4,845,800 (1997).

20.5 per sq km (1997).

Vientiane.

555,100 (1997).

Laos is a landlocked country bordered to the north by China, to the east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia and to the west by Thailand and Myanmar. Apart from the Mekong River plains along the border of Thailand, the country is mountainous, particularly in the north, and in places is densely forested.

People's Republic since 1975. Head of State: Khamtai Siphandon since 1996. Head of Government: Sisavat Keobounphan since 1998. Gained independence from France in 1953.

The official language is Lao, however many tribal languages are also spoken. French, Vietnamese and some English are also spoken.

The Laos-Lum (Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of Buddhism. The religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range from traditional Confucianism to Animism and Christianity.

GMT + 7.

220 volts AC, 50Hz.