Vientiane Capital is the home to the most significant national monument in Laos: That Luang (Great Stupa), which is the symbol of Lao and an icon of Buddhism in Laos. More than half of the nation's population is ethnic Laothe principal lowland inhabitants, and the politically and culturally dominant people of Laos. Great day in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Sticky rice is a staple food and has cultural and religious significance to the Lao people. Laos produced tin, rubber, and coffee, but never accounted for more than one percent of French Indochina's exports. But around the 11th and 12th centuries, the Lao and Thai came from Southern China and overtook the area. Vientiane, Laos might seem sleepy and languid by Southeast Asia standards, but the Lao PDR capital might surprise you with its diversity of cuisine, quirky sights, friendly locals, and infectious sabai-sabai attitude. ", "Evaluation Synthesis of Rice in Lao PDR", "Starting an Asian Cinema: Laos Past and Present", "Good Good Morning, Luang Prabang and hello to Laos's film industry", "Q&A with director Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket)", "A tale of revenge in Laos challenges censors", "Fantastic Fest 2013 Review: Chanthaly is A Haunting Portrait of Modern Day Laos", "Laos Selects 'Dearest Sister' as First Foreign-Language Oscar Submission", "Cannes: Southeast Asia Is Ready for Its Big-Screen Close-up", "Laos: Crony scheme in control of press and civil society", "Social Discrimination in the Lao People's Democratic Republic", "Muay Lao, the forgotten art of kickboxing", "Laos Stumbles on Path to Sporting Glory", Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ASEANRepublic of Korea Commemorative Summit, Comprehensive Economic Partnership for East Asia, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, ASEANAustralia Development Cooperation Program, Outstanding Scientist and Technologist Award, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Assemble parlementaire de la Francophonie, Agence de Coopration Culturelle et Technique, Prix des cinq continents de la francophonie, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Laos&oldid=1142166912, French-speaking countries and territories, Member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, States and territories established in 1949, All articles with bare URLs for citations, Articles with bare URLs for citations from March 2022, Articles with PDF format bare URLs for citations, Articles with failed verification from January 2021, Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Pages using infobox country or infobox former country with the symbol caption or type parameters, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2019, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2022, Articles containing potentially dated statements from March 2021, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2020, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2011, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2021, Pages using Sister project links with wikidata mismatch, Pages using Sister project links with hidden wikidata, Articles with MusicBrainz area identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 21:55. "Laos refuses to take back Thai-based Hmong refugees", Smith, Philip, Washington, D.C. (12 December 2014), Kyophilavong, Phouphet, et al. The city was destroyed, valuables and historical artifacts were looted, and the population fled. Lao PDR: How to Attract More Investment in Small-Scale Renewable Energy? [155] Government expenditure on health is about four percent of GDP,[155] about US$18 (PPP) in 2006. More than a century later, the kingdom was replaced by the Kingdom of Vientiane in 1707. [77] Pressure to resettle the refugees grew as the Thai government worked to close its remaining refugee camps. [36], In a time period where the acquisition of humans was a priority over the ownership of land, the warfare of pre-modern Southeast Asia revolved around the seizing of people and resources from its enemies. Since the founding of the Lao PDR in 1975, very few films have been made in Laos. Laos financed the remaining 30% with loans from . [47][51] The royalists set up a government in exile in the United States. Five of them were arrested and subsequently sentenced to up to 10 years imprisonment on charges of treason. [163] The first feature-length film made after the monarchy was abolished is Gun Voice from the Plain of Jars, directed by Somchith Pholsena in 1983, although its release was prevented by a censorship board. There are many traditions and rituals associated with rice production in different environments and among many ethnic groups. French is also used in public works in central and southern Laos and Luang Prabang and is a language of diplomacy and of the elite classes, higher professions and elders. [45] When Japan surrendered, some Lao nationalists (including Prince Phetsarath) declared Laotian independence, but by early-1946, French troops had reoccupied the country and conferred limited autonomy on Laos. [145] The Lao belong to the Tai linguistic group[146] who began migrating south from China in the first millennium CE. After the Pathet Lao took over the country in 1975, the conflict continued in isolated pockets. This includes decreasing the environmental and cultural impact of tourism; increasing awareness in the importance of ethnic groups and biological diversity; providing a source of income to conserve, sustain and manage the Lao protected area network and cultural heritage sites; and emphasizing the need for tourism zoning and management plans for sites that will be developed as ecotourism destinations.[137]. Very few of the Lao refugees, however, were willing to return voluntarily. Vakulchuk, R., Chan, H.Y., Kresnawan, M.R., Merdekawati, M., Overland, I., Sagbakken, H.F., Suryadi, B., Utama, N.A. French is used in government and commerce, and Laos is a member of the French-speaking organisation of La Francophonie. A Chinese firm's plans to build a 100-meter-high Buddha statue in low-lying Vientiane encapsulate China's outsized . Energy Efficiency Retrofitting of Buildings Challenges and Methods", Diller, Anthony; Edmondson, Jerry; Luo, Yongxian (2004). Pakxe has also experienced growth based on cross-border trade with Thailand and Vietnam. [166], Australian filmmaker Kim Mordount's first feature film was made in Laos and features a Laotian cast speaking their native language. Patuxay Vientiane Laos, Sunrise in morning at at Patuxai. [179] Only 3.5% of women and 2.1% of men between the ages of 1549 were in a polygamous union as of 2017. "Patuxai is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane, Laos, which was built between 1957 and 1968. Pr-histria. Bounchao Pichit, "Laos Cinema," in David Hanan, ed., General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Politburo of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "Results of Population and Housing Census 2015", "Lao People's Democratic Republic's Constitution of 1991 with Amendments through 2003", https://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2012/12/globalReligion-tables.pdf, "World Economic Outlook Database, April 2022", "Lao People's Democratic Republic and the WTO", "China train project runs roughshod over Laos", "Laos approves Xayaburi 'mega' dam on Mekong", "Laos Securities Exchange to start trading", "10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Laos", "Anatomically modern human in Southeast Asia (Laos) by 46 ka", "Archaeological Investigations in northern Laos: New contributions to Southeast Asian prehistory", "History and Practice of Archaeology in Laos", Pittayaporn, Pittayawat (2014). [44] On 9 March 1945, a nationalist group declared Laos once more independent, with Luang Prabang as its capital, but on 7 April 1945 two battalions of Japanese troops occupied the city. Collectively, they are known as Lao Soung or highland Laotians. Xinhua That Luang Festival celebrated in Vientiane, Laos Candlelight parade surrounding the That Luang Stupa in Lao capital Vientiane on the night of Nov. 11, 2019. . Evidence for modern human presence in the northern and central highlands of Indochina, that constitute the territories of the modern Laotian nation-state dates back to the Lower Paleolithic. Capital: Vientiane. During World War II, the city was briefly captured by Japan, but quickly recaptured by the French. Vientiane authorities have pledged to carry out 30 large-scale development projects from now until 2025 in a bid to accelerate the Lao capital's economic growth. Area 236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles) Major languages Lao, French. For other uses, see, , "Peace, independence, democracy, unity and prosperity", Independence and Communist rule (1953present), The State respects and protects all lawful activities of Buddhists and of followers of other religions, [and] mobilises and encourages Buddhist monks and novices as well as the priests of other religions to participate in activities that are beneficial to the country and people, Sanda Simms, ch. Vientiane, Laos - Jul 29, 1998: Tuk-tuk and Patuxai Triumphal arch in Lane Xang Avenue. The national carrier is Lao Airlines. Browse 13,220 laos capital stock photos and images available, or search for laos culture or thailand to find more great stock photos and pictures. Population 6.7 million. [26] Archaeological evidence suggests an agriculturist society developed during the 4th millennium BC. Vientiane Capital is the home to the most significant . [58] Laos had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 5.59/10, ranking it 98th globally out of 172 countries. In their opposition of the repatriation plans, Democratic and Republican Members of Congress challenged the Clinton administration's position that the government of Laos was not systematically violating Hmong human rights. has been the most successful club with 8 titles, the highest number of championship wins. [171], As of 2018, Laos has three theatres dedicated to showing films.[172]. [76] As many as 200,000 Hmong went into exile in Thailand, with many ending up in the US. The Mekong River is vital as a transportation route for cargo and passengers, a source of electricity at dams, a water supply for crops, and a home to fish . Mountain/hill tribes of mixed ethno/cultural-linguistic heritage are found in northern Laos, which include the Lua and Khmu people who are indigenous to Laos. As a result, newly elected US president John F. Kennedy authorized the recruitment of ethnic minorities in Laos to participate in covert military operations against the spread of communism. Subsistence agriculture still accounts for half of the GDP and provides 80% of employment. Set at the point where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, Luang Prabang stands in front of a backdrop of a magnificent hilltop temple. Recognised asylum seekers were given resettlement opportunities, while the remaining refugees were to be repatriated under guarantee of safety. [19][20][21][22][23] In the Lao language, the country's name is Muang Lao () or Pathet Lao (), both of which literally mean 'Lao Country'. The capital of Laos is Vientiane. Pha That Luang, the countrys most revered national monuments, is located in Vientiane. In an effort to halt the planned repatriation, the Republican-led USSenate and House of Representatives both appropriated funds for the remaining Thailand-based Hmong to be immediately resettled in the United States; Clinton, however, responded by promising a veto of the legislation. [124] Laos may have the greatest number of rice varieties in the Greater Mekong Subregion. These include the Presidential Palace and the National Assembly of Laos. [183] Since the start of the league, Lao Army F.C. "Last month, they the authorities told us they're going to . [119] The economy receives development aid from the International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, and other international sources; and also foreign direct investment for development of the society, industry, hydropower and mining (most notably of copper and gold). According to the World Bank data conducted in 2014, Laos has met the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets on water and sanitation regarding the UNICEF/WHO Joint Monitoring Programme. The Lao Securities Exchange (LSX) began operations in 2011 with two stocks listed, both state-owned - the Banque Pour l'CommerceExterieur (BCEL), and the power generation arm of . [141] Laos's predominantly rural[142] population makes investing in sanitation difficult. [122] Rice dominates agriculture, with about 80% of the arable land area used for growing rice. Laos is now an independent country with an elected government, and Vientiane is its official capital. [114][115][116], The Lao economy depends on investment and trade with its neighbours, Thailand, Vietnam, and, especially in the north, China. Laos is simply one of those places that will capture your heart for years to come. History of Laos. The Lao PDR is one of the world's few socialist states openly endorsing communism. 3, "Through Chaos to a New Order", in, Sanda Simms, ch. [66][67] The incumbent head of government is Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. The small nation is bordered by China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. [15][16] Laos has been referred to as one of Southeast Asia and Pacific's fastest growing economies by the World Bank with annual GDP growth averaging 7.4% since 2009. [139]:3940, In 2004 the net primary enrollment rate was 84%. "Lao Refugees Return Home Under European Union Repatriation Program", Associated Press Worldstream, 22 11, 1994. Vientiane is the capital and largest city in Laos. [135] The European Council on Trade and Tourism awarded the country the "World Best Tourist Destination" designation for 2013 for architecture and history.[136]. Local tradition holds that there are three seasons (rainy, cool and hot) as the latter two months of the climatologically defined dry season are noticeably hotter than the earlier four months. In 1990 only 8% of the rural population had access to improved sanitation. The mountainous geography of Laos had impeded Laos's ground transportation development throughout the 20th century. [139]:8 Songthaews are used in the country for long-distance and local public transport. [57], Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, and it lies mostly between latitudes 14 and 23N (a small area is south of 14), and longitudes 100 and 108E. Laos has the youngest population of any country in Asia with a median age of 21.6 years. Life expectancy 65 years (men), 68 years (women) Currency kip . Amnesty International raised concerns about the ratification record of the Lao government on human rights standards and its lack of co-operation with the UN human rights mechanisms and legislative measuresboth impact negatively upon human rights. Laos will . [13] Because of its central geographical location in Southeast Asia, the kingdom became a hub for overland trade and became wealthy economically and culturally. Only 4% of the country is arable land and a mere 0.3% used as permanent crop land,[120] the lowest percentage in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Today, it remains the unofficial tourist capital. The Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand, where the mountains of the Annamite Range form most of the eastern border with Vietnam and the Luang Prabang Range the northwestern border with the Thai highlands. Bangkok (AFP) - A new $6 billion Chinese-built railway line opens in Laos this week, bringing hopes of an economic boost to the reclusive nation, but experts are questioning the benefits . In 2010, one in every 11 jobs was in the tourism sector. (Lao: , pronounced Loo-ang pah-bang and also spelled Louangphrabang, is the former capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage city. The capital is Vientiane (Lao: Viangchan), located on the Mekong River in the northern portion of the country. Moreover, 130,000 deaths can be attributed to the civil war. [155] The National University of Laos is the Lao state's public university. Wat Sisaket, Luang, and Phra Keo are the three most . There are two plateaux, the Xiangkhoang in the north and the Bolaven Plateau at the southern end. Built on three levels, it symbolises the ascent from earth to heaven. [138] Two new lines connecting with Vietnam, namely the VientianeVng ng and SavannakhetLao Bao railways, are also under planning, in line to meet the Laotian government's vision of becoming a land-linked nation. Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are expected to generate 16% of total exports or US$270.3million in 2010, growing in nominal terms to US$484.2million (12.5% of the total) in 2020. Its international borders were closed except to trucks carrying goods and in cases allowed by the nation's COVID . [47] As of 22March2021[update] the head of state is President Thongloun Sisoulith. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com. His reign is often regarded as Laos's golden age. [140], Laos has made particularly noteworthy progress increasing access to sanitation. [68] Laos also maintained a "special relationship" with Vietnam and formalised a 1977 treaty of friendship and cooperation that created tensions with China. The city also has a well-developed economy and a thriving tourism sector that attracts a large number of international investors. [139]:19, The martial art of muay Lao, the national sport,[180] is a form of kickboxing similar to Thailand's muay Thai, Burmese Lethwei and Cambodian Pradal Serey. [39] Laos never held any importance for France[40] other than as a buffer state between Thailand and the more economically important Annam and Tonkin. 3,920 square kilometres and is located on the banks of the Mekong, close to the Thai border.Vientiane was the administrative capital . [70] Laos was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July 1997 and acceded to the World Trade Organization in 2016. [54][55], The conflict between Hmong rebels and Laos continued in key areas of Laos, including in Saysaboune Closed Military Zone, Xaisamboune Closed Military Zone near Vientiane Province and Xiangkhouang Province. Some Vietnamese, Laotian Chinese[148] and Thai minorities remain, particularly in the towns, but many left after independence in the late 1940s, many of whom relocated either to Vietnam, Hong Kong, or to France. [50], In 1975 the Pathet Lao overthrew the royalist government, forcing King Savang Vatthana to abdicate on 2 December 1975. The Tai-Kadai Languages, ":: Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, R.o.c. Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. [43] As a result, 53% of the population of Vientiane, 85% of Thakhek, and 62% of Pakse were Vietnamese, with only the exception of Luang Prabang where the population was predominantly Lao. Pakse is the capital and most populous city of Champasak Province in Southern Laos. Life expectancy 65 years (men), 68 years (women) Currency kip . What Is the Capital of Laos? [141] Access rose rapidly from 10 percent in 1995 to 38 percent in 2008. 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