Lao

Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It borders Thailand to the west, Cambodia to the south, Vietnam to the east, China to the north, and Myanmar to the northwest. The capital is Vientiane. Laotian culture is strongly influenced by Theravada Buddhism, which plays a central role in daily life and traditions. Laos is known for its mountainous landscapes, rainforests, and rivers, including the famous Mekong. The Laotian economy is one of the least developed in Southeast Asia, primarily based on subsistence agriculture, but is growing due to investment in natural resources and tourism. The country has a history of French colonization as part of French Indochina and suffered significant damage during the Vietnam War. Places of interest include Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Plain of Jars. Population of Laos from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 7.1 million inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 7.2 million inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 7.3 million inhabitants. Capital (Vientiane): Population in 2020: About 948,000 inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) Vientiane: 948,000 Savannakhet: 120,000 Pakse: 88,000 Luang Prabang: 55,000 Xam Neua: 38,992 Phonsavan: 37,507 Thakhek: 26,200 Muang Xay: 25,000 Vang Vieng: 25,000 Muang Phônsavan: 37,507 Administrative Divisions: Laos is divided into 18 provinces and 1 prefecture (Vientiane). GDP in millions of dollars from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately $18.3 billion. 2019: Approximately $19.1 billion. 2020: Data not available. Public deficit in millions of dollars from 2018 to 2020: 2018-2020: Data not available. % GDP/government debt ratio from 2018 to 2020: 2018-2020: Data not available. Unemployment rate % from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 0.7%. 2019: Approximately 0.6%. 2020: Data not available. Inflation Rate from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 2.0%. 2019: Approximately 3.3%. 2020: Data not available.