Country Facts

• Full name: Lao People's Democratic Republic
• Population: 6.3 million (UN, 2009)
• Capital: Vientiane
• Area: 236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles)
• Major languages: Lao, French (for diplomatic purposes)
• Major religion: Buddhism
• Life expectancy: 63 years (men), 66 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 new kip = 100 ath
• Main exports: Clothing, timber products, coffee, gold, copper, electricity
• GNI per capita: US $740 (World Bank, 2008)
• Internet domain: .la
• International dialling code: +856

Climatological Information