Laos
General
Population: 6,993,767 (2010)
Land Area: 236,800 sq km
Natural Resources: Timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones
Capital: Vientianea
Political System: Communist state
State Leader: Lt. Gen. Choummali Saignason (2006)
Head of Government: Bouasone Bouphavanh (2006)
Languages: Lao, French, English, Ethnic languages
Currency: Kip (LAK)
Major Religions: Buddhist 65%, Animist 32,9%, Christian 1,3%, Other And Unspecified 0,8%
Major Ethnicities: Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8%, Other 26%
Life Expectancy: 56,68 years (2009)
Economy
GDP: 5,788 billion (2009)
GDP Per Capita: 2,100 (2009)
GDP Growth Rate: 6,4% (2009)
GDP Structure: Agriculture 29,9%, Industry 33,1%, Services 37% (2009)
Labour Force By Occupation: Agriculture 80%, Industry and Services 20% (2009)
Industries: Copper, tin, gold, gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction, garments, tourism, cement
Agriculture Products: Sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, peanuts, rice; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry
Tourism Revenue: 113 million (2002)
Unemployment Rate: 2,5% (2009)
Military
Army Size: 29 100 (2004)
Budget: 0,5% of GDP (2006)
Current Situation
Laos is located in Southeast Asia. Laos is bordered by Burma, Cambodia, China, Thailand and Vietnam. Laos' infrastructure is severely lacking, with little railway, and only a few major roads. Agriculture is the biggest employer in Laos, most of which consists of survival agriculture. A high growth rate might mean better times are ahead for Laos, and also a growing tourism industry and trade with China will also help going forward.
Photo Gallery
Sources
CIA World Factbook: Laos
Wikipedia: Laos