Laos is a landlocked Southeast Asian country established in the 14th century. It is one of the world's few remaining communist states and is known for its mountainous terrains, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements, and Buddhist monasteries.

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos. The city is a former French trading post and home to the 16th-century Pha That Luang Temple, Patuxai War Memorial, and the Talat Sao Morning Market.

The people of Laos fall under 68 ethnic groups. The mountainous slopes of Laos are inhabited by the Lao who make up 54.6% of the country’s population, followed by Khmou 10.9%, Tai 3.8%, Phuthai 3.3%, Lue 2.2%, Katang 2.1%, Makong 2.1%, Akha 1.6%, others 10.4%, and unspecified 1%.

The most popular tourist attractions in Laos include Luang Prabang which is located on a peninsula between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers; Mekong River, Southeast Asia’s greatest river with an estimated length of 4,350 km; and Si Phan Don, a beautiful set of islands set against a scenic section of the Mekong River in Southern Laos.

Other attractions include the Plain of Jars, Wat Xieng Thong, Pha That Luang, UXO Laos Information Centre, and Tat Somphamit.

Laos’ economy is heavily dependent on capital-intensive natural resource exports. High-profile foreign direct investment in hydropower dams along the Mekong River, copper and gold mining, logging, and construction have promoted its economy.

The country has gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004 and applied for Generalised System of Preferences trade benefits in 2013 after being admitted to the World Trade Organisation.

In 2016, Laos began a one-year chairmanship of ASEAN and is in the process of implementing a value-added tax system.

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