Laos

Country Laos
Capital Vientiane
Continent Asia
Currency Kip(LAK)
Languages Lao

Vientiane

Information

Introduction

Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

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References

Laos - Wikipedia
Laos - CIA World Fact Book
Laos - BBC
Laos - National Geographic
Laos - Timeline - BBC

Cities

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News Headlines

Google News
Ding Xuexiang Meets Respectively with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Speaker of the ROK National Assembly Woo Won-shik - ??????Ding Xuexiang Meets Respectively with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Speaker of the ROK National Assembly Woo Won-shik  ??????

China's police chief meets guests from Laos, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Armenia - XinhuaChina's police chief meets guests from Laos, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Armenia  Xinhua

Mastercard Appoints Sharad Jain as Country Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos - mastercard.comMastercard Appoints Sharad Jain as Country Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos  mastercard.com

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore & Vietnam : Sept 15, 2025 - bernamaTop News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore & Vietnam : Sept 15, 2025  bernama

Pjb to Laos: How family bonds boost cybercrime ops abroad - Times of IndiaPjb to Laos: How family bonds boost cybercrime ops abroad  Times of India

Laos embraces China, Russia-led SCO amid frustration with Asean - South China Morning PostLaos embraces China, Russia-led SCO amid frustration with Asean  South China Morning Post

Laos Launches Nature-Based Tourism Plan to Boost Jobs and Forest Conservation - DevdiscourseLaos Launches Nature-Based Tourism Plan to Boost Jobs and Forest Conservation  Devdiscourse

Lao Language to Be Integrated into New AI System for Greater Fluency - Laotian TimesLao Language to Be Integrated into New AI System for Greater Fluency  Laotian Times

Laos Introduces New Regulation to Boost Nature-Based Tourism in National Parks and Protected Areas - Travel And Tour WorldLaos Introduces New Regulation to Boost Nature-Based Tourism in National Parks and Protected Areas  Travel And Tour World

Laos official likens China-Laos ties to Lancang and Mekong rivers - news.cgtn.comLaos official likens China-Laos ties to Lancang and Mekong rivers  news.cgtn.com

Kuantan Port vital for trade with China, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, says PM - Free Malaysia TodayKuantan Port vital for trade with China, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, says PM  Free Malaysia Today

VNA contributes to nurturing Vi?t Nam – Laos special ties: Lao official - vietnamnews.vnVNA contributes to nurturing Vi?t Nam – Laos special ties: Lao official  vietnamnews.vn

ADB OKs $41m package to boost Lao PDR’s primary health care - Healthcare Asia MagazineADB OKs $41m package to boost Lao PDR’s primary health care  Healthcare Asia Magazine

Laos Launches Historic Gold Festival as Nation Eyes Asian Precious Metals Dominance - Nation ThailandLaos Launches Historic Gold Festival as Nation Eyes Asian Precious Metals Dominance  Nation Thailand

Laos: New Initiatives To Address Flooding - Asia Media CentreLaos: New Initiatives To Address Flooding  Asia Media Centre

Lao army conducts parade practice for 50th anniversary of National Day - The StarLao army conducts parade practice for 50th anniversary of National Day  The Star

New Incentives for Nature-Based Tourism Investment in Lao Forests - Laotian TimesNew Incentives for Nature-Based Tourism Investment in Lao Forests  Laotian Times

Lao PDR Unveils Initiative to Promote Nature Based Tourism for Local Communities and Environmental Conservation - Travel And Tour WorldLao PDR Unveils Initiative to Promote Nature Based Tourism for Local Communities and Environmental Conservation  Travel And Tour World

Laos Calls for Increased ASEAN Investment in Nature-Based Solutions - Laotian TimesLaos Calls for Increased ASEAN Investment in Nature-Based Solutions  Laotian Times

Laos sets sights on becoming a blockchain hub with first Blockchain Fest 2025 - The StarLaos sets sights on becoming a blockchain hub with first Blockchain Fest 2025  The Star

The temporally cumulative effects of hydropower development in northern Laos: Insights from the Nam Ou Basin - ScienceDirect.comThe temporally cumulative effects of hydropower development in northern Laos: Insights from the Nam Ou Basin  ScienceDirect.com

Digital 2025: Laos - DataReportal – Global Digital InsightsDigital 2025: Laos  DataReportal – Global Digital Insights

Wang Yi Meets with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane - fmprc.gov.cnWang Yi Meets with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane  fmprc.gov.cn

??Validation agreement with Laos takes effect? - epo.org??Validation agreement with Laos takes effect?  epo.org

Laos travel - Lonely PlanetLaos travel  Lonely Planet

Beijing Drives New Rail Bridge Linking Thailand – Laos with China - The China-Global South ProjectBeijing Drives New Rail Bridge Linking Thailand – Laos with China  The China-Global South Project

China-Laos railway moves 150,000 tons of durian - FreshPlazaChina-Laos railway moves 150,000 tons of durian  FreshPlaza

My night on the new sleeper train linking Thailand and Laos — for just £20 - The TimesMy night on the new sleeper train linking Thailand and Laos — for just £20  The Times

Laos is ‘on track to graduate from least developed country status’: UN Assistant Secretary-General - Nation ThailandLaos is ‘on track to graduate from least developed country status’: UN Assistant Secretary-General  Nation Thailand

Laos’ Tourism Future Looks Bright As Vientiane Province Secures Major Deal With South Korean Developers To Build Eco-Friendly Attractions And Job Opportunities - Travel And Tour WorldLaos’ Tourism Future Looks Bright As Vientiane Province Secures Major Deal With South Korean Developers To Build Eco-Friendly Attractions And Job Opportunities  Travel And Tour World

Indian Embassy rescue 67 trafficked Indians from cyber-scam centres in Laos - The HinduIndian Embassy rescue 67 trafficked Indians from cyber-scam centres in Laos  The Hindu

Child Sex Tourism to Laos from Japan Booms, Driven By Social Media - Unseen JapanChild Sex Tourism to Laos from Japan Booms, Driven By Social Media  Unseen Japan

Laos Is The Latest Budget-Friendly Destination Indians Will Love - NDTVLaos Is The Latest Budget-Friendly Destination Indians Will Love  NDTV

Lao PDR, Australia, and ESCAP Launch LIFT 4 Laos to Boost Investment and Economic Resilience - ESCAPLao PDR, Australia, and ESCAP Launch LIFT 4 Laos to Boost Investment and Economic Resilience  ESCAP

World Suicide Prevention Day: Lao Expert Urges Early Support as Challenges Remain - Laotian TimesWorld Suicide Prevention Day: Lao Expert Urges Early Support as Challenges Remain  Laotian Times

Laos Reaffirms Interest in Joining BRICS, Deepens Ties with Russia - Laotian TimesLaos Reaffirms Interest in Joining BRICS, Deepens Ties with Russia  Laotian Times

How We Uncovered the Hidden Environmental and Human Costs of Laos’ Banana and Durian Boom - Pulitzer CenterHow We Uncovered the Hidden Environmental and Human Costs of Laos’ Banana and Durian Boom  Pulitzer Center

Chinese FM meets Lao FM - English.gov.cnChinese FM meets Lao FM  English.gov.cn

Laos: destroying explosives, creating jobs - The HALO TrustLaos: destroying explosives, creating jobs  The HALO Trust

Can tourism help Laos escape poverty? - DWCan tourism help Laos escape poverty?  DW

UN Rights Review of Laos Spotlights Lack of Progress - Human Rights WatchUN Rights Review of Laos Spotlights Lack of Progress  Human Rights Watch

Lao Ambassador to Malaysia hails unique solidarity and friendship with Vietnam - Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)Lao Ambassador to Malaysia hails unique solidarity and friendship with Vietnam  Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

Laos signs nuclear cooperation roadmap - Nuclear Engineering InternationalLaos signs nuclear cooperation roadmap  Nuclear Engineering International

Laos, UNDP launch climate, sustainable finance hub to drive LDC graduation - Asia News NetworkLaos, UNDP launch climate, sustainable finance hub to drive LDC graduation  Asia News Network

Thailand Joins Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia as One of Southeast Asia’s Fastest-Growing Tourist Hotspots, Surpassing Singapore and Malaysia - Travel And Tour WorldThailand Joins Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia as One of Southeast Asia’s Fastest-Growing Tourist Hotspots, Surpassing Singapore and Malaysia  Travel And Tour World

Thailand shuts scenic viewing spot after Laos clashes - Times of IndiaThailand shuts scenic viewing spot after Laos clashes  Times of India

An inside view of the Laos cybercrime hub - The HinduAn inside view of the Laos cybercrime hub  The Hindu

Impact of US funding cuts on HIV programmes in Lao PDR - UNAIDSImpact of US funding cuts on HIV programmes in Lao PDR  UNAIDS

China-Laos Railway driving Laos' growth, transforming livelihoods - XinhuaChina-Laos Railway driving Laos' growth, transforming livelihoods  Xinhua

Laos risks lost decade unless China provides debt relief - Lowy InstituteLaos risks lost decade unless China provides debt relief  Lowy Institute

'Good karma': Laos' new monk-led travel experiences - BBC'Good karma': Laos' new monk-led travel experiences  BBC

Abused, exploited: How two Africans became trapped in a cyber-scam in Laos - Al JazeeraAbused, exploited: How two Africans became trapped in a cyber-scam in Laos  Al Jazeera

Foreign Ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand Hold Informal Discussion - fmprc.gov.cnForeign Ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand Hold Informal Discussion  fmprc.gov.cn

Back in Business: How Tourists Are Reviving Laos’ Hotels, Restaurants, Communities - Laotian TimesBack in Business: How Tourists Are Reviving Laos’ Hotels, Restaurants, Communities  Laotian Times

Laos’ Labor Market Challenges and Opportunities: What Investors Should Consider - ASEAN BriefingLaos’ Labor Market Challenges and Opportunities: What Investors Should Consider  ASEAN Briefing

‘I know my son is sitting with Jesus’: The cost of following Christ in northern Laos - Open Doors US‘I know my son is sitting with Jesus’: The cost of following Christ in northern Laos  Open Doors US

Real-Time Air Monitoring Launches in Schools - UnicefReal-Time Air Monitoring Launches in Schools  Unicef

Thai Authorities Seize 187 Egyptian Tortoises at Suvarnabhumi Airport - Nation ThailandThai Authorities Seize 187 Egyptian Tortoises at Suvarnabhumi Airport  Nation Thailand

Acting Foreign Minister holds phone talks with Lao Foreign Minister - vietnamnews.vnActing Foreign Minister holds phone talks with Lao Foreign Minister  vietnamnews.vn

Methanol poisoning: Man saw kaleidoscopic light before going blind - BBCMethanol poisoning: Man saw kaleidoscopic light before going blind  BBC

Ambassadors promote Vietnamese language in Laos - vietnamnews.vnAmbassadors promote Vietnamese language in Laos  vietnamnews.vn

Laos: Seminar for armed forces reaffirms importance of humanitarian law - ICRC | International Committee of the Red CrossLaos: Seminar for armed forces reaffirms importance of humanitarian law  ICRC | International Committee of the Red Cross

Wang Yi Holds Talks with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane - mfa.gov.cnWang Yi Holds Talks with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane  mfa.gov.cn

Laos embraces China, Russia-led SCO amid frustration with Asean - MSNLaos embraces China, Russia-led SCO amid frustration with Asean  MSN

Strengthening China-Laos Relations: Strategic Cooperation and Development Initiatives - China BriefingStrengthening China-Laos Relations: Strategic Cooperation and Development Initiatives  China Briefing

Speaking the common language of media: Reflections from the Laos Digital Dialogue - Australian Broadcasting CorporationSpeaking the common language of media: Reflections from the Laos Digital Dialogue  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

EU Deforestation Regulation – EU declares Laos “low risk” - EEASEU Deforestation Regulation – EU declares Laos “low risk”  EEAS

In Laos, USAID Freeze Hampers Vital Bomb Removal Efforts - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineIn Laos, USAID Freeze Hampers Vital Bomb Removal Efforts  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

VNA – Bridge for Vietnam-Laos friendship: Lao officials - Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)VNA – Bridge for Vietnam-Laos friendship: Lao officials  Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

Trapped in debt: China’s role in Laos’ economic crisis - Lowy InstituteTrapped in debt: China’s role in Laos’ economic crisis  Lowy Institute

Laos named Southeast Asia’s top budget travel destination - IntelliNewsLaos named Southeast Asia’s top budget travel destination  IntelliNews

VNA – Bridge for Vietnam-Laos friendship: Lao officials - Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)VNA – Bridge for Vietnam-Laos friendship: Lao officials  Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

Skip Thailand And Vietnam: This Country Is Southeast Asia’s Cheapest Travel Hotspot! - Times NowSkip Thailand And Vietnam: This Country Is Southeast Asia’s Cheapest Travel Hotspot!  Times Now

Lao Economic Monitor, May 2025 - Weathering Risks: Key Findings - World BankLao Economic Monitor, May 2025 - Weathering Risks: Key Findings  World Bank

Laos Grants Land to South Korea for Tourism Project in Phonhong - Laotian TimesLaos Grants Land to South Korea for Tourism Project in Phonhong  Laotian Times

Laos Marks World Breastfeeding Week 2025 with Renewed Commitment to Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers - UnicefLaos Marks World Breastfeeding Week 2025 with Renewed Commitment to Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers  Unicef

Laos hostel linked to methanol deaths set to reopen - BBCLaos hostel linked to methanol deaths set to reopen  BBC

Vietnamese language lessons in Laos keep culture alive - Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)Vietnamese language lessons in Laos keep culture alive  Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

Laos Wind Farm Begins Power Exports to Vietnam in Regional First - CleanTechnicaLaos Wind Farm Begins Power Exports to Vietnam in Regional First  CleanTechnica

Why Are Lao Troops Heading to Russia? The Forgotten Cold War Alliance - UNITED24 MediaWhy Are Lao Troops Heading to Russia? The Forgotten Cold War Alliance  UNITED24 Media

EU Delegation in Lao PDR Celebrates Europe Day, Reaffirming Strong Ties - EEASEU Delegation in Lao PDR Celebrates Europe Day, Reaffirming Strong Ties  EEAS

Large-scale illegal wildlife shops in Laos found scamming Chinese tourists - MongabayLarge-scale illegal wildlife shops in Laos found scamming Chinese tourists  Mongabay

Laos Launches Agroecology Transitions Guidelines Following ASEAN Adoption - Food and Agriculture OrganizationLaos Launches Agroecology Transitions Guidelines Following ASEAN Adoption  Food and Agriculture Organization

The Government of the Lao PDR and Team Europe organise an Annual Review Meeting 2024 - EEASThe Government of the Lao PDR and Team Europe organise an Annual Review Meeting 2024  EEAS

2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Laos - U.S. Department of State (.gov)2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Laos  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

Laos set to join North Korea in supporting Russia’s invasion, says Ukraine - NK NewsLaos set to join North Korea in supporting Russia’s invasion, says Ukraine  NK News

Thailand’s Meteoric Rise In Tourism Outshines Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia And Laos Reaching New Heights As One Of The Fastest-Growing International Destinations - Travel And Tour WorldThailand’s Meteoric Rise In Tourism Outshines Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia And Laos Reaching New Heights As One Of The Fastest-Growing International Destinations  Travel And Tour World

Lao PDR: Growth Recovery Gains Ground; Reforms Key to Sustaining Stability - ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research OfficeLao PDR: Growth Recovery Gains Ground; Reforms Key to Sustaining Stability  ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office

Can Laos become a potash powerhouse and realize its resource ambitions? - GIS ReportsCan Laos become a potash powerhouse and realize its resource ambitions?  GIS Reports

Qualifiers - Group J: Laos 3-1 Macau; Korea Republic 1-0 Indonesia - AFC websiteQualifiers - Group J: Laos 3-1 Macau; Korea Republic 1-0 Indonesia  AFC website

China-Laos Railway driving Laos’ growth, transforming livelihoods - Borneo PostChina-Laos Railway driving Laos’ growth, transforming livelihoods  Borneo Post

European Union announces new €45 million new package of Global Gateway assistance for Lao PDR - EEASEuropean Union announces new €45 million new package of Global Gateway assistance for Lao PDR  EEAS

Explained: How Contaminated Alcohol In Laos Led To Multiple Tourist Deaths - NDTVExplained: How Contaminated Alcohol In Laos Led To Multiple Tourist Deaths  NDTV

Japan-Laos Summit Meeting - mofa.go.jpJapan-Laos Summit Meeting  mofa.go.jp

US Aid Cuts and Travel Ban Will Impact Laos - fulcrum.sgUS Aid Cuts and Travel Ban Will Impact Laos  fulcrum.sg

Laos Signs Agreement to Develop Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project in Sekong - Laotian TimesLaos Signs Agreement to Develop Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project in Sekong  Laotian Times

In Laos, 1 in 3 children has stunted growth – despite surplus rice - South China Morning PostIn Laos, 1 in 3 children has stunted growth – despite surplus rice  South China Morning Post

Laos Streamlines Bureaucracy to Make it More Efficient - fulcrum.sgLaos Streamlines Bureaucracy to Make it More Efficient  fulcrum.sg

Fourth UK-Laos Political Dialogue: FCDO statement - GOV.UKFourth UK-Laos Political Dialogue: FCDO statement  GOV.UK

Did Laos intend to send troops to Ukraine to back Russia? - South China Morning PostDid Laos intend to send troops to Ukraine to back Russia?  South China Morning Post