Documentary Emmy Award in 2018.<ref>{{Citation|title=Blood Road|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6900092/|access-date=19 April 2020|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624003146/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6900092/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Australian filmmaker Kim Mordount's first feature film was made in Laos and features a Laotian cast speaking their native language. Entitled ''The Rocket'', the film appeared at the 2013 Melbourne International Film Festival and won three awards at the Berlin International Film Festival.<ref>{{cite web|title=Q&A with director Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket)|url=http://miff.com.au/kimmorduant|work=Melbourne International Film Festival|publisher=MIFF|date=August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005004244/http://miff.com.au/kimmorduant|archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref> Examples of Lao feature films that have received international recognition include Lao New Wave Cinema's ''At the Horizon'', directed by Anysay Keola, which was screened at the OzAsia Film Festival,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-18770068|title=A tale of revenge in Laos challenges censors|last=Catt|first=Georgia|website=BBC News|date=22 August 2012|access-date=22 May 2014|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624001805/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-18770068|url-status=live}}</ref> and Lao Art Media's ''Chanthaly'', directed by Mattie Do, which was screened at the 2013 Fantastic Fest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fantasticfest.com/films/chanthaly|title=Chanthaly|publisher=Fantastic Fest|date=2013|access-date=15 May 2014|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624004140/https://fantasticfest.com/films/chanthaly|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenanarchy.com/2013/09/fantastic-fest-2013-review-chanthaly-is-a-haunting-portrait-of-modern-day-laos.html|title=Fantastic Fest 2013 Review: Chanthaly is A Haunting Portrait of Modern Day Laos|last=Marsh|first=James|work=ScreenAnarchy|date=26 September 2013|access-date=7 January 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028114355/https://screenanarchy.com/2013/09/fantastic-fest-2013-review-chanthaly-is-a-haunting-portrait-of-modern-day-laos.html|archive-date=28 October 2020}}</ref> In September 2017, Laos submitted ''Dearest Sister'', Mattie Do's second feature film, to the 90th Academy Awards (or the Oscars) for consideration for Best Foreign Language Film, marking the country's first submission for the Oscars.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/asia/laos-dearest-sister-first-foreign-language-oscar-film-1202563352/|title=Laos Selects 'Dearest Sister' as First Foreign-Language Oscar Submission|last=Frater|first=Patrick|date=19 September 2017|work=Variety|access-date=26 October 2017|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624003212/https://variety.com/2017/film/asia/laos-dearest-sister-first-foreign-language-oscar-film-1202563352/|url-status=live}}</ref>
As of 2018, Laos has three theatres dedicated to showing films.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brzeski|first1=Patrick|title=Cannes: Southeast Asia Is Ready for Its Big-Screen Close-up|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/cannes-southeast-asia-is-ready-big-screen-close-up-1110530|access-date=1 January 2019|work=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Valence Media|date=9 May 2018|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624001857/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/cannes-southeast-asia-is-ready-big-screen-close-up-1110530|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Festivals === [[File:Lao New Year, dancers.jpg|thumb|Dancers during the New Year celebration]] There are public holidays, festivities and ceremonies in Laos. *Hmong New Year (Nopejao) *Bun Pha Wet *Magha Puja *Chinese New Year *Boun Khoun Khao *Boun Pimai *Boun Bang Fai (Rocket festival) *Visakha Puja *Pi Mai/Songkran (Lao New Year) *Khao Phansaa *Haw Khao Padap Din *Awk Phansaa *Bun Nam *Laotian National Day (2 December)<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 November 2016 |title=Laos'un Festivalleri |trans-title=Festivals of Laos |url=https://gezimanya.com/asya/laosun-festivalleri |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308151547/https://gezimanya.com/asya/laosun-festivalleri |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=6 March 2018 |work=Gezimanya |language=tr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.visit-laos.com/festivals.htm|title=Laos Festivals & Events|work=visit-laos.com|access-date=6 March 2018|archive-date=15 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615025833/http://www.visit-laos.com/festivals.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Media === {{Main|Mass media in Laos}} {{See also|Freedom of the press in Laos}}
=== Sport === The martial art of muay Lao, the national sport,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.goabroad.net/Brooklynmonk/journals/1197/Muay-Lao,-the-forgotten-art-of-kickboxing|title=Muay Lao, the forgotten art of kickboxing|last=Graceffo|website=GoAbroad Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415230120/http://www.goabroad.net/Brooklynmonk/journals/1197/Muay-Lao,-the-forgotten-art-of-kickboxing|archive-date=15 April 2018}}</ref> is a form of kickboxing similar to Thailand's muay Thai, Burmese Lethwei and Cambodian Pradal Serey.<ref>{{cite book |title=Thailand – Sports and recreation |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Thailand/Sports-and-recreation |access-date=26 January 2020 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624002018/https://www.britannica.com/place/Thailand/Sports-and-recreation |url-status=live}}</ref>
== See also == {{Portal|Laos|Countries|Asia }} *Drug policy in Laos *Energy in Laos *Outline of Laos {{Clear}}
== Notes == {{Notelist}}
==References== ===Books=== {{refbegin|100em}} * {{cite book | author-last1 = Bestari | author-first1 = Njoman George | author-last2 = Mongcopa | author-first2 = Caren Joy | author-last3 = Samson | author-first3 = Jindra | author-last4 = Ward | author-first4 = Keith | title = Lao PDR: Governance Issues in Agriculture and Natural Resources |year=2006|publisher=Asian Development Bank|access-date=21 July 2025|url=https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/evaluation-document/35925/files/governance-issues-lao.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250721054840/https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/evaluation-document/35925/files/governance-issues-lao.pdf|archive-date=21 July 2025}} * {{cite book | author-last1 = Chang | author-first1 = Wen-Chen | author-last2 = Thio | author-first2 = Li-ann | author-last3 = Tan | author-first3 = Kevin YL | author-last4 = Yeh | author-first4 = Jiunn-rong | title = Constitutionalism in Asia: Cases and Materials |year=2014|publisher=Hart Publishing|isbn= 978-1-84946-234-1}} * {{cite book | author-last1 = Croissant | author-first1 = Aurel | title = Comparative Politics of Southeast Asia: An Introduction to Governments and Political Regimes |year=2022|publisher=Springer Publishing|isbn=978-3-031-05116-6|doi=10.1007/978-3-031-05114-2}} * {{cite book | author-last1 = Gunn | author-first1 = Geoffrey C. | author-link1 = | title = Theravadins, Colonialists, and Commissars in Laos |year=1998|publisher=White Lotus Press|isbn=9789748434391}} * {{cite book | author = High |first= Holly | year = 2014 | title = Fields of Desire: Poverty and Policy in Laos | publisher = Singapore University Press | isbn = 978-9971-69-770-9}} * {{cite book | author-last1 = Pholsena | author-first1 = Vatthana | title = Post-war Laos: The Politics of Culture, History and Identity |year=2006|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn=978-0-8014-7320-3}} * {{cite book | author = Son|first= Bui Ngoc | year = 2020 | title = Constitutional Change in the Contemporary Socialist World | publisher = Oxford University Press | isbn = 978-0-19-885134-9}} * {{cite book | author = Stuart-Fox|first= Martin | year = 2002 | title = Buddhist Kingdom, Marxist State: The Making of Modern Laos | publisher = University of Michigan | edition = 2nd | isbn = 978-9748496481 }} {{refend}}
===Book chapters=== {{refbegin|100em}} * {{cite book |author-last1=Brown |author-first1=MacAlister |editor-last1=Stuart-Fox |editor-first1=Martin |editor-link1=Martin Stuart-Fox |chapter=The Communist Seizure of Power in Laos |pp=17–38 |title=Contemporary Laos: Studies in the Politics and Society of the Lao People's Democratic Republic |year=1982 |publisher=University of Queensland Press |isbn=0-312-16676-1}} * {{cite book |author-last1=Norindr |author-first1=Chou |editor-last1=Stuart-Fox |editor-first1=Martin |editor-link1=Martin Stuart-Fox |chapter=Political Institutions of the Lao People's Democratic Republic |pp=39–61 |title=Contemporary Laos: Studies in the Politics and Society of the Lao People's Democratic Republic |year=1982 |publisher=University of Queensland Press |isbn=0-312-16676-1}} {{refend}}
===Dissertations=== {{refbegin}} * {{cite thesis |author1=Punya |first=Supitcha |date=January 2019 |title=Restructuring Domestic Institutions: Democratization and Development in Laos |publisher=Humboldt University of Berlin |url=https://edoc.hu-berlin.de/bitstream/handle/18452/21324/dissertation_punya_supitcha.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y}} * {{cite thesis |author1=Soukamneuth |first=Bounlonh J. |date=August 2006 |title=The Political Economy of Transition in Laos: From Peripheral Socialism to the Margins of Global Capital |publisher=Cornell University |url=https://edoc.hu-berlin.de/bitstream/handle/18452/21324/dissertation_punya_supitcha.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y}} {{refend}}
===Journal entries=== {{refbegin|100em}} * {{cite journal |last1=Creak |first1=S. |last2=Sayalath |first2=S. |url=https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/bitstream/handle/11343/191260/SEAA-17%20-%20Laos%20%28Soulatha%20and%20Creak%29-final.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y |year=2017 |title=Regime Renewal in Laos: The Tenth Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party |journal=Southeast Asian Affairs |pages=177–200 |doi=10.1355/9789814762878-014 |s2cid=157560697}} * {{cite journal |author-last1=Rehbein |author-first1=Boike |author-link1= |title=Laos on the Path to Socialism? |volume= |issue= |journal=Southeast Asian Affairs |pages=165–176 |year=2019 |doi=10.1163/25427466-07010003 |jstor=26939693 |doi-access=free}} * {{cite journal |author-last1=Son |author-first1=Bui Ngoc |author-link1= |title=Constitutional amendment in Laos |volume=17 |issue=3 |journal=International Journal of Constitutional Law |pages=756–786 |year=2019 |doi=10.1093/icon/moz067}} {{refend}}
===Web articles=== {{refbegin|100em}} * {{cite web |author-last1= |author-first1= |title=Laos |work=The World Factbook |publisher=United States Central Intelligence Agency |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/laos/ |date=18 December 2015 |accessdate=28 December 2015 |archive-date=18 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251218050002/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/laos/ |ref=CITEREFCentral_Intelligence_Agency2025}} * {{cite web |author-last= |author-first= |title=Electoral system for national legislature: Lao People's Dem. Republic |url=https://www.idea.int/answer/ans9380532843958 |publisher=International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance |date= |access-date=29 December 2025 |archive-date=29 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251229170015/https://www.idea.int/answer/ans9380532843958 |url-status=live |ref=CITEREFInternational Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance2025}} * {{cite web |author-last= |author-first= |title=Lao PDR Sets February 22, 2026, for National and Provincial Elections |url=https://kpl.gov.la/En/detail.aspx?id=95854 |publisher=Lao News Agency |date=3 December 2025 |access-date=29 December 2025 |archive-date=29 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251229164942/https://kpl.gov.la/En/detail.aspx?id=95854 |url-status=live |ref=CITEREFLao_News_Agency2025}} * {{cite web |url=https://www.nyulawglobal.org/globalex/Laos1.html#_edn162 |title=UPDATE: Legal System of the Lao People's Democratic Republic |author-last=Kitcharoen |author-first=Tuchakorn |access-date=23 January 2021 |date=July–August 2019 |publisher=Hauser Global Law School Program of the New York University School of Law}} * {{cite web |author-last=Vaenkeo |author-first=Souksakhone |title=Dr Sonexay Siphandone elected new PM as Laos faces greatest challenges in decades |url=https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten01_Dr_Sonexay_y23.php |work=Vientiane Times |date=3 January 2023 |access-date=29 December 2025 |archive-date=19 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519044350/https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten01_Dr_Sonexay_y23.php |url-status=live}} * {{cite web |author-last=Vaenkeo |author-first=Souksakhone |title=NA closes with state leaders elected, development targets approved |url=https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten_NA_61.php |work=Vientiane Times |date=29 March 2021 |access-date=29 December 2025 |archive-date=30 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250630175209/https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten_NA_61.php |url-status=live}} * {{cite web |author-last= |author-first= |title=Changes to constitution seek to enhance state inspection, fight corruption |url=https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_019_changes_y25.php |work=Vientiane Times |date=28 January 2025 |access-date=29 December 2025 |archive-date=27 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127152826/http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_019_changes_y25.php |url-status=live |ref=CITEREFVientiane_Times2025}} * {{cite web |author-last= |author-first= |title=The 12th National Party Congress re-elects Party Secretary General Thongloun Sisoulith for a second term |url=https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_006_The_12_y26.php |work=Vientiane Times |date=9 January 2026 |language= |access-date=9 January 2026 |archive-date=9 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260109110025/https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_006_The_12_y26.php |url-status=live |ref=CITEREFVientiane_Times2026}} * {{cite web |author-last= |author-first= |title=State inspection body to have more independence |url=https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten_State60.php |work=Vientiane Times |date=26 March 2021 |access-date=29 December 2025 |archive-date=28 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628025354/http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten_State60.php |url-status=live |ref=CITEREFVientiane_Times2021}} * {{cite web |author-last=Volakhoun |author-first=Phonepaseuth |title=Election day set for February 22 |url=https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_234_Election_y25.php |work=Vientiane Times |date=4 December 2025 |access-date=29 December 2025 |archive-date=29 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251229165345/https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_234_Election_y25.php |url-status=live}} * {{cite web |author-last=Visapra |author-first=Phontham |title=Laos Approves Government Restructuring, Key Constitutional Amendments |url=https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/21/laos-approves-government-restructuring-key-constitutional-amendments/ |work=Laotian Times |date=21 March 2025 |access-date=29 December 2025 |archive-date=25 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250525104008/https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/21/laos-approves-government-restructuring-key-constitutional-amendments/ |url-status=live}} {{refend}}
===Footnotes=== {{Reflist}}
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