Laos

Internet country code

.la

Internet hosts

1,661 (2009) country comparison to the world: 152

Internet users

130,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 145

Radio broadcast stations

AM 7, FM 14, shortwave 2 (2006)

Telephone system

general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas domestic: multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership approaching 30 per 100 persons international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) (2008)

Telephones - main lines in use

97,600 (2008) country comparison to the world: 145

Telephones - mobile cellular

1.822 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 123

Television broadcast stations

7 (includes 1 station relaying Vietnam Television from Hanoi) (2006)

Agriculture - products

sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, peanuts, rice; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry

Budget

revenues: $811.6 million expenditures: $955.9 million (2008 est.)

Central bank discount rate

7.67% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 21 12.67% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

24% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 6 28.5% (31 December 2007)

Current account balance

-$52 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $107.3 million (2007 est.)

Debt - external

$3.179 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 122

Distribution of family income - Gini index

34.6 (2002) country comparison to the world: 88 37 (1997)

Economy - overview

The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party Communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking - growth averaged 6% per year from 1988-2008 except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis that began in 1997. Despite this high growth rate, Laos remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. It has no railroads, a rudimentary road system, and limited external and internal telecommunications, though the government is sponsoring major improvements in the road system with support from Japan and China. Electricity is available in urban areas and in many rural districts. Subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice, accounts for about 40% of GDP and provides 80% of total employment. The government depends upon aid from international donors for over 80% of its capital investment. The economy has until recently benefited from high foreign investment in hydropower, mining, and construction. The fiscal crisis of late 2008, and the rapid drop in commodity prices - especially copper - has slowed these investments. Several policy changes since 2004 may help spur growth. Laos, which gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004, is taking steps to join the World Trade Organization. Related trade policy reforms will improve the business environment. On the fiscal side, a value-added tax (VAT) regime, which began with a few large businesses in early 2009, should slowly help streamline the government's inefficient tax system. Economic prospects will improve gradually as the administration continues to simplify investment procedures and as a more competitive banking sector extends credit to small farmers and small entrepreneurs. The government appears committed to raising the country's profile among investors. Foreign donors have praised the Lao government for its efforts to improve the investment regime. The World Bank has declared that Laos' goal of graduating from the UN Development Program's list of least-developed countries by 2020 could be achievable.

Electricity - consumption

3.068 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Electricity - exports

268 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports

475.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - production

3.075 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Exchange rates

kips (LAK) per US dollar - 8,760.69 (2008 est.), 9,658 (2007), 10,235 (2006), 10,820 (2005), 10,585.5 (2004)

Exports

$1.163 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $922.7 million (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities

wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, gold

Exports - partners

Thailand 35.5%, Vietnam 15.5%, China 8.5% (2008)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$5.374 billion (2008 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$14.01 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $13.04 billion (2007 est.) $12.13 billion (2006 est.) note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector

agriculture: 39.2% industry: 34.3% services: 26.5% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$2,100 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 $2,000 (2007 est.) $1,900 (2006 est.) note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

7.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 7.5% (2007 est.) 8.3% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: 3.4% highest 10%: 28.5% (2002)

Imports

$1.384 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $1.065 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods

Imports - partners

Thailand 68.5%, China 10.5%, Vietnam 5.8% (2008)

Industrial production growth rate

11% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Industries

copper, tin, gold, and gypsum mining; timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction, garments, cement, tourism

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

8.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 4.5% (2007 est.)

Labor force

2.1 million (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture: 80% industry and services: 20% (2005 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Oil - consumption

3,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - imports

3,080 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Oil - production

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Population below poverty line

30.7% (2005 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$803 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $540 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$NA (31 December 2008) $285.8 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of money

$NA (31 December 2008) $327.9 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money

$NA (31 December 2008) $717.9 million (31 December 2007)

Unemployment rate

2.4% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Area

total: 236,800 sq km country comparison to the world: 83 land: 230,800 sq km water: 6,000 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than Utah

Climate

tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Elevation extremes

lowest point: Mekong River 70 m highest point: Phou Bia 2,817 m

Environment - current issues

unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; most of the population does not have access to potable water

Environment - international agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

total: 3 cu km/yr (4%/6%/90%) per capita: 507 cu m/yr (2000)

Geographic coordinates

18 00 N, 105 00 E

Geography - note

landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand

Irrigated land

1,750 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

total: 5,083 km border countries: Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km

Land use

arable land: 4.01% permanent crops: 0.34% other: 95.65% (2005)

Location

Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam

Map references

Southeast Asia

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Natural hazards

floods, droughts

Natural resources

timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Terrain

mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Total renewable water resources

333.6 cu km (2003)

Administrative divisions

16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 capital city* (nakhon luang, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xekong, Xiangkhoang

Capital

name: Vientiane (Viangchan) geographic coordinates: 17 58 N, 102 36 E time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

promulgated 14 August 1991

Country name

conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic conventional short form: Laos local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao local short form: Pathet Lao (unofficial)

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Ravic R. HUSO embassy: 19 Rue Bartholonie, That Dam, Vientiane mailing address: American Embassy Vientiane, APO AP 96546 telephone: [856] 21-26-7000 FAX: [856] 21-26-7190

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador PHIANE Philakone chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416 FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923

Executive branch

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 8 June 2006); Vice President BOUN-GNANG Volachit (since 8 June 2006) head of government: Prime Minister BOUASONE Bouphavanh (since 8 June 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since May 2002), Maj. Gen. DOUANGCHAI Phichit (since 8 June 2006), SOMSAVAT Lengsavat (since 26 February 1998), and THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 27 March 2001) cabinet: Ministers appointed by president, approved by National Assembly elections: president and vice president elected by National Assembly for five-year terms; election last held 8 June 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister nominated by president and elected by National Assembly for five-year term election results: CHOUMMALI Saignason elected president; BOUN-GNANG Volachit elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - 100%; BOUASONE Bouphavanh elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - 97%

Flag description

three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band

Government type

Communist state

Independence

19 July 1949 (from France)

International organization participation

ADB, APT, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Judicial branch

People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme Court is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee)

Legal system

based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and socialist practice; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Legislative branch

unicameral National Assembly (115 seats; members elected by popular vote from a list of candidates selected by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 30 April 2006 (next to be held in 2011) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LPRP 113, independents 2

National holiday

Republic Day, 2 December (1975)

Political parties and leaders

Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [CHOUMMALI Saignason]; other parties proscribed

Political pressure groups and leaders

NA

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Background

Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1986. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

Manpower available for military service

males age 16-49: 1,549,774 females age 16-49: 1,570,702 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

males age 16-49: 1,023,205 females age 16-49: 1,085,197 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

male: 75,310 female: 74,498 (2009 est.)

Military - note

serving one of the world's least developed countries, the Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF) is small, poorly funded, and ineffectively resourced; its mission focus is border and internal security, primarily in countering ethnic Hmong insurgent groups; together with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the government, the Lao People's Army (LPA) is the third pillar of state machinery, and as such is expected to suppress political and civil unrest and similar national emergencies, but the LPA also has upgraded skills to respond to avian influenza outbreaks; there is no perceived external threat to the state and the LPA maintains strong ties with the neighboring Vietnamese military (2008)

Military branches

Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF): Lao People's Army (LPA; includes Riverine Force), Air Force (2009)

Military expenditures

0.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 162

Military service age and obligation

15 years of age for compulsory military service; minimum 18-month conscript service obligation (2006)

Age structure

0-14 years: 40.8% (male 1,400,126/female 1,386,480) 15-64 years: 56.1% (male 1,898,995/female 1,936,892) 65 years and over: 3.1% (male 92,070/female 120,379) (2009 est.)

Birth rate

33.94 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Death rate

10.78 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Education expenditures

3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 146

Ethnic groups

Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8%, other (over 100 minor ethnic groups) 26% (2005 census)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

5,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Infant mortality rate

total: 77.82 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 23 male: 86.94 deaths/1,000 live births female: 68.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Languages

Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 56.68 years country comparison to the world: 190 male: 54.56 years female: 58.9 years (2009 est.)

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 68.7% male: 77% female: 60.9% (2001 est.)

Major infectious diseases

degree of risk: very high food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2008) (2009)

Median age

total: 19.3 years male: 19 years female: 19.6 years (2009 est.)

Nationality

noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s) adjective: Lao or Laotian

Net migration rate

NA (2009 est.)

Population

6,834,942 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Population growth rate

2.316% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Religions

Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and unspecified 31.5% (2005 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 9 years male: 10 years female: 8 years (2006)

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate

4.41 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Urbanization

urban population: 31% of total population (2008) rate of urbanization: 5.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Disputes - international

Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Thailand but disputes remain over islands in the Mekong River; concern among Mekong Commission members that China's construction of dams on the Mekong River will affect water levels

Illicit drugs

estimated opium poppy cultivation in 2008 was 1,900 hectares, about a 73% increase from 2007; estimated potential opium production in 2008 more than tripled to 17 metric tons; unsubstantiated reports of domestic methamphetamine production; growing domestic methamphetamine problem (2007)

Airports

41 (2009) country comparison to the world: 103

Airports - with paved runways

total: 9 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways

total: 32 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 21 (2009)

Merchant marine

total: 1 ship (1000 GRT or over) 2,370 GRT/3,110 DWT country comparison to the world: 159 by type: cargo 1 (2008)

Pipelines

refined products 540 km (2008)

Roadways

total: 29,811 km country comparison to the world: 97 paved: 4,010 km unpaved: 25,801 km (2006)

Waterways

4,600 km country comparison to the world: 24 note: primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,900 additional km are intermittently navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m (2008)