Laos

Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia bordered by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. The capital and largest city is Vientiane. The country has a population of about 7.5 million. Lao is the official language; Theravada Buddhism is the predominant religion, and the kip is the currency.

Historically, Laos traces its roots to the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, the "Land of a Million Elephants," which played a central role in the region’s politics from the 14th to the 18th centuries. It was later incorporated into French Indochina. Laos gained independence in 1953 as a constitutional monarchy, but in 1975 the Pathet Lao established the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, a single-party state.

Geography and environment: The country is largely mountainous, with the Annamite Range running along the eastern border. The Mekong River forms much of the western border with Thailand and serves as a vital transport and food source. Laos has a tropical monsoon climate and rich biodiversity, though it faces deforestation and other environmental pressures.

Politics and economy: The Lao PDR is governed as a one-party socialist republic led by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. The President is the head of state and the Prime Minister the head of government; the National Assembly is the legislative body. The economy is lower-middle income, with agriculture employing a large share of the workforce. Hydropower, mining, and tourism are important sectors, and Laos participates in regional integration through ASEAN and international development programs.

Society and culture: The population comprises multiple ethnic groups, with the Lao Loum as the largest. Lao is the official language; Buddhism, particularly Theravada, is the main religion. Festivals include Pi Mai (Lao New Year). Lao cuisine emphasizes sticky rice, herbs, and fermented fish sauce.