Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. It is known for its mountainous terrain, the mighty Mekong River, and its rich Buddhist heritage. The country has the distinction of being the most heavily bombed nation per capita in history, yet it has preserved a tranquil and culturally rich way of life.
- Capital
- Vientiane
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- South-Eastern Asia
- Area
- 236,800 km²
- Coordinates
- 18° N, 105° E
Country facts
- Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia.
- The national language is Lao, which is closely related to Thai and uses its own distinctive script.
- During the Vietnam War era, the United States dropped more bombs on Laos than were used in all of World War II combined.
- The Mekong River forms much of Laos's western border with Thailand and is central to daily life and trade.
- The national symbol of Laos is the white three-headed elephant, historically representing the ancient Kingdom of Lan Xang, which means 'Land of a Million Elephants'.
Capital facts
- Vientiane is the smallest capital city in Southeast Asia by population.
- The Pha That Luang, a golden Buddhist stupa built in the 16th century, is the most important national monument in Laos.
- Vientiane served as the capital of the Kingdom of Lan Xang and later came under French colonial rule, which left a lasting mark on its architecture.
- The Patuxai monument, sometimes called the 'Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane,' was built in the 1960s to honor those who died fighting for independence.
- The city sits on a bend of the Mekong River along the border with Thailand, making it a key hub for regional trade and travel.