
Laos, a green country belonging to the Indochina Peninsula, is known as the land of millions of elephants. Laos does not have a cherry festival like Japan, and blue oceans with golden sandy beaches like Thailand, but attracts visitors with its sacred temples, large Buddha statues, stunning waterfalls, and hospitable smiles of the people. Join us to learn the basics about this country to be more confident in planning your upcoming trip.
Laos is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the region, reflecting its geographic location as a crossroads of Asia. The hardy Hmong people live off the land in the remote mountains of the north, Kahu and Alak elders in the south still have traditional face tattoos, and the Katang villagers of central Laos sleep with forest spirits.
Official Name: | Lao People’s Democratic Republic |
Population: | 7,512,858 as of Monday 3rd Oct 2022 |
Capital: | Vientiane, population c. 400,000 |
People: | Over 60 ethnic groups, the main ones are Lao Loum (lowland ~50%), Lao Theung (upland ~30%), Lao Sung (highland ~10%), and tribal Thais (~ 10%) |
Language: | Laotian |
Currency: | Kip (KN) |
Time Zone: | GMT +7 hours |
Electricity: | 220V, 50 Hz; 2 pin plugs |
Measurements and weights: | Metric |
International Dialing Code: | +856 |