last edited Dec 16, 2019
Overview of Laos
Location Map of Laos
Laos
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Quick Overview
Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. 80% of its area consists of plateaus and mountains (north and center), and two-thirds are covered in forests. The Mekong River flows through the country for over 1,800 km, providing fertile land for cultivation (rice) and serving as a major communication route. The majority of the population lives along the river valleys.
Key Facts
- Type of place: country.
- Latitude/longitude: 17°58' N, 102°37' E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Vientiane.
- Nature of the state: "single-party Marxist" republic.
- Official language: Lao.
- Currency: kip.
- Population: 7,234,171 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 236,800 km².
- Density: 30.5 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Phou Bia (2,818 m).
- Lowest point: Mekong (70 m).
- Coastline: 0 km; no coastline.
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
Though close to destinations like Vietnam or Thailand, Laos stands apart. The country is less crowded, and the people are more relaxed and friendly. In short, it fits the widely accepted idea of being "more authentic"!
Nevertheless, like other destinations in the region, its popularity has significantly increased, more than doubling in a decade to reach 3.770 million visitors in 2018. While neighboring countries' nationals make up the majority, Westerners (Americans, French, British, Australians, etc.) are also present. Notably, 55,000 French visitors come each year, making France the leading European country of origin.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for somewhat experienced travelers.
- By air: France-Vientiane.
- Entry requirements: passport valid at least 6 months after the planned departure date + visa.
- Currency to bring:
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 139/188 (2018 ranking)
- GDP per capita: $7,400 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +0.8% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 1.4% (2014)
- Population below the poverty line: 22% (2013)
- Life expectancy: 65 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -1.1 (2017)
- Population growth: +1.48% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 79.9% (2015)
- Urban population: 35% (2018)
- Press freedom: 170/180 (2018 ranking)
- Political regime: authoritarian regime (151/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook