Capital: Vientiane
Currency: Kip (LAK)
Borders: Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km,
Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km
Laos is a southeast Asian country, bordered by Myanmar and China to
the north, Vietnam to the east, Thailand to the west and Cambodia in
the south. The landmass of Laos measures 235,000 sq km. The terrain
consists of many mountainous zones, especially in the northern half
of the country. In fact over 70% of Laos is comprised of high
plateau and mountains including Phu Bia which stands at a height of
2819m. Perhaps Laos’ most dominant and famous natural feature is the
mighty Mekong River, which enters the country from China in the
north and exits through Cambodia in the south. There are many other
rivers that provide irrigation and support for the surrounding
verdant ecology. Some interesting fauna exists in Laos, including
the Asian elephant, although their numbers are in steep decline. The
main environmental issue within Laos is mass deforestation for
logging. This causes loss of habitat for many of Laos’ wildlife and
also has an effect on the climate and overall ecology. Laos is
infamous for being the most bombed nation in the world in the
aftermath of the American-Vietnam war. Many local people use old
bombshells as fencing and building material.
The capital of Laos is Vientiane and is the location
of all things governmental and administrative in Laos. The French
once colonised Laos and their legacy still lives on in the capital.
Many people speak French, especially in establishments such as
hotels and restaurants. There are many different tribal groups
within Laos, especially in mountainous regions, where they are
referred to as hilltribes. Hilltribes people wear an incredibly
colourful mix of clothing. The official language is Lao although
French and English are both widely spoken. The national unit of
currency is the Kip although US Dollars are unofficially accepted.
Agriculture dominates the Laotian economy. Products include rice,
corn, wheat, tobacco, tea, coffee and opium. Timber produce is big
business in Laos and is the main reason behind the disappearance of
large areas of Laos’ forests. Laos possesses some valuable natural
resources, including gold, zinc, oil, iron, copper, tin and coal.
Manufactured products include cigarettes, cement and the famous Bia
Lao or Lao Beer.
The climate is tropical monsoonal. The main rainy period falls
between May and November. For the rest of the year, Laos remains
relatively dry. Mountainous areas, experience a cooler temperate
climate. The average annual temperature in Vientiane is 30°C. |
