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
Rare earth mining expands into Laos, threatening entire Mekong River - MongabayRare earth mining expands into Laos, threatening entire Mekong River  Mongabay

Vietnam Unites with Laos and Indonesia: Are Influencers and Their Selfies Destroying Southeast Asia’s Rich Cultures? - Travel And Tour WorldVietnam Unites with Laos and Indonesia: Are Influencers and Their Selfies Destroying Southeast Asia’s Rich Cultures?  Travel And Tour World

Run for Children 2025: Over 3,000 Runners Unite for Lao Kids - Laotian TimesRun for Children 2025: Over 3,000 Runners Unite for Lao Kids  Laotian Times

Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia strengthen trilateral ties at ASEAN Summit - Asia News NetworkLaos, Vietnam and Cambodia strengthen trilateral ties at ASEAN Summit  Asia News Network

Methanol poisoning: Laos survivor says warnings must go further - BBCMethanol poisoning: Laos survivor says warnings must go further  BBC

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Oct 30, 2025 - BernamaTop News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Oct 30, 2025  Bernama

‘Rhizome’ Explores Legacy of Laos Secret War at Tokyo Gap-Financing Market - Variety‘Rhizome’ Explores Legacy of Laos Secret War at Tokyo Gap-Financing Market  Variety

Man deported to Laos despite US court order blocking his removal, attorneys say - The GuardianMan deported to Laos despite US court order blocking his removal, attorneys say  The Guardian

Inflation in Laos slows but cost of living remains high - thestar.com.myInflation in Laos slows but cost of living remains high  thestar.com.my

Transforming Maths Learning in Lao PDR - UnicefTransforming Maths Learning in Lao PDR  Unicef

Harmonizing environmental policy across borders: A case study of China–Laos regulatory disparities - ScienceDirect.comHarmonizing environmental policy across borders: A case study of China–Laos regulatory disparities  ScienceDirect.com

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

NA Chairman welcomes Chief Justice of Lao Supreme People’s Court - vietnamnews.vnNA Chairman welcomes Chief Justice of Lao Supreme People’s Court  vietnamnews.vn

Hyderabad man trafficked to Laos: Sold by brother-in-law; forced into cybercrime in Golden Triangle - Times of IndiaHyderabad man trafficked to Laos: Sold by brother-in-law; forced into cybercrime in Golden Triangle  Times of India

Tourism Growth in Southern Laos: Pakse International Airport Expands to Meet Rising Demand - Travel And Tour WorldTourism Growth in Southern Laos: Pakse International Airport Expands to Meet Rising Demand  Travel And Tour World

Laos Forms National Committee to Oversee Upcoming General Election - Laotian TimesLaos Forms National Committee to Oversee Upcoming General Election  Laotian Times

Malaysia Joins Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in Battling Surging Tourist Prices: How 2026 Will Change Your Travel Budget! - Travel And Tour WorldMalaysia Joins Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in Battling Surging Tourist Prices: How 2026 Will Change Your Travel Budget!  Travel And Tour World

Inflation in Laos Eases to 4 Percent in October - Laotian TimesInflation in Laos Eases to 4 Percent in October  Laotian Times

Laos’ President Mourns the Passing of Thailand’s Queen Sirikit - Laotian TimesLaos’ President Mourns the Passing of Thailand’s Queen Sirikit  Laotian Times

Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Commit to Regional Tourism Growth with Three Countries, One Destination Initiative, Focusing on Connectivity and Sustainability - Travel And Tour WorldCambodia, Laos and Vietnam Commit to Regional Tourism Growth with Three Countries, One Destination Initiative, Focusing on Connectivity and Sustainability  Travel And Tour World

Lao Socialism with Buddhist Characteristics - Monthly ReviewLao Socialism with Buddhist Characteristics  Monthly Review

Laos plans to pull plug on crypto miners by early 2026 - ReutersLaos plans to pull plug on crypto miners by early 2026  Reuters

Laos travel - Lonely PlanetLaos travel  Lonely Planet

To track a unicorn: Laos team goes all out to find the last saolas - MongabayTo track a unicorn: Laos team goes all out to find the last saolas  Mongabay

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

Vietnamese PM holds working breakfast with Cambodian, Lao counterparts - vietnamnews.vnVietnamese PM holds working breakfast with Cambodian, Lao counterparts  vietnamnews.vn

Kim Jong Un meets Laos leader for first summit talks, vowing to boost ties - NK NewsKim Jong Un meets Laos leader for first summit talks, vowing to boost ties  NK News

Teacher educators' challenges: focusing on teacher training colleges in Laos - FrontiersTeacher educators' challenges: focusing on teacher training colleges in Laos  Frontiers

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

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

From Laos to Suriname: Growing dragon fruit and other exotic crops - FreshPlazaFrom Laos to Suriname: Growing dragon fruit and other exotic crops  FreshPlaza

Laos' president to visit North Korea for celebration of ruling party - ReutersLaos' president to visit North Korea for celebration of ruling party  Reuters

National eye health in focus as Laos hosts strategic planning workshop - World Health Organization (WHO)National eye health in focus as Laos hosts strategic planning workshop  World Health Organization (WHO)

WIPO and Lao PDR Launch the Development of a National Intellectual Property Strategy - World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)WIPO and Lao PDR Launch the Development of a National Intellectual Property Strategy  World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia promote Buddhist harmony for peace, sustainable development - Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia promote Buddhist harmony for peace, sustainable development  Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

Viet Nam–Laos friendship shines at first Autumn Fair 2025 - Nhan Dan OnlineViet Nam–Laos friendship shines at first Autumn Fair 2025  Nhan Dan Online

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

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

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

US will proceed with probe of solar imports from India, Laos and Indonesia - ReutersUS will proceed with probe of solar imports from India, Laos and Indonesia  Reuters

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, Thailand & Vietnam: Oct 28, 2025 - BernamaTop News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Oct 28, 2025  Bernama

Laos: Implement UPR Recommendations, End Attacks on Critics - Human Rights WatchLaos: Implement UPR Recommendations, End Attacks on Critics  Human Rights Watch

Innovation Across Borders: Lao PDR - UnicefInnovation Across Borders: Lao PDR  Unicef

Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Oct 27, 2025 - BernamaTop News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Oct 27, 2025  Bernama

Laos launches digital arrival and departure card system - VisasNewsLaos launches digital arrival and departure card system  VisasNews

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

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

Vietnam, Laos seek to step up judicial cooperation - Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)Vietnam, Laos seek to step up judicial cooperation  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

ADB Forecasts Moderate Growth in the Lao PDR - Asian Development BankADB Forecasts Moderate Growth in the Lao PDR  Asian Development Bank

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

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

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

An extraordinary voyage down the Mekong river that explores the spiritual side of Laos - House & GardenAn extraordinary voyage down the Mekong river that explores the spiritual side of Laos  House & Garden

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

Work begins on Vietnamese-funded broadcasting station of Laos' Houaphanh province - Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)Work begins on Vietnamese-funded broadcasting station of Laos' Houaphanh province  Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

River-Inspired Beer Identities : Mekong River - Trend HunterRiver-Inspired Beer Identities : Mekong River  Trend Hunter

Lao People's Democratic Republic - UNHCR - The UN Refugee AgencyLao People's Democratic Republic  UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency

Secretary-General of ASEAN meets Minister of National Defence of Lao PDR - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN meets Minister of National Defence of Lao PDR  ASEAN Main Portal

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

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

Myanmar / Laos: Union Minister Receives Friendship Association - Myanmar International TVMyanmar / Laos: Union Minister Receives Friendship Association  Myanmar International TV

Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos Strengthen Cooperation on Power Supply and Transportation Links - Construction & Property NewsVietnam, Cambodia, and Laos Strengthen Cooperation on Power Supply and Transportation Links  Construction & Property News

How Laos plans to pay for its dam-building spree: cryptocurrency mining - South China Morning PostHow Laos plans to pay for its dam-building spree: cryptocurrency mining  South China Morning Post

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

How a Secret Tobacco Deal in Laos Enriched a Political Insider - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineHow a Secret Tobacco Deal in Laos Enriched a Political Insider  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

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

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

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

Laos, Algeria affirm commitments to global cybercrime fight under Hanoi Convention - VOVLaos, Algeria affirm commitments to global cybercrime fight under Hanoi Convention  VOV

NA Chairman welcomes Chief Justice of Lao Supreme People’s Court - Nhan Dan OnlineNA Chairman welcomes Chief Justice of Lao Supreme People’s Court  Nhan Dan Online

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

China's COMAC seeking majority stake in Lao Airlines, Laos state-run media says - ReutersChina's COMAC seeking majority stake in Lao Airlines, Laos state-run media says  Reuters

US, Lao, Thai Law Enforcement Combat Transnational Crime - U.S. Embassy in Laos (.gov)US, Lao, Thai Law Enforcement Combat Transnational Crime  U.S. Embassy in Laos (.gov)

MoL Union Minister receives Myanmar-Lao Friendship Association Chair - Global New Light Of MyanmarMoL Union Minister receives Myanmar-Lao Friendship Association Chair  Global New Light Of Myanmar

Laos signs UN Convention against Cybercrime - thestar.com.myLaos signs UN Convention against Cybercrime  thestar.com.my

Man deported to Laos despite court ordering blocking his removal, attorneys say - The IndependentMan deported to Laos despite court ordering blocking his removal, attorneys say  The Independent

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

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

Princess Aiko to visit Laos from Nov. 17 - The Japan TimesPrincess Aiko to visit Laos from Nov. 17  The Japan Times

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

Lao PDR and UNICEF Mark World Water Day with New Clean Water Systems in Remote Communities - UnicefLao PDR and UNICEF Mark World Water Day with New Clean Water Systems in Remote Communities  Unicef

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia promote Buddhist harmony for peace, sustainable development - Khmer TimesVietnam, Laos, Cambodia promote Buddhist harmony for peace, sustainable development  Khmer Times

Weather Alert: Typhoon Wipha - U.S. Embassy in Laos (.gov)Weather Alert: Typhoon Wipha  U.S. Embassy in Laos (.gov)

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

Meeting with the President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith - ????????? ??????Meeting with the President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith  ????????? ??????

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

Update: Laos denies report of clash with Cambodian forces - Global TimesUpdate: Laos denies report of clash with Cambodian forces  Global Times

Meeting with Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone - ????????? ??????Meeting with Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone  ????????? ??????

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

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

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia vow stronger unity amid regional challenges - VOVVietnam, Laos, Cambodia vow stronger unity amid regional challenges  VOV

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

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

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

Man deported to Laos despite court order blocking his removal, attorneys say - Toronto StarMan deported to Laos despite court order blocking his removal, attorneys say  Toronto Star

Laos: Seminar for armed forces reaffirms importance of humanitarian law - ICRCLaos: Seminar for armed forces reaffirms importance of humanitarian law  ICRC

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

Vietnam attends 3rd Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia Buddhist Summit in Cambodia - Báo VietNamNetVietnam attends 3rd Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia Buddhist Summit in Cambodia  Báo VietNamNet