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Laos

communist party-led state

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.

Profile

CapitalVientiane (Viangchan)
Population8.0M
GDP$66.9B
Area236,800 km²
LanguageLao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages
Currencykips (LAK) per US dollar -

Leadership

Head of State

Thongloun Sisoulith

Head of Government

Sonexay Siphandone

Since 2022

At a Glance

Population

8.0M

GDP (PPP)

$67B

Global Rankings

151stGDP per Capitaof 217112thGDP (PPP)of 219182ndLife Expectancyof 226102ndPopulationof 23384th

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