Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, slightly larger than Utah, with a population of around 6.8 million people. The capital and largest city is Vientiane. Laos has experienced a complex political history including periods of rule under the French and involvement in the Vietnam War. It is now a communist state led by a president and central committee, with Buddhism as the dominant religion. The economy relies on agriculture and exports of commodities like gold, copper, and coffee.

1. LAOSTom JanssenPeriod 1

2. General InformationLaos is a country in Southeast Asia.It is about 91,430 square miles, which is just a little bigger than the state of Utah.There are about 6.8 million people there.

3. The Laos Flag

4. Laos CapitalThe capital city of Laos is Vientiane.The Golden Stupain Vientiane is a national symbol of Laos.GeographyLaos is known for its mountains and rivers.HistorySome of the land that is now Laos was owned by the Siamese, the Japanese, and the French.In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Laos was involved in the second Indochina war and there was some bombing there.The country’s government and people have gone through many changes since then.

5. GovernmentIt is Communist State.The Executive Branch includes:A PresidentA ChairmanA Council for MinistersAn 11 member PolitburoA 55 member Central CommitteePresident ChoummalySayasone

6. More GovernmentThe Legislative Branch includes: A 115 seat National AssemblyThe Judicial Branch includes:District and Provincial CourtsA National Supreme CourtThere is only one legal political party. It is called Lao People’s Revolutionary Party or LPRP.

7. ReligionBuddha statue in LaosThe main religion is Buddhism.Animism is common in the mountain tribes.This pie chart is from OMF International’s Website. www.omf.org

8. Main ExportsGold and copperElectricityWoodClothesCoffeeAgriculture

9. Main ImportsFuelFoodMachineryCars

10. LanguageThe official language is Lao.They teach English and French in schools.CurrencyLaos uses kip for money. About 8,500 kip is the same as one dollar.The biggest bill in Laos is 50000 kip, which is worth about $6. Kip comes in bills of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000.

11. FoodSticky rice is eaten with hands.A very popular meal is called Larb. It is a mixture of meat, greens, and spices.Salads are common too.

12. ClothingSome people in Laos wear traditional clothing for special occasions.

13. AnimalsThere used to be many elephants in the wild. Now there are just a few hundred left.Common animals in Laos are the Asian golden cat, the leopard cat, the lesser panda, several monkeys and the lesser mouse deer.

14. PlantsThere are lots of forests in Laos, but some are getting cut down.The main crops that they grow there are rice and coffee beans. The weather and the river help the soil.There are some plants there that seem unusual to us. The Durian Fruit 

15. WeatherLaos has a tropical monsoon climate.The rainy season is from May to October.The dry season is from November to April. March, April, and May are usually hot.

16. Natives of LaosLaos is a very poor country.More people work in the country than in the city.They are known for being open, friendly, and respectful people.The life expectancy is only 56 years there.

17. CultureLaos culture has a lot to do with Buddhism.They value dancing, singing, and musical instruments.