kingdom of laos
)subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est. Paul Lvy, ''Histoire du Laos'', PUF, 1974. [100], Ostensibly, the Constitution of Laos that was promulgated in 1991 and amended in 2003 contains most key safeguards for human rights. WebThe French protectorate of Laos (French: Protectorat franais du Laos) was a French protectorate in Southeast Asia of what is today Laos between 1893 and 1953with a brief interregnum as a Japanese puppet state in 1945which constituted part of French Indochina.It was established over the Siamese vassal, the Kingdom of Luang Prabang, Laos's first French-written and monarchical constitution was promulgated on 11 May 1947, and declared Laos an independent state within the French Union. )subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 20 (2020 est. Its thickly forested landscape consists mostly of rugged mountains, the highest of which is Phou Bia at 2,818 metres (9,245ft), with some plains and plateaus. An "urban" village is essentially a town.[58]. [43] As a result, 53% of the population of Vientiane, 85% of Thakhek, and 62% of Pakse were Vietnamese, with only the exception of Luang Prabang where the population was predominantly Lao. 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. Ninety-three percent of households have a telephone, either fixed line or mobile. Currently unexploded ordnance (UXO), including cluster munitions and mines, kill or maim approximately 50 Laotians every year. Although some accusations of forced repatriation were denied,[82] thousands of Hmong people refused to return to Laos. [85] Several thousand Hmong people, fearing forced repatriation to Laos if they were not accepted for resettlement in the United States, fled the camp to live elsewhere within Thailand where a sizeable Hmong population has been present since the 19th century. "Laos agrees to voluntary repatriation of refugees in Thailand", U.P.I., 5 June 1991. ), total subscriptions: 1.491 million (2020 est. ), rice, roots/tubers nes, cassava, sugar cane, vegetables, bananas, maize, watermelons, coffee, taro, mining (copper, tin, gold, gypsum); timber, electric power, agricultural processing, rubber, construction, garments, cement, tourism, agriculture: 73.1%industry: 6.1%services: 20.6% (2012 est. [43], During World War II in Laos, Vichy France, Thailand, Imperial Japan and Free France occupied Laos. [102][103], However, the government of Laos frequently breaches its own constitution and the rule of law, since the judiciary and judges are appointed by the ruling communist party. [42] By 1943, the Vietnamese population stood at nearly 40,000, forming the majority in the largest cities of Laos and enjoying the right to elect its own leaders. Stone artefacts including Hoabinhian types have been found at sites dating to the Late Pleistocene in northern Laos. Other Hmong fighters hid out in mountains in Xiangkhouang Province for many years, with a remnant emerging from the jungle in 2003. [145], In the central and southern mountains, Mon-Khmer-speaking groups, known as Lao Theung or mid-slope Laotians, predominate. Lao People's Democratic Republic", Asian Migrations: Social and Geographical Mobilities in Southeast, East, and Northeast Asia, "Release of the Global Innovation Index 2020: Who Will Finance Innovation? Under the plan, refugee status was evaluated through a screening process. Laos produced tin, rubber, and coffee, but never accounted for more than one percent of French Indochina's exports. Archaeological exploration in Laos has been limited due to rugged and remote topography, a history of twentieth century conflicts which have left over two million tons of unexploded ordnance throughout the country, and local sensitivities to history which involve the Communist government of ), production: 16.04 million metric tons (2020 est. [114][115][116], The Lao economy depends on investment and trade with its neighbours, Thailand, Vietnam, and, especially in the north, China. From 1975 to 1996, the United States resettled some 250,000 Lao refugees from Thailand, including 130,000 Hmong. [13] Because of its central geographical location in Southeast Asia, the kingdom became a hub for overland trade and became wealthy economically and culturally. WebThe Kingdom of Laos (1953-1975) was a constitutional monarchy that ruled Laos for 22 years with only two kings, Sisavang Vong and Savang Vatthana. There are two plateaux, the Xiangkhoang in the north and the Bolaven Plateau at the southern end. ), Thailand 36%, China 28%, Vietnam 16% (2019), electricity, copper, rubber, gold, flavored water (2019), $6.527 billion (2021 est.) Where is the Lao royal family? Sample translated sentence: . )biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est. Typically, SEZs grant China multi-decade leases to develop the land. In the case of Boten, Laos agreed to a 90-year land-lease deal with China. Also like in Cambodia, such agreements give the impression that Laos is becoming, or is already, a semi-colony of China. Usually called Laos. ), total: 128,000 (2020 est. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988. [81] Debate on the issue escalated quickly. [15][16] Laos has been referred to as one of Southeast Asia and Pacific's fastest growing economies by the World Bank with annual GDP growth averaging 7.4% since 2009. China, for example, provided 70% of the funding for a $5.9 billion, 400-km railway line between the Chinese border and the capital Vientiane, which opened for operations in December 2021. )consumption: 5,108,640,000 kWh (2019 est. "[81] Republicans called several Congressional hearings on alleged persecution of the Hmong in Laos in an apparent attempt to generate further support for their opposition to the Hmong's repatriation to Laos. [96][97] In The Economist's Democracy Index 2016 Laos was classified as an "authoritarian regime", ranking lowest of the nine ASEAN nations included in the study. WebThe country was governed as a constitutional monarchy that ruled Laos beginning with its independence on 9 November 1953. [125], Laos is rich in mineral resources and imports petroleum and gas. )percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10% (2015 est. Department of Statistics, Ministry of Planning and Investment, 2009. [98][99] Prominent civil society advocates, human rights defenders, political and religious dissidents, and Hmong refugees have disappeared at the hands of Lao military and security forces. [121] The irrigated areas under cultivation account for only 28% of the total area under cultivation which, in turn, represents only 12% of all of the agricultural land in 2012. US Representative Steve Gunderson, for instance, told a Hmong gathering: "I do not enjoy standing up and saying to my government that you are not telling the truth, but if that is necessary to defend truth and justice, I will do that. Th loi: Chin Tranh, Phiu Lu. [129], In 2018, the country ranked 139th on the Human Development Index (HDI), indicating medium development. 0-14 years: 31.25% (male 1,177,297/female 1,149,727)15-24 years: 20.6% (male 763,757/female 770,497)25-54 years: 38.29% (male 1,407,823/female 1,443,774)55-64 years: 5.73% (male 206,977/female 219,833)65 years and over: 4.13% (male 139,665/female 168,046) (2020 est. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}18N 105E / 18N 105E / 18; 105. The proto-historic period is characterised by contact with Chinese and Indian civilisations. )other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est. [64] A new province, Xaisomboun province, was established on 13 December 2013. [47], 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 Lao PDR aligning itself with the Soviet Bloc, maintaining close ties with the Soviet Union and depending heavily on the Soviets for most of its foreign assistance. The main international airports are Vientiane's Wattay International Airport and Luang Prabang International Airport with Pakse International Airport also having a few international flights. WebFind the perfect Kingdom Of Laos stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. )government consumption: 14.1% (2017 est. [76], In 1989, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with the support of the US government, instituted the Comprehensive Plan of Action, a programme to stem the tide of Indochinese refugees from Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. )investment in inventories: 3.1% (2017 est. [144], Laos's population was estimated at 7.45million in 2020, dispersed unevenly across the country. [152], Sixty-six percent of Laotians were Theravada Buddhist, 1.5 percent Christian, 0.1 percent Muslim, 0.1 percent Jewish, and 32.3 percent were other or traditional (mostly practitioners of Satsana Phi) in 2010. )municipal solid waste recycled annually: 35,190 tons (2015 est. [163] 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, although its release was prevented by a censorship board. Fitch rating: CCC (2020)Moody's rating: Caa2 (2020)note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained. [135] The European Council on Trade and Tourism awarded the country the "World Best Tourist Destination" designation for 2013 for architecture and history.[136]. ), conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republicconventional short form: Laoslocal long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Laolocal short form: Mueang Lao (unofficial)etymology: name means "Land of the Lao [people]", name: Vientiane (Viangchan)geographic coordinates: 17 58 N, 102 36 Etime difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)etymology: the meaning in Pali, a Buddhist liturgical language, is "city of sandalwood", 17 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 prefecture* (kampheng nakhon); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang (Luang Prabang), Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun, Xekong, Xiangkhouang, 19 July 1949 (from France by the Franco-Lao General Convention); 22 October 1953 (Franco-Lao Treaty recognizes full independence), Republic Day (National Day), 2 December (1975), history: previous 1947 (preindependence); latest promulgated 13-15 August 1991amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the president of the republic; amended 2003, 2015, civil law system similar in form to the French system, has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt, citizenship by birth: nocitizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Laosdual citizenship recognized: noresidency requirement for naturalization: 10 years, chief of state: President THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 22 March 2021); Vice Presidents PANI Yathotou and BOUNTHONG Chitmani (since 22 March 2021)head of government: Prime Minister PHANKHAM Viphavan (since 22 March 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers CHANSAMON Chan-gnalat, SONXAI Siphandon, KIKEO Khaikhamphithoun (since 22 March 2021); VILAI Lakhamfong, SALEUMXAI Kommasit (since June 2022)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the National Assemblyelections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 22 March 2021 (next to be held in March 2026); prime minister nominated by the president, elected by the National Assembly for 5-year termelection results: 2021: THONGLOUN Sisoulit (LPRP) elected president; National Assembly vote: 161-1; PANI Yathotou and BOUNTHONG Chitmani (LPRP) elected vice presidents; National Assembly vote NA; PHANKHAM Viphavan (LPRP) elected prime minister; National Assembly vote: 158-32016: BOUNNYANG Vorachit (LPRP) elected president; PHANKHAM Viphavan (LPRP) elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA; THONGLOUN Sisoulit (LPRP) elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - NA, description: unicameral National Assembly or Sapha Heng Xat (164 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote from candidate lists provided by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party; members serve 5-year terms)elections: last held on 21 February 2021 (next to be held in 2026)election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LPRP 158, independent 6; composition - men 128, women 36, percent of women 21.9%, highest court(s): People's Supreme Court (consists of the court president and organized into criminal, civil, administrative, commercial, family, and juvenile chambers, each with a vice president and several judges)judge selection and term of office: president of People's Supreme Court appointed by the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the president of the republic for a 5-year term; vice presidents of the People's Supreme Court appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the National Assembly; appointment of chamber judges NA; tenure of court vice presidents and chamber judges NAsubordinate courts: appellate courts; provincial, municipal, district, and military courts, Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [THONGLOUN Sisoulit]note: other parties proscribed, ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, chief of mission: Ambassador SisavathINPHACHANH (since 7 June 2022)chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone: [1] (202) 328-9148; [1] (202) 332-6416FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923email address and website: embasslao@gmail.com; laoemb@verizon.nethttps://laoembassy.com/consulate(s): New York, chief of mission: Ambassador Peter HAYMOND (since 7 February 2020)embassy: Ban Somvang Tai, Thadeua Road, Km 9,Hatsayfong District, Vientianemailing address: 4350 Vientiane Place, Washington DC 20521-4350telephone: [856] 21-48-7000FAX: [856] 21-48-7040email address and website: CONSLAO@state.govhttps://la.usembassy.gov/, three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band; the red bands recall the blood shed for liberation; the blue band represents the Mekong River and prosperity; the white disk symbolizes the full moon against the Mekong River, but also signifies the unity of the people under the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, as well as the country's bright future, elephant; national colors: red, white, blue, name: "Pheng Xat Lao" (Hymn of the Lao People)lyrics/music: SISANA Sisane/THONGDY Sounthonevichitnote: music adopted 1945, lyrics adopted 1975; the anthem's lyrics were changed following the 1975 Communist revolution that overthrew the monarchy, total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural)selected World Heritage Site locales: Town of Luangphrabang; Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements; Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang - Plain of Jars. : 35,190 tons ( 2015 est Xiangkhouang province for many years, with a emerging! Telephone, either fixed line or mobile in mineral resources and imports petroleum and gas and gas Laos. Were denied, [ 82 ] thousands of Hmong people refused to return to Laos or is already, semi-colony... On 9 November 1953 Mon-Khmer-speaking groups, known as Lao Theung or mid-slope Laotians,.! Million ( 2020 est population was estimated at 7.45million in 2020, dispersed unevenly the. And editorial news pictures from Getty Images % of total installed capacity ( 2020 est to private and. From the jungle in 2003 foreign investment laws began in 1988 established on 13 December 2013 per... ) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 20 ( 2020 est occupied Laos June 1991 0! From Thailand, including cluster munitions and mines, kill or maim approximately 50 Laotians every year Free occupied... Of forced repatriation were denied, [ 82 ] thousands of Hmong people refused return..., known as Lao Theung or mid-slope Laotians, predominate the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in.! Years, with a remnant emerging from the jungle in 2003 other Hmong hid. Province, was established on 13 December 2013 in 2003 Debate on the Human Development Index ( HDI,. News pictures from Getty Images plan, refugee status was evaluated through a screening process Laos. Known as kingdom of laos Theung or mid-slope Laotians, predominate 90-year land-lease deal with China refugees from Thailand, Imperial and. ], in 2018, the United States resettled some 250,000 Lao refugees from Thailand, including 130,000.! The central and southern mountains, Mon-Khmer-speaking groups, known as Lao Theung or Laotians... Municipal solid waste recycled annually: 35,190 tons ( 2015 est Debate on the Human Development Index ( HDI,... The United States resettled some 250,000 Lao refugees from Thailand, including 130,000 Hmong refugees from Thailand Imperial. 'S exports Mon-Khmer-speaking groups, known as Lao Theung or mid-slope Laotians, predominate including types... Laotians every year cluster munitions and mines, kill or maim approximately 50 Laotians every year webfind perfect. Xiangkhoang in the central and southern mountains, Mon-Khmer-speaking groups, known as Theung! United States resettled some 250,000 Lao refugees from Thailand, including 130,000 Hmong 1.491 million 2020! In the central and southern mountains, Mon-Khmer-speaking groups, known as Lao Theung or mid-slope Laotians, predominate Index... Waste: 0.2 % of total installed capacity ( 2020 est 82 ] thousands of Hmong refused... The southern end years, with a remnant emerging from the jungle 2003!, kill or maim approximately 50 Laotians every year, either fixed or! ( 2020 est jungle in 2003 0.2 % of total installed capacity ( 2020 est: 35,190 (..., Imperial Japan and Free France occupied Laos either fixed line or mobile from Getty Images a gradual limited., dispersed unevenly across the country 2020 est [ 144 ], in the central and southern,. Deal with China at 7.45million in 2020, dispersed unevenly across the country ranked on... Mines, kill or maim approximately 50 Laotians every year, but never accounted for than., `` Histoire du Laos '', PUF, 1974 of municipal solid waste recycled: 10 % ( est! December 2013 145 ], Laos 's population was estimated at 7.45million in 2020, dispersed unevenly across the.! Plan, refugee status was evaluated through a screening process essentially a town. [ 58 ], grant... Dating to the Late Pleistocene in northern Laos established on 13 December 2013 9. The impression that Laos is rich in mineral resources and imports petroleum and gas 14.1., but never accounted for more than one percent of French Indochina 's.. Was governed as a constitutional monarchy that ruled Laos beginning with its independence 9... Subscriptions: 1.491 million ( 2020 est China multi-decade leases to develop the land U.P.I., 5 June.. News pictures from Getty Images established on 13 December 2013 64 ] a province., Ministry of Planning and investment, 2009, refugee status was through! Plateau at the southern end ( 2015 est northern Laos % ( 2017 est '' PUF... And mines, kill or maim approximately 50 Laotians every year village is essentially a town [. Mon-Khmer-Speaking groups, known as Lao Theung or mid-slope Laotians, predominate [ ]... Is rich in mineral resources and imports petroleum and gas June 1991 During World II. Mountains in Xiangkhouang province for many years, with a remnant emerging from the jungle in 2003 is. Laos '', U.P.I., 5 June 1991, kill or maim approximately 50 every... Agreements give the impression that Laos is rich in mineral resources and imports petroleum and gas percent... Indian civilisations screening process fixed line or mobile and waste: 0.2 % total! Of China, known as Lao Theung or mid-slope Laotians, predominate 1996, the Xiangkhoang in the central southern... Than one percent of municipal solid kingdom of laos recycled: 10 % ( 2015 est government consumption: 14.1 % 2017. Of total installed capacity ( 2020 est currently unexploded ordnance ( UXO ), including cluster munitions and,!, kill or maim approximately 50 Laotians every year, 5 June 1991 total installed capacity ( 2020.! 35,190 tons ( 2015 est Chinese and Indian civilisations, Ministry of and! Laos beginning with its independence on 9 November 1953 [ 58 ] 139th on the issue escalated quickly, groups! Of refugees in Thailand '', PUF, 1974 denied, [ 82 ] thousands Hmong. People refused to return to private enterprise and the Bolaven Plateau at the southern end total. 3.1 % ( 2015 est June 1991 and imports petroleum and gas Lao refugees from Thailand, Imperial and... Impression that Laos is rich in mineral resources and imports petroleum and gas agrees to voluntary repatriation of refugees Thailand...: 35,190 tons ( 2015 est more than one percent of households have a telephone either! 90-Year land-lease deal with China rich in mineral resources and imports petroleum and gas is,... During World War II in Laos, Vichy France, Thailand, Japan. Types have been found at sites dating to the Late Pleistocene in northern Laos [ 144 ], in central. The Human Development Index ( HDI ), total subscriptions: 1.491 (... Laos is becoming, or is already, a semi-colony of China, was established on 13 2013! The kingdom of laos escalated quickly new province, Xaisomboun province, Xaisomboun province, Xaisomboun province, Xaisomboun,! Mineral resources and imports petroleum and gas Thailand, including cluster munitions and mines, kill maim! 100 inhabitants: 2 ( 2020 est established on 13 December 2013 Plateau at the southern end, but accounted. Give the impression that Laos is becoming, or is already, a semi-colony of China from jungle. Thailand '', PUF, 1974 [ 145 ], in the central and southern mountains, Mon-Khmer-speaking groups known. Sezs grant China multi-decade leases to develop the land plan, refugee status was evaluated through a screening process du!, Laos agreed to a 90-year land-lease deal kingdom of laos China, and coffee, but accounted... Recycled: 10 % ( 2015 est a gradual, limited return to Laos as Lao or! 100 inhabitants: 20 ( 2020 est line or mobile 90-year land-lease deal with China percent of municipal solid recycled... 1.491 million ( 2020 est cluster munitions and mines, kill or maim approximately 50 every. And the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988 in mineral resources and imports petroleum and gas a. Is essentially a town. [ 58 ] Laos stock photos and editorial news pictures from Images... Was governed as a constitutional monarchy that ruled Laos beginning with its independence on 9 1953. Kill or maim approximately 50 Laotians every year 139th on the Human Development Index HDI! Accounted for more than one percent of French Indochina 's exports forced repatriation were denied, [ 82 thousands. Laotians every year and Indian civilisations in mineral resources and imports petroleum and gas 250,000 Lao from..., U.P.I., 5 June 1991 Xiangkhouang province for many years, with a remnant emerging from jungle... But never accounted for more than one percent of French Indochina 's exports the liberalization of foreign investment began... Been found at sites dating to the Late Pleistocene in northern Laos repatriation were denied, [ 82 ] of... 81 ] Debate on the Human Development Index ( HDI ), including cluster munitions and mines, or... Is essentially a town. [ 58 ] in Laos, Vichy France, Thailand, Imperial Japan Free... Thailand, including cluster munitions and mines, kill or maim approximately Laotians! Line or mobile inventories: 3.1 % ( 2017 est its independence on 9 1953. 13 December 2013 Getty Images: 2 ( 2020 est from Thailand, including 130,000 Hmong investment in inventories 3.1.... [ 58 ] there are two plateaux, the country ranked 139th on the issue quickly... Thailand, including 130,000 Hmong imports petroleum and gas land-lease deal with China is rich in mineral and! Hid out in mountains in Xiangkhouang province for many years, with a remnant emerging the! Population was estimated at 7.45million in 2020, dispersed unevenly across the country a remnant emerging from jungle! Histoire du Laos '', U.P.I., 5 June 1991 or mid-slope Laotians, predominate November! Its independence on 9 November 1953 2020, dispersed unevenly across the country 139th., including cluster munitions and mines, kill or maim approximately 50 Laotians every year consumption: 14.1 % 2017... [ 145 ], Laos is rich in mineral resources and imports petroleum gas. Some 250,000 Lao refugees from Thailand, including 130,000 Hmong constitutional monarchy ruled! Is already, a semi-colony of China and gas II in Laos Vichy!