Laos:                     Jewel of the Mekong

Full name:              Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR)

Area:                     236,800 sq. km.

Located:                In the heart of mainland Southeast Asia between Latitudes 14-23 degrees North

Longitudes:             100-108 degrees East.

Terrain:                  Rugged Mountains, dense jungle and plateau, except along the Mekong Plain.

Climate:                 Tropical monsoon with two main seasons:
                                          * Dry season (October-April)
                                          * Rainy season (May -September)

National day:        December 2nd

Flag:                      A red band at top and bottom, with a large blue   band in between, on which is centered a Large white circle.        

President:              H.E Choummaly Sayasone

Government:          A cabinet composed with 13 Ministries, and 3Ministry equivalent committees

Administration:      16 Provinces, 1 Capital, and 141 Districts

Capital:                  Vientiane

Population:             5.6 Million; 49 ethnic groups

Density:                 21.5 inhabitants / sq. km.

Language:              Lao

Religion:                 About 80% of the people of Laos are Hinayana (a.k.a., Theravada) Buddhists.

National Heritage: That Luang Stupa, Hoprakeo, Vat Sisaket  temple,  Wat  Ong Tue temple,  Wat Inpa eang temple, Wat Sim uong temple,  Plan of Jars, That Inghang stupa, Sikhottabong Stupa, Thamting  cave,    Luang Prabang , Viengxai District,  Phou Asa, Tormo Rocket and  Wat Phou Cham pasak.                      

World Heritage:       Luang Prabang and Wat Phou Champasak

Natural Resources:  Tin, timber, corn, coal, zinc, copper, Gold, Silver, sulfur, sap phire, precious stones, potassium, phosphorite, gypsum, antimony.

Mekong River:        Length 4,880 km., flowing by Laos; 1,898 km.  And 14 Branches

Forest:                  Covers 47% of area; 20 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas 3,009,800 ha.

Agriculture:            Rice, corn, tobacco, coffee, cotton, beans, cardamon, benzoin, stick lac, fruit.

Industry:               Tin, gypsum, mining, lumber, textiles,  beverages, bricks, tiles, pottery, cigarettes, cement.

Handicrafts:           Carvings, silk, cotton, silver, pottery, jewelry, traditional musical instruments, wickerware.

Exports:               Chiefly hydroelectricity, timber, coffee, tin, gypsum, cardamom, benzoin rattan, plywood, garments and handicrafts.

Market:                 Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Europe, China, Canada and others.

Import:                 Foodstuffs, machinery, fuel, manufactured goods.

Currency:               Kip

GMT:                      +7 Hours

Voltage:                 220V

Tourism 2005:        Visitor arrivals 1,000,000 Intra ASEAN 70.1% and Extra ASEAN 29.9%; top markets: Thailand, Vietnam, USA, China, United Kingdom, France Japan, Australia, Germany, And Canada.

Visas: 
Visas can obtain from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad. In addition, visas can be obtained on arrival at the international checkpoints, and the fee is 30 US$ with a validity of 15 days. Tourist visas obtained at Embassies or Consulates abroad are valid for 30 days.  For those who wish to extend their stay, it is possible to extend visas at the Immigration Office in Vientiane, or through certified travel agencies. Visa exemptions apply to those nationals visiting from the countries of Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines.

International Airports:
  - Wattay International Airport in Vientiane
  - Luang Prabang International Airport, Luang Prabang Province
  - Pakse International Airport, Champasak Province
A departure tax of 10 US$ is levied for international flights while 5,000 Kip is levied for domestic flights.

Border Checkpoints:
+ China - Laos
   - Mohan - Botene, Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province
   - Xiangkok riverport on Mekong River in Luang Namtha  Province (No visa on arrival available.)
+ Thailand - Laos
    - Chiangkhong - Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province
    - Nakaxeng - Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province
    - Nongkhai - Friendship Bridge, Vientiane Capital
                Open daily from 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
    - Bungkan - Paksanh, Nongkhai- Bolikhamxai Province
    - Nakorn Phnom - Thakhek, Khammouane Province                      
    - Mukdahan - Savannakhet, Savannah Province
    - Chongmek - Vangtao, Ubon Ratchathani to Champasak Province    
+ Vietnam - Laos
   - Taichang - Sobhun, Laichau to Phongsaly Province
      (No visa on arrival available.)
   - Nameo - Banleui, Thanh Hoa - Huaphanh Province
   - Namkan - NamKan, Nge An - Xiengkhouang Province  
   - Keoneua- Nampao (Lak Sao) Hatinh- Borikhamxai Province
   - Napao   - Chalo, Quangbinh - Khammouane Province
   - Laobao - Dansavanh, Quang Tri - Savannakhet Province
   - Phoukua - Bo-Y (Bo-ee), Attapeu- Kontum Province.

Transportation and Communication Services:
Laos is a convenient hub for travel in the Indochina region. Lao Airlines, Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines and China Yunnan Airlines offer a range of scheduled flights to Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Chiang Mai and Kunming.

Lao Airlines' flights offer regular services to all provincial capitals. Sealed all-weather roads link most provinces, although travel by boat along Laos' extensive river network is necessary for some areas and is a scenic option for the more adventurous traveller.  For short trips tuk-tuks and jumbos are a convenient and inexpensive mode of transportation.

Taxis can be booked or found at the Morning Market. Fares for public transport should be negotiated before journeys commence.  Hire of cars, motorcycles and bikes can be arranged through rental companies and at some hotels.

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