Laos People's Democratic Republic

Laos’s history can be traced from the fourteenth century to the Kingdom of Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants.

The capital city is Vientiane. Laos offers a unique perspective of the traditional way of life in Southeast Asia.

It has beautifully preserved culture and boasts of lush jungles, winding rivers and the Plain of Jars archaeological site, a World Heritage site.

Other tourist attractions include the capital city Vientiane, Buddhist monasteries, bustling markets, Pha That Luang the most revered national monument, Khone Phapheng waterfall and the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

About Laos People's Democratic Republic

Short Name

LAO

Capital

Vientiane

Language

Lao

Population

6,677,534

Area

236,800 km²

Calling Code

+856

Downloads

Laos People's Democratic Republic, National Anthem

National Olympic Committee

NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

National Olympic Committee of Lao

NOC President

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thongsalith MANGNOMEK

Secretary General

Sengphone PHONAMATH

Recognition Year

1979

Address

Chao Anouvong Stadium, Khounbourom Road, P.O. Box : 3183, Vientiane

Contact Details

Tel: +856 21 255 163

Fax: +856 21 261 755

Web Address

http://www.olympiclao.org/

E-mail

noclao@laotel.la

Sports

The common sports in Laos are football, volleyball, Sepak Takraw (locally known as Te Ka Tor), boxing, Petanque, shooting, and golf.

Many young people also take part in billiards, snooker, badminton, cycling, tennis, table tennis and team games like basketball while others are becoming professionals in athletics, archery, judo, karate, taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling and wushu.

Climate

According to tradition there are three seasons rainy, cold and hot.

Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, with a pronounced rainy season from May through October, a cool dry season from November through February, and a hot dry season in March and April.

Generally, monsoons occur at the same time across the country, although that time may vary significantly from one year to the next. Rainfall also varies regionally but is not always adequate for rice cultivation.

Such droughts are often regional, leaving production in other parts of the country unaffected.

Temperatures range from highs around 40°C to lows of 5°C or less depending on location.

Culture

Theravada Buddhism is a dominant influence in Lao culture.

It is reflected throughout the country from language to the temple and in the countries art work. Laotian music is dominated by its national instrument, the khaen, a type of bamboo pipe that has prehistoric origins.

There are many traditions and rituals associated with rice production.