South-East Asia.

GMT + 7.

236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles).

6 million (2008).

25.3 per sq km.

Vientiane. Population: 702,000 (2007 estimate).

Laos is a landlocked country bordered to the north by China, to the east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia, and to the west by Thailand and Myanmar. Apart from the Mekong River plains, along the border of Thailand, the country is mountainous, particularly in the north, and in places is densely forested.

People’s Republic since 1975. Gained independence from France in 1953.

Choummaly Sayasone since June 2006.

Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh since June 2006.

Laos became a republic in December 1975 when the king abdicated and the monarchy was abolished. Laos depended on Soviet aid right up to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Now, although the government no longer runs the economy centrally, there is no move toward a multi-party system.

The official language is Lao; however, many tribal languages are also spoken. French, Vietnamese and some English are spoken.

The majority of the Lao people are Buddhists. The Laos-Lum (Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of Buddhism. The religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range from traditional Confucianism to animism and Christianity.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin flat or round plugs are in use.

Religious beliefs should be respected. Lao people should not be touched on the head and women should not touch monks. Handshaking is not that usual; Lao people greet each other with their palms together and a slight bowing of the head. Take care when discussing politics and related subjects in conversation so as not to cause offence. Shorts or revealing clothes are not always acceptable. Shoes must be removed when entering a religious building or somebody's home. It is a legal requirement to carry an ID document or a passport, and fines for not having one for presentation on demand can be high. The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships, including sexual contact between foreign citizens and Lao nationals, except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. Penalties for failing to register a relationship range from fines to imprisonment.