Laos Passport

[Country Name] The Lao People's Democratic Republic.

[Area] 236800 square kilometers.

Official language: Lao.

The population is approximately 7.5 million. It is divided into 50 ethnic groups, belonging to the Lao Thai language family, the Mon Khmer language family, the Miao Yao language family, and the Han Tibetan language family, collectively known as the Lao ethnic group. Commonly used Lao language. Many residents believe in Buddhism. There are about 70000 overseas Chinese.

The capital city is Vientiane, with a population of approximately one million. The highest average temperature is 31.7 ℃, and the lowest average temperature is 22.6 ℃.

[Head of State] President Tunren Sisuli was elected in March 2021.

[Important Festival] Establishment Day of the Lao People's Army: January 20th (1949). The founding day of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party: March 22, 1955. Lao New Year (Songkran Festival, also known as Water Splashing Festival): May in the Buddhist calendar, usually starting from April 13th every year, for a total of 3 days. Independence Day: October 12th (1945). Taluan Festival: December in the Buddhist calendar and November in the Gregorian calendar. National Day: December 2nd (1975).

【 Overview 】 Located in the northern part of the Indochinese Peninsula, this inland country borders China to the north, Cambodia to the south, Vietnam to the east, Myanmar to the northwest, and Thailand to the southwest. The border lengths are 508 kilometers, 535 kilometers, 2067 kilometers, 236 kilometers, and 1835 kilometers, respectively. The Mekong River has a main stream length of 777.4 kilometers within Laos, flowing through the capital city of Vientiane. It serves as a 234 kilometer section of the border between Laos and Myanmar, and a 976.3 kilometer section of the border between Laos and Thailand. It belongs to the tropical and subtropical monsoon climate, with the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April of the following year. The annual average temperature is about 26 ℃. Laos has abundant rainfall throughout the country, with a minimum annual precipitation of 1250 millimeters and a maximum annual precipitation of 3750 millimeters in the past 40 years. The average annual precipitation is about 2000 millimeters.

In 1353, King Phaong established the Kingdom of Lancang (1353-1707) with its capital in Luang Prabang, and Laos became the first unified multi-ethnic country in history. In 1560, King Setatila of Lancang Kingdom moved the capital to Vientiane. From 1707 to 1713, the Lancang Kingdom was divided into three kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Luang Prabang, the central kingdom of Vientiane, and the southern kingdom of Champasak. From 1778 to 1893, the Three Kingdoms became a vassal state of Siam (now Thailand).

In 1893, France signed the Franco Siam Treaty (also known as the Bangkok Treaty) with Siam, and Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Champasak were incorporated into the French Indian Federation of **, which was occupied by Japan in September 1940. On September 15, 1945, the Vice King and Prime Minister of Luang Prabang, Phatsara, declared the independence of Laos (formerly known as "Laos") in Vientiane. On October 12th, the people of Vientiane held an independence celebration and announced the establishment of the Isara (meaning "freedom" in Laotian) government. In 1946, French influence made a comeback and the independence movement failed. In April 1947, with the support of France, King Sisavang Vong of Luang Prabang declared the establishment of the Kingdom of Laos and implemented a constitutional monarchy. France recognizes Laos as an independent country within the French Confederation, but still holds the power of defense and diplomacy in Laos. In order to fight for national independence, the Laotian people carried out extensive guerrilla warfare. In 1950, Su Fanufeng formed the New Laos Isara and established the Laotian Anti Japanese War Government. In 1954, France suffered a defeat in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu and was forced to sign the Geneva Accords, recognizing Laos' independence and withdrawing its troops.

After the French withdrawal, the United States actively supported pro American forces in Laos, planning multiple coups and instigating government forces to attack the Laotian combat forces (also known as Pathet Lao, led by the Laotian Patriotic Front established in 1956) in an attempt to control Laos. At one point, there were three forces in Laos: the Royal Government Army, the Laotian Combat Forces, and the Fumi Nosavan Army. The first coalition government led by Prime Minister Phouma, as well as the Sanani Kong Government, the Fumi Government, and the Wenweng Government, emerged successively. After the signing of the Geneva Accords on Laos in 1962, a second coalition government was established in Laos, with Prince Phouma (neutral) as the Prime Minister and Prince Souvannu Phong (left-wing) and Fumi (right-wing) as Deputy Prime Ministers. In 1964, the United States instigated pro American forces to undermine the coalition government and attack the liberated areas, leading to a resurgence of the Laotian civil war. In February 1973, all parties in Laos signed the "Agreement on Restoring Peace and National Harmony in Laos". In April 1974, the third coalition government led by Prime Minister Fumio and the National Political Union Committee chaired by Souvannufeng were established. With the successive victories in the Indochinese War against the United States, the Laotian people began a nationwide struggle for power in May 1975. On December 2, 1975, the National People's Congress of Laos held in Vientiane announced the abolition of the monarchy, the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the formation of the Supreme People's Assembly with Sufanufeng as its chairman and the government with Kaishan Fengweihan as its prime minister.

Laos implements a socialist system. The Lao People's Revolutionary Party is the only political party in Laos. In 1991, the "Fifth National Congress" of the Lao Communist Party established the "principled comprehensive reform line", proposing six basic principles including adhering to the Party's leadership and socialist direction, and implementing the policy of opening up to the outside world. In 2001, the 7th National Congress of the Lao Communist Party set the goal of basically eliminating poverty by 2010 and getting rid of underdevelopment by 2020. From January 13th to 15th, 2021, the 11th National Congress of the Lao Communist Party passed the 10th Central Political Report and the "Ninth Five Year Plan" for economic and social development, and revised the Party Constitution. Currently, Laos is politically stable and socially peaceful.

In August 1991, the 6th session of the 2nd session of the Supreme People's Assembly of Laos passed the first constitution of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The Constitution clearly stipulates that the Lao People's Democratic Republic is a people's democratic country, and all power belongs to the people. The people of all ethnic groups exercise their right to be masters under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

The Lao National Assembly (formerly known as the Supreme People's Assembly, renamed in August 1992) is the highest authority and legislative body of the country, responsible for formulating the constitution and laws. The term of office of the National Assembly is 5 years, and it holds two meetings per year. Special meetings are decided by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly or proposed by more than two-thirds of the members. Members of parliament are directly elected by local governments. The current (9th) National Assembly was elected in March 2021, with 164 members and its chairman, Sai Songpeng Fengweihan.

The highest administrative organ of the country. The current government was established in March 2021, consisting of 17 ministries and 3 directly affiliated institutions (the Central Bank, the Office of the President, and the Office of the Prime Minister).

Main members of the government: Prime Minister Songsai Sipangdun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Zhanshamon Zhanyala (General), Deputy Prime Minister Jijo Kekanpiton, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Weilai Lakanfeng (General), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sharensee Gommasi, Minister of Justice Pevi Sipolipa, Minister of Education and Sports Pu Ximalafeng, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Sushavan Viyaji (Female), Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Benkan Volagi (Female), Minister of Health Benfeng Pumalaisi, Minister of Finance Shandipa Fengweihan, Minister of Industry and Trade Maletong Gommasi, Minister of Public Works and Transport Ambasun Mengmani Minister of Technology and Communications Powankan Fengdala, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkang Duanshawan, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Bekan Katia (female), Minister of Civil Affairs Vilyon Budakang, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Pusai Saiyasong, Minister of Planning and Investment and Chairman of the Laos China Cooperation Committee and President of the Laos China Friendship Association Pei Pompipa, Prime Minister's Office Ministers Songsai Sipasa, Sinawa Sufanufeng, and Kanjian Onpsey, Director of the General Office of the Prime Minister and Prime Minister's Office Minister Bokong Namaong, and Central Bank Governor Watana Dalalo (female).

The country is divided into 17 provinces and 1 municipality directly under the central government (Vientiane City).

The Supreme People's Court of Laos is the highest judicial authority. Wan Tong Sipandun (female), President of the Supreme People's Court, appointed in 2021; Saisana Kuoputong, the Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, was appointed in 2021.

[Political party] The Lao People's Revolutionary Party: the only political party and ruling party in Laos, formerly known as the Lao branch of the ** Communist Party of India. Established on March 22, 1955, originally known as the Lao People's Party, it was renamed to its current name during the Second National Congress in 1972. There are currently about 348000 party members and 19000 party organizations. Its purpose is to lead the people of the whole country in the cause of innovation, build and develop the people's democratic system, build a peaceful, independent, democratic, unified and prosperous Laos, and create conditions for gradually moving to socialism.

The 11th Central Committee was formed in January 2021, consisting of 71 Central Committee members and 10 Central alternate members. There are currently 12 members of the Central Political Bureau: Thongloun Sisoulith, Sonexay SIPHANDONE, Pany YATHORTOU, Bounthong CHITMANY, Xaysophone PHOMVIHANE, Chansamone CHANYALATH, Khamphan PHOMMATHATH, Sinlavong KHOUTPHAITHOUN, and Jicho. Kikeo KHAIKHAMPHITHOUNE, Vilay LAKHAMFONG, Sisay LEUDETHMOUNSONE, Saleumxay KOMMASITH.

The Lao National Front, formerly known as the "Lao Patriotic Front," was established in January 1956 as a national united front organization under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. Chairman Sinlavong KHOUTPHAITHOUN.

[Important Figures]

Thongloun Sisoulith: General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of the country. Born in 1945 in Huapan Province. Formerly served as Deputy Foreign Minister, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, and Director of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly. In 2001, he was appointed as Vice Premier and Director of the Planning and Investment Commission. In 2006, he was appointed as Vice Premier, Foreign Minister, and Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China. In July 2015, he no longer concurrently served as Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China. Elected as the Prime Minister of the government in April 2016. Elected as the General Secretary of the Central Committee at the 11th National Congress of the Lao Communist Party in January 2021. Elected as the President of the country in March 2021.

Sonexay SIPHANDONE: Prime Minister of Laos. Born in 1966 in Huapan Province. Previously held positions such as Vice Governor of Champasac Province, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor, Director of the Office of the Prime Minister, Vice Premier and Minister of Planning and Investment. Appointed as the Prime Minister of the government in December 2022.

Xaysophone Phomvihane: Chairman of the Lao National Assembly. Born in 1956 in Huapan Province. Previously held positions such as Governor of Savannakhet, Minister of Finance, Minister of the Prime Minister's Office, and Vice Chairman of the National Assembly. Elected as the Chairman of the Central Front for National Construction in June 2016. Elected as the President of Congress in March 2021.

The economy is mainly based on agriculture, with a weak industrial foundation. Since 1986, we have implemented reform and opening up, adjusted the economic structure, and combined agriculture, forestry, industry, and service industries, giving priority to the development of agriculture and forestry; Abolish the highly centralized economic management system, transition to a business accounting system, implement economic policies with multiple forms of ownership coexisting, gradually improve the market economy mechanism, and strive to transform natural and semi natural economies into commodity economies; Opening up to the outside world, enacting foreign investment laws, and improving the investment environment; Expand foreign economic relations, strive to introduce more funds, advanced technologies, and management methods.

The main economic data for 2023 are as follows:

Gross Domestic Product: 14.186 billion US dollars

Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate: 4.2%

Currency name: Kip (KIP)

2023 exchange rate (annual average): 1 US dollar ≈ 18717 Kip

【 Resources 】 There are mineral deposits such as tin, lead, potassium salt, copper, iron, gold, gypsum, coal, rare earths, etc. So far, gold, copper, coal, potassium salts, and other minerals have been extracted. Abundant water resources. The forest area is about 19.4 million hectares, with a national forest coverage rate of about 80%, producing precious woods such as pomelo and pear.

In 2023, the industrial sector will grow by 3.1%. The main industrial enterprises include power generation, sawmilling, mining, ironmaking, cement, clothing, food, beer, pharmaceuticals, as well as small repair shops and workshops for weaving, bamboo and wood processing.

In 2023, agriculture will grow by 3.7%. The main crops include rice, corn, potatoes, coffee, tobacco, peanuts, cotton, etc. The total arable land area in China is about 8 million hectares, with approximately 4.7 million hectares of agricultural land.

In 2023, the service industry will grow by 5.6%. Laos has a weak foundation in the service industry and started relatively late. Since the implementation of the reform and opening-up policy, Laos' service industry has made great progress.

[Tourism Industry] Luang Prabang, Vapu Temple in Pakse County, and Xieng Khouang Plain in Laos have been included in the World Cultural Heritage List. Famous attractions include Vientiane Pagoda Luang, Jade Buddha Temple, Kongpa Ping Waterfall in Champasak, and Guangxi Waterfall in Luang Prabang. Since the reform and opening up, tourism has become an emerging industry in Laos' economic development. In May 2013, Laos was named the "Best Tourist Destination in the World" by the European Council. 2019 is the Year of China Laos Tourism, with 1 million Chinese tourists visiting Laos throughout the year, a year-on-year increase of 25%. In 2023, a total of over 3.4 million tourists were received.

Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, mainly relying on road, water, and air transportation.

Railway: the foundation of the China Laos Railway was laid in December 2015, and the whole line was started in December 2016. On December 3, 2021, the whole line of the China Laos Railway will be open to traffic. On April 13, 2023, the China Laos Railway will run international passenger trains. There is also a 3-kilometer meter gauge railway from the capital Vientiane to the Laos Thailand border.

Highways: The total length of roads in Laos is about 47000 kilometers, carrying 80% of passenger and freight volume. In December 2020, the Vientiane Wanrong Expressway, jointly built by China and Laos, was officially completed and opened to traffic, with a total length of 111 kilometers, marking the end of Laos' history without highways.

Water transportation: The Mekong River can be navigable in sections with a carrying capacity of 20 to 200 tons of ships.

The main international flights in Laos include: round-trip flights from Vientiane to Kunming, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Nanning, Haikou, Changsha, Shanghai, Quanzhou, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Chiang Mai (Thailand), Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Cambodia), Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Seoul, etc; Travel between Luang Prabang and Haikou, Chengdu, Changsha, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ulong (Thailand), Siem Reap, Hanoi, Jinghong, Ho Chi Minh City; Traveling between Barcelona and Guangzhou, Bangkok, Siem Reap, etc; Shawan Najib round-trip to Bangkok, etc; Wanxiang Wadai, Luang Prabang, Savannakhe, and Pakse airports are international airports.

Laos has trade relations with over 50 countries and regions, and has signed trade agreements with about 20 countries. More than 30 countries (regions) including China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, Switzerland, and Canada provide preferential tariff treatment to Laos. The main foreign trade targets are Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan, the European Union, the United States, Canada, and other ASEAN countries. In October 2012, Laos officially joined the World Trade Organization. In 2023, the import and export trade volume of Laos was 15.559 billion US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 2%. The total export value was 8.37 billion US dollars, a year-on-year decrease of 1%, while the total import value was 7.189 billion US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 5.0%, achieving a trade surplus of 1.181 billion US dollars for the whole year.

On April 21, 1994, the Laotian parliament promulgated the newly revised Foreign Investment Law, which stipulated that the government should not interfere in the affairs of foreign-funded enterprises and allowed them to remit their profits; Foreign investors can establish wholly-owned or joint ventures in Laos and enjoy a five-year tax exemption. In 2004, Laos continued to supplement and improve its foreign investment law, and relaxed its investment policies in the mining industry.

The main aid countries and organizations include Japan, Sweden, Australia, France, China, the United States, Germany, Norway, Thailand, as well as the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, etc. Foreign aid is mainly used for infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, docks, hydropower stations, communication, and water conservancy facilities.

Social Security: Implement a low wage system, and employees can receive 80% of their basic salary after retirement. The medical and health care industry has been developing year by year, and both national employees and ordinary residents enjoy free medical care. The average life expectancy is about 66 years. As of the end of 2020, there were 5 central hospitals, 17 provincial hospitals, 135 county-level hospitals, 8 pharmaceutical factories, and 11 public health research institutes in China; There are over 12000 hospital beds and about 20000 doctors, and the national health insurance fund has covered the whole country.

The Lao People's Army, formerly known as the "Lao Combat Force" (also known as "Pathet Lao") led by the Lao Patriotic Front, was founded on January 20, 1949. It was renamed the "Lao People's Liberation Army" in October 1965 and its current name in July 1982. The highest leadership body is the Central Commission for National Defense and Public Security, with Tunlun Sisuli as chairman and Zhan Shamon Zhanyala as Minister of National Defense. Implement compulsory military service system, with a minimum service period of 18 months.

The education system is divided into five years of primary school, three years of junior high school, and four years of high school. The National University of Laos is the first comprehensive undergraduate university in Laos. It was formed in 1995 by the merger of 9 independent colleges and is located in the capital city of Vientiane, with 13 colleges. There are other universities in Laos, such as Souvannu Phong University, Savannakhet University, and Champasak University.

There are about 20 types of newspapers and magazines across the country. The People's Daily is the central organ newspaper of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, founded on August 13, 1950, and published in Lao language. Other newspapers include the Pathet Liao Daily, the New Wanxiang Daily, and the People's Army Daily. Foreign language newspapers include the English language newspaper "Wanxiang Times", "KPL News", and the French language publication "Innovation Weekly".

Pathet Lao News Agency: Established in January 1968, it is the national news agency of Laos, publishing the Laotian language daily "Pathet Lao" (founded on December 2, 1999) and the English and French "KPL News".

Lao National Radio Station: located in Vientiane, broadcasting in Lao language, and broadcasting in Vietnamese, Cambodian, French, English, and Thai to the outside world. In addition, there are Lao People's Army Radio Station and 14 provincial radio stations.

Lao National Television: Established in December 1983, it currently broadcasts over 90 programs.

We adhere to a foreign policy of peace, independence, and friendship with all countries, advocating for the development of friendly relations with countries around the world based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, attaching importance to the development of relations with neighboring countries, improving and developing relations with Western countries, and creating a favorable external environment for domestic construction. The 10th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2016 reaffirmed the continued adherence to the foreign policy of "making fewer enemies and making more friends", maintaining special solidarity and friendly relations with Vietnam, strengthening comprehensive strategic cooperation with China, enhancing neighborly friendship with ASEAN countries, and actively seeking international economic and technological assistance.

Laos has established diplomatic relations with 149 countries.

After Laos officially joined ASEAN in July 1997, it actively participated in ASEAN affairs and developed friendly cooperation with ASEAN. It served as the rotating chair of ASEAN in 2004, 2016, and 2024, hosted a series of East Asian cooperation conferences, and played an active role within ASEAN.

The relationship with Vietnam was established in September 1962, and the two countries signed the "Laos Vietnam Friendship and Cooperation Treaty" in 1977, maintaining a special unity and friendly relationship.

Laos maintains good relations with other ASEAN countries.

Established diplomatic relations with Japan in December 1952. Japan has long been an important aid donor to Laos, with an average annual aid amount of about 100 million US dollars.

Established diplomatic relations with the United States in 1950. After the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, the two countries maintained diplomatic relations at the level of charg é d'affaires, which were upgraded to ambassadorial level in November 1991. In August 1992, both sides resumed the exchange of ambassadors. In 2005, the United States granted Laos normal trade relations treatment.

Established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in October 1960. After the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, the Soviet Union was once the largest aid donor to Laos. In 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, all aid to the elderly was terminated. In December 1991, the Laotian government officially announced its recognition of the Russian Federation and its willingness to develop friendly relations with Russia based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. In March 1992, the two countries exchanged ambassadors. In 1994, the two countries signed an agreement on the principles of friendly relations. In recent years, both sides have maintained friendly exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

Laos maintains traditional friendly relations with major EU countries. Among them, Germany, Sweden, and France are all major aid countries, with aid concentrated in areas such as infrastructure construction, culture, human resource development, agriculture, and health.

Laos is a member of the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation (GMS) and successfully hosted the third GMS Leaders' Meeting in 2008. From 2018 to 2020, Laos served as the co chair of the Lancang Mekong Cooperation. In December 2018, the fourth Lancang Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Luang Prabang. In February 2020, the fifth Lancang Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Vientiane. In August, the third Lancang Mekong Cooperation Leaders' Meeting was held via video conference. In December 2023, the 8th Lancang Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Beijing, attended by Tong Shawan, the Minister of the Lao Party Central Committee. Lao Prime Minister Song Sai attended the Fourth Lancang Mekong Cooperation Leaders' Meeting via video conference. In August 2024, the 9th Lancang Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, attended by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Charente. Laos maintains good cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank.