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Facts
& Tips
Capital:
Vientiane
Geography
The
Lao's People Democratic Republic is located in Indochina a
small landlocked country between latitude 14-23 degrees North
and longitude 100-108 degrees East. It has common borders
with China (505km), Cambodia (435km), and Vietnam (2,069km).
Lao PDR is 236,800 square km, the major part being mountainous
and forested. Two main physical features, rivers and mountains,
cover 70 percent of the country. The country is divided
into three geographical areas: the Northern, the Central,
and the Southern areas. The Mekong river flows through
1,865 km of Lao PDR territory and forms the major portion
of the border with Thailand (1,835 km). 60% of the water entering
this major river system originates in Lao PDR. The three
highest "phu" (mountains) are all located in Xieng Khuang
province. The highest is Phu Bia (2,820 km), then Phu Xao
(2,690 km), and Phu Xamxum with 2,620 m.
Laos is
a small landlocked country in the Indochina Peninsula and
sparsely populated.
Climate
and Seasons
Lao PDR has a tropical climate with only two distinctive
seasons. From the early May to the end of September it's the
rainy season, and from October to April it's the dry season.
The average temperature is about 28 degrees centigrade, but
it may rise up to 38 degrees centigrade in April. In the mountainous
area, however, the weather is cold from December to February,
in the neighborhood of 15 degrees centigrade.
Language
The official
language is Lao. The Lao language is monosyllabic and tonal.
The polysyllabic words are occasionally found particularly
in literary writing of Sanskrit in Pali origins. English and
French are widely spoken, but it is very helpful to know some
simple words of communication in the Lao language.
Religion
Buddhism
plays an important role in the life of the Lao people and has
given them a deserved reputation for friendliness, gentleness,
kindness and wisdom.
Ethnic
Groups
Population:
4.8 million (1998). There are 16 inhabitants / sq. km.
Ethnic Groups: Lao 48%, tribal Thai 14%, Sino-Tibetan (including
the H’mong and Yao) 13%, Mon-Khmer 25%, Vietnamese and Chinese
1%.
Health
Medical and dental facilities are mostly operated by the
government. Private clinics and pharmacies are available in
the major cities. The International Clinic is operated under
the supervision of the Ministry of Health, to accommodate
foreigners and diplomats. Medicines from France, USA, Russia,
Thailand and China are widely available in most pharmacies.
Natural
resources
Tin, Timber,
hydroelectric power, iron, coal, gold, copper, precious stones,
potassium, phosphorite, gypsum, salt, petroleum
Agriculture
Rice, corn, tobacco, coffee, cotton, beans, cardamon,
benzoine, stick lac, fruits Industry Tin, gypsum, mining,
lumber, textiles, beverages, bricks, tiles, pottery, cigarettes,
and cement.
Telecomunication
Telephone, fax, telegraph and telex services are available
at post offices, hotels and business centers. Mobile phones
are widely used. Several radio stations broadcast in
Lao. The Lao National Radio carries news in English,
French and Thai. There are daily TV broadcasts, with two local
channels, Thai television and satellite reception.
Handicrafts
Carvings,
silk, cotton, silver, pottery, jewelry, traditional musical
instruments, wickerwork.
Currency
& Banking
Local
currency is called Kip. One USD is worth approximately 2,450
kip (1998). Money can be exchanged at banks, authorized shops,
or hotels. Exchange rates fluctuate everyday, though fluctuation
is tiny. Banque pour le Commerce Exterier Lao, Sethathirath
Bank, Nakornluang Bank, Joint Development Bank, and Thai branch
banks. Traveler’s Checks and credit cards can be used at major
banks, some hotels, restaurants and shops.
Electricity
220 volts at 50 HZ
Major
Events and Traditional Festivals
| 1
January |
New
Year |
| 13-15
April |
Lao
New Year (Pimai) |
| 1
May |
International
Labor Day |
| End
of May |
Rocket
Festival |
| Mid-October |
End
of Buddhist Lent & Boat Races |
| Beginning
of November |
That
Luang Festival |
| 2
December |
Lao’s National Day |
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| ©
2001 Ann's Tourist Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. No reproduction
or republication without written permission. |
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