Laos ((i/ˈlaʊs/, /ˈlɑː.ɒs/, /ˈlɑː.oʊs/, or /ˈleɪ.ɒs/)Lao:ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ, pronounced[sǎːtʰáːlanalat pásáːtʰipátàj pásáːsón láːw]Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao), officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) (French:République démocratique populaire lao), is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar (Burma) and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west. Since 1975, it has been ruled by a Marxist and communist government. Its population was estimated to be around 6.8million in July 2014.
Laos traces its history to the kingdom of Lan Xang, which existed from the 14th to the 18th century when it split into three kingdoms. In 1893, it became a French protectorate, with the three kingdoms—Luang Phrabang, Vientiane and Champasak — uniting to form what is now known as Laos. It briefly gained independence in 1945 after Japanese occupation, but returned to French rule until it was granted autonomy in 1949. Laos became independent in 1953, with a constitutional monarchy under Sisavang Vong. Shortly after independence, a long civil war ended the monarchy, when the CommunistPathet Lao movement came to power in 1975.
In recognition of the close and special relationship between Việt Nam and Laos, authorities announced that official mourning will be observed from April 4 to 5.
VIENTIANE, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Despite progress in clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO), Laos still faces challenges, with the threat hindering livelihoods and socio-economic development. Read full story ... .
VIENTIANE, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Laos and Vietnam have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen their collaboration in technology and innovation, aiming to maximize the potential of their human resources.
VIENTIANE, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Health continues its efforts to ensure the provision of comprehensive, high-quality, and equitable healthcare services, contributing to the well-being ...
VIENTIANE, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), organized a workshop on scaling up financing for resilient growth in Laos ... Laos focuses on scaling up resilient growth.
Appreciating Khamtay Siphandone's significant contributions to the bilateral relations, PM Phạm Minh Chính extended his deepest condolences to the Lao Government leaders and the bereaved family.
Speaking at the conference, Đào Minh Chánh, deputy director of the Investment and Trade PromotionCentre of HCM City (ITPC), reaffirmed HCM City's commitment to fostering business ties with Laos.
Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar are on track to face tariff rates of 49%, 48%, and 45%, respectively ... Cambodia's export surplus to the US is worth $12.34 billion, Laos' is worth $760 million, and Myanmar's is worth $580 million.