Laos from A to Z: holidays in Laos, maps, visas, tours, resorts, hotels and reviews. Where should you stay? Cuisine and restaurants

Lao People's Democratic Republic, State Sun in the South East. Asia. The name comes from the name of the Lao people, who make up a significant part of the country's population. Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001.… … Geographic Encyclopedia

Laos- Laos. Buddhist temple. LAOS (Lao People's Democratic Republic), a state in Southeast Asia, on the Indochina peninsula. The area is 236.8 thousand km2. Population 4.5 million, over 70% Lao. Official language Laotian. Religion Buddhism... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Lao People's Democratic Republic) a state in the South East. Asia, on the peninsula of Indochina. 236.8 thousand km². population 4.5 million (1993), Lao St. 70%. Urban population 19%. The official language is Lao. Most believers are Buddhists ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Lao People's Democratic Republic, a state in southeast Asia, on the Indochina peninsula. The oldest monuments of art in Laos are large granite urns (beginning of our era), concentrated mainly in ... ... Art Encyclopedia

LAOS- LAOS, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lao PDR, socialist. state in Asia. Pl. 236.8 tons km2. Us. 3.9 million hours (1983). The capital of Vientiane (250 vol., 1983). Since 1893, L. has been a colony of France (formally a protectorate); in 1941 45 under the Japanese. occupation; … Demographic Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Lao People's Democratic Republic) a state in Southeast Asia, on the Indochina peninsula. The area is 236.8 thousand km2. Population 4.5 million people The capital of Vientiane... Historical dictionary

Lao People's Democratic Republic, a state in the South East. Asia, in the center of the Indochinese Peninsula. Pl. 237 thousand km2. Hac. 3.7 million people (1984, estimate). Capital of Vientiane. B adm. relation L. is divided into 16 prov. (Khuen). Official language… … Geological Encyclopedia

This is how the Europeans call all the inhabitants of inner India, on the other side of the Ganges. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910 ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

Exist., Number of synonyms: 1 country (281) ASIS Synonym Dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary

Laos- (Laos), state in the South East. Asia. United in the state in Lan Xang since the 14th century, L. in the 18th century. broke up into rival kingdoms and gradually fell under the rule of the Siamese (tai), which lasted until 1893, when the territory. L. made claims to France. ... ... The World History

Books

• Laos. Map. 1:600, 000 , . This map appears in the map series world mapping project in travel expertise. Characteristic is the high-quality, clear and modern cartographic representation. Contour lines with…

Laos(Laos. ປະເທດລາວ, Lau), full title - Lao People's Democratic Republic(Laos. ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ listen)) is a state in with a capital. In the west it borders with, in the east - with, in the south - with, in the north - with the province, in the north-west - with.

Story

Laos as a state originates in the 14th century, when the country was called Lan Sang Hom Khao ("Land of a million elephants and a white umbrella"). The Mon and Khmer tribes settled in Laos and formed their own states before the invasion of the Tai and Lao tribes from the north, who were driven south from South China Mongols. From the 12th century, Thai states (muangs) were formed in Laos, inhabited by the Tai and Lao tribes. From the XIV century on the territory of modern Laos, the state of Lan Xang was formed, from which it is customary to count the history of Laos. Since that time, there has been a separation of the Tai and Lao tribes; there are disputes between Thai and Lao historians about the identification of the Lao tribes.

After the decline of the Lan Xang state, Laos fell under the dependence of Siam in the 18th century, and in 1893, according to an agreement between and Siam, it went to, becoming part of the colonial territory of French Indochina.

During the Second World War, Laos was occupied by the Japanese, and in 1949 gained independence in the form of a kingdom led by King Sisawang Wong.

Internal conflicts in the late 1950s led to the start of a civil war in the country, in which North Vietnam and then intervened. During this period, the Lao People's Liberation Army (Pathet Lao), supported by North Vietnam, controlled a large area in the east of the country. fighting in Laos were directly related to the Vietnam War, since a significant part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail passed through the country, along which North Vietnam transferred its troops to the south. During the war, 250-260 million bombs were dropped on Laos. Newspaper " The New York Times wrote: "At least two million tons of bombs were dropped from 1964 to 1973, almost a ton for every Laotian." The bombings caused great damage to the civilian population, nature and economy of the country.

After the end of the Vietnam War, the United States ceased military activities in Indochina. The fighting in Laos ended in February 1973 with the signing of the Vientiane Agreement. Violating the agreement, the Pathet Lao forces launched an offensive in the spring of 1975 and occupied Vientiane in August. Within a few months, the structure of the coalition government was preserved, Pathet Lao pursued a moderate policy, but in December 1975, she took full power in the country into her own hands. On December 2, 1975, King Savang Wathana was forced to abdicate. The government was headed by the General Secretary of the People's Revolutionary Party of Laos, Kayson Phomvihan, who became the de facto ruler of the country. With the support of the USSR, it was formed Lao People's Democratic Republic. Already in 1975, the Lao authorities proclaimed the transition to the socialist path of development. Central planning was introduced in the country, collectivization and nationalization were launched. The theoretical basis for the transformations was the thesis of Kason Fomvikhan, put forward in 1972, about the transition to socialism "bypassing the capitalist stage." However, already in the early 1980s, the Lao PDR authorities began to change their policy.

In 1986, the transition to a "new economic mechanism" was announced (" chin taakan may”), and in 1988 the Investment Promotion Act and the Foreign Investment Law were passed. Contents of the policy chin taakan may» was determined by three points: privatization and restructuring of the public sector, the encouragement of foreign investment and the transition to a market under state control. Further transformations in Laos were similar to Doi Moi's policy in Vietnam and Deng Xiaoping's reforms. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the collective farms were actually dissolved: the peasant individual farm received the right to long-term (sometimes lifelong) use of the cultivated land, the right to inherit and pledge it. Active stimulation of small and medium-sized businesses began. A feature of Laos was the ban on the construction of large industrial facilities introduced during this period (except for those built with foreign investment). A number of enterprises have been privatized. In the early 1990s, it was allowed to create private banks and businesses. In 1990, free economic zones were created in the country. In the future, the policy chin taakan may” was continued - in 2003, the law guaranteed that foreign investment would not be nationalized.

After a short border conflict, friendly relations were established with, and in the 1990s relations were normalized with and relations were established with a number of other countries and international organizations.

Domestic politics

Laos has a one-party system, the country is governed by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (PRPL) of the communist type. The President of Laos is elected by Parliament for a five-year term. The Government is headed by the Prime Minister of Laos, who is appointed by the President upon approval by the National Assembly. Government policy is determined by the Party through the nine-member Politburo and the 49-member Central Committee.

The new constitution of Laos, which establishes the procedure for elections to the parliament (National Assembly), was adopted in 1991. Despite the one-party system, elections to the Lao parliament are formally held partially on an alternative basis - in the 2016 vote, 211 candidates competed for 149 mandates.

After the death of Kason Phomvikhan, who headed the PRPL for 36 years, and the country for 16 years, that is, until his death, a state regime close to the Chinese was established in Laos, in which the leader of the party and state remains in office for a limited amount of time (maximum for present - 10 years), after which he resigns and is replaced by another member of the leadership of the NRPL.

Foreign policy

After the Pathet Lao coup in December 1975, the foreign policy of Laos can be characterized as opposition to the West. In 1975, Laos had diplomatic relations with only 43 countries.

Laos associated itself with the Soviet bloc and maintained close ties with the USSR; in addition, in 1977 an agreement on friendship and cooperation was signed with, which complicated cooperation with. Over the years, Laos and the pro-Western had a strained relationship that culminated in armed clashes on the borders throughout 1987. After those events, the leaders of the two countries signed a communiqué, which became a signal for the normalization of relations. Since the early 1990s, there has been slow but steady progress in relations, as the Friendship Bridge can be seen as an indicator.

After the collapse of the Soviet bloc and the decrease in support from Vietnam, Laos began to actively develop regional ties. At the same time, the Lao PDR pursues a policy of balancing between three neighbors: Thailand, China and Vietnam. This policy avoids unilateral dependence on any one neighbor, since socialist China and Vietnam are rivals. For example, large groups Lao executives are trained in China and Vietnam. In 2008 alone, 3,638 Laotians studied in Vietnam, and in 2007, 223 citizens of the Lao PDR trained in Vietnam. In fiscal year 2008/09, China's approved direct investment was $239.4 million (32 projects) and Vietnam's $1,349.8 million (38 projects).

The exit from international isolation was accompanied by the development and expansion of relations with countries such as Australia, and. As a result, already in 2005 Laos had diplomatic relations with 122 states. An important feature foreign policy Laos is actively attracting foreign aid, and from the most different states. For example, in 2005, it allocated 300 million yen in assistance to the Lao PDR for the purchase of food for flood victims, canceled a debt of 594 million yen, and also transferred several primary schools. in the same year, she donated equipment for schools to Laos, allocated a grant for the construction of a center for drug addicts, and has been giving money since 1993 for the construction and modernization of roads. In addition, Laos received assistance from the UN and FAO. In 2006, the country was declared drug-free.

In 2004, trade relations were normalized with. In fiscal year 2006, the US gave Laos $13.4 million in aid (weapons destruction, health care, education, economic development). In 2004, US President George W. Bush signed into law a bill to expand trade ties with Laos. In February 2005, a bilateral trade agreement came into force. Then there was an increase in the share of Lao exports to the United States, however, relative to other countries, this figure is still small. Bilateral trade in 2006 reached a turnover of $15.7 million, up from $8.9 million in 2003.

Laos joined ASEAN in July 1997 and was admitted to the World Trade Organization in 2013.

At the moment, Laos is a member of such international organizations as: Organization for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN Regional Forum, Asian Development Bank, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Group of 77 (G77), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Organization civil aviation (ICAO), International Development Association (IDA), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations, International Labor Organization (ILO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Intelsat (non-voting), Interpol , International Olympic Committee (IOC), Mekong River Commission, Non-Aligned Movement, Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), United Nations, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UNESCO, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), World Postal Union (UPU), World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), World Organization(WHO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), World Meteorological Organization, World Tourism Organization.

Population

The population of the Democratic Republic in 2013 was 6.77 million; share of the urban population - 33%; population growth rate in 2010-2015 will be 1.3%, life expectancy will be 66 years for men and 69 years for women.

According to the average forecast, the population of the country by 2100 will be 11.6 million people.

A significant part of the population is concentrated along the Mekong River and, in particular, near the capital. The mountainous regions in the north and east of the country are sparsely populated. 95% of the country's population lives along the border with Thailand.

Ethnic composition of the population

Despite the small population, about 70 different tribes and nationalities live in Laos. The entire multinational population of Laos is usually divided into three groups: Lao-Lum, Lao-Teng and Lao-Sung. Each group includes tribes and nationalities united by common ethnolinguistic features, place of settlement and way of life.

• Lao-lum live on the plains, along big rivers and in cities. These include the main people of the Lao and related mountain Thai (Thai-nya, Thai black, Thai white, Phutthai, Yuan), this group includes 67% of the population.
• The Lao Teng live on the spurs of the hills and in low mountains, many tribes belong to this category; overall, they make up 22% of the population. They are considered the ancient population of Laos, on holidays the Laotians bring them a symbolic tribute for the right to inhabit their territory. The Lao Teng includes mountain Mons (Khamu, Lamet, Puteng and others) and mountain Khmers (Sui, Alak, Katang, Taoi and others), whose languages ​​belong to the Mon-Khmer family.
• Lao Sung is inhabited by more than high areas above 1000 meters above sea level. These areas are usually distant from cities and rivers and are less accessible. Their share is 10% of the population. These include, in particular, the peoples of Miao (Hmong), Yao (Mien), Lahu, Lisu, Akha.

The largest foreign group is formed by the Vietnamese and the Chinese. There are few Khmers, Indians, Burmese, Japanese and others.

In Laos, the languages ​​​​of the Thai-Kadai (Thai-Lao), Mon-Khmer and Tibeto-Burman groups and the Miao-Yao group are common. According to ethnolinguistic criteria, the population of Laos is divided into 49 ethnic groups and more than 90 subgroups.

Administrative division

Administrative divisions of Laos

Laos is divided into 16 provinces ( kweng), the metropolitan prefecture and the metropolitan municipality. The provinces are divided into 140 districts, consisting of 11,000 communes.

Geography

Physical map of Laos

Laos is landlocked. The territory of Laos is covered with dense forests, the landscape consists of low hills and mountains; point c greatest height- Bia (2830 m). The Mekong River flows along the border of Laos with Thailand and Myanmar, the border with Vietnam is separated by the Truong Son Mountains. Laos is a predominantly mountainous country.

The climate is subequatorial monsoon, characterized by the division of the year into two seasons - the summer rainy monsoon period from May to October and the winter dry period from November to April.

Very major cities in Laos, none other than the capital. Others comparatively big cities- (50 thousand), Savannakhet (since 2005 - Keyson Fomvikhan) (70 thousand) and (90 thousand inhabitants).

Economy

Since 1986, state control over the economy has been loosened in Laos and private enterprise has been allowed. This led to a sharp rise in the economy (from a very low level), but growth is constrained by insufficient infrastructure development (there are no railways, the road network is small). In 2003, the first Free Economic Zone was created in the country. The basis of the economy is agriculture.

GDP per capita in 2014 - $5 thousand (168th place in the world). Below the poverty level - 30.3% of the population (2012). The GDP of the Republic of Laos was $11.7 billion in 2014.

Agriculture (80% of employees, 30% of GDP) - sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, peanuts, rice; buffaloes, pigs, poultry.

Industry (33% of GDP) - mining of copper, tin, gold; logging, hydropower; processing of agricultural products, production of clothing.

Forestry is also developed, a new era of which began with the organization of the cultivation of hevea. In 1994, Chinese investors set up the country's first rubber plantations in Luang Namtha province, and in 2009, 140,626 hectares were officially occupied with hevea. Plantations of other industrial forest crops have also been created - first of all, eucalyptus. In 2009, 396 thousand hectares were occupied under industrial forest crops (hevea, eucalyptus and others). earth.

On January 12, 2011, the country's first stock exchange opened in Laos, where securities of four companies are traded, including the state bank and the electric power company of Laos.

The production of opium and heroin is developed in Laos, mainly in the northern provinces of Phongsali and Huaphan. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), opium poppy cultivation peaked in 1998, when more than 25,000 hectares were under cultivation. After a sharp drop in the mid-2000s, opium production began to grow again, and in 2015, opium poppy was grown on 5.7 thousand hectares. There are no exact data on opium production, according to UNP estimates in 2015 it could be from 84 to 176 tons Southeast Asia Opium Survey 2015 (eng.) (pdf). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. United Nations. Retrieved June 8, 2016.

Energy

In the 2000s, a sharp increase in electricity generation was noted: from 3,653.7 GWh in 2001 to 12,979.5 GWh in 2011. Most of the energy produced is exported - 2871.4 GWh in 2001 and 10668.4 GWh in 2011.

Industry

In the 1990s - 2000s, industries - clothing and construction - developed in Laos. If in 1990 about 800 people were employed in the country's clothing industry, then in 2012 - already more than 30 thousand people (about 20% of the number employed in the industry of Laos). Basically, clothing factories are owned by foreigners (or mixed in terms of capital) and are located mainly in. An important industry is woodworking - more than 25,000 employed people work both for the domestic market and for export. There are also about 20 small factories in the country that assemble household electrical appliances (hair dryers, air conditioners, kitchen appliances, etc.) for the domestic market and parts for external supplies. In 1991-1992, the first motorcycle assembly plants were opened. The mining industry is represented by a copper mining plant and a gold mining plant. In 2007, the mining industry in Laos produced:

• 70 thousand tons of copper;
• 3.5 thousand tons of tin;
• 6.5 tons of gold.

There are two cement plants and about 20 plastics factories.

International trade

Laos exports ($1.4 billion in 2008) - timber, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, gold. Major buyers: (35.4%), (15.5%) and (8.5%).

Imports ($2.3 billion in 2008) - industrial products, fuel, consumer goods. Main suppliers: (68.3%), (10.4%), (5.8%).

Opium smuggling was estimated to have reached $4 million a year in the 1960s.

Transport

In 1983, in Laos, the length of roads was 11,125 km (with asphalt - 766 km). By 2005, the length of roads in the country was 31,205 km (including 4,500 km with asphalt pavement). All provincial centers have access to the main highways. Lao roads are being built with the support of ASEAN and are connected to the roads of China and Vietnam. Three bridges were built across the Mekong in the 1990s - 2000s, connecting Laos and Thailand. In 2008, the first in Lao PDR was launched from Thailand to Laos Railway 3.5 km long.

Religion

The majority of the population professes Theravada Buddhism. Many tribes of the Lao Teng and Lao Sung groups are animists with their own systems of honoring nature spirits and performing rituals. There is a small number of Christians, Muslims and Hindus.

mass media

State radio company - LNR ( Lao National Radio"Lao National Radio") - includes the radio station of the same name, launched in 1960. State broadcaster - LNT ( Lao National Television"Lao National Television"), which includes the channels LNTV1 (launched in 1983) and LNTV3 (launched in 1994).

On January 2, 2001, the Lao government sold the rights to the ccTLD for Laos (.la) to the city of . Citizens and organizations of any country can register .la domains without restrictions.

see also

Laos

Notes

1. Atlas of the world: The most detailed information / Project leaders: A. N. Bushnev, A. P. Pritvorov. - Moscow: AST, 2017. - S. 56. - 96 p. - ISBN 978-5-17-10261-4.
2. Human Development Report 2013 (unavailable link - story) . United Nations Development Program (March 14, 2013). Retrieved March 14, 2013.
3. Dictionary of geographical names of Laos. - M.: TsNIIGAiK, 1988. - S. 14.
4. Laos on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation 12-10-2011
5. “Fred Branfman, Who Exposed Bombing of Laos, Dies at 72,” William Yardley, The New York Times(October 6, 2014). Retrieved April 30, 2018.
6. Ioanesyan S. I. Lao variant of transition to the market // Asia and Africa today. - 2006. - No. 1. - S. 19
7. Ioanesyan S. I. Lao variant of transition to the market // Asia and Africa today. - 2006. - No. 1. - S. 18
8. Ioanesyan S. I. Lao variant of transition to the market // Asia and Africa today. - 2006. - No. 1. - S. 20
9. TAX INCENTIVES FOR PRIVATE BUSINESS IN THE LEAST DEVELOPED REGION OF SEA (MYANMAR, CAMBODIA, LAOS)
10. Ioanesyan S. I. Lao variant of transition to the market // Asia and Africa today. - 2006. - No. 1. - S. 21
11. Ioanesyan S. I. Lao variant of transition to the market // Asia and Africa today. - 2006. - No. 1. - S. 22
12. Citizens of Laos will elect deputies of the National Assembly
13. Ioanesyan S. I. Laos in 2005 // Southeast Asia: actual problems of development. - 2006. - No. 9. - S. 146
14. Morev LN Laos: in the circle of friends // Southeast Asia: actual problems of development. - 2010. - T. 14. - S. 252
15. Morev LN Laos: in the circle of friends // Southeast Asia: actual problems of development. - 2010. - T. 14. - S. 241
16. Ioanesyan S. I. Laos in 2005 // Southeast Asia: actual problems of development. - 2006. - No. 9. - P. 157
17. Ioanesyan S. I. Laos in 2005 // Southeast Asia: actual problems of development. - 2006. - No. 9. - P. 158
18. Ioanesyan S. I. Laos in 2005 // Southeast Asia: actual problems of development. - 2006. - No. 9. - S. 160, 163
19. Ioanesyan S. I. Laos in 2005 // Southeast Asia: actual problems of development. - 2006. - No. 9. - S. 163-164
20. OMC | Comprendre l'omc - membres
21. World population in 2011 ,
22. World GDP per capita based on PPP for 2014. Total-Rating.ru (2015-04-14). Retrieved June 8, 2016.
23. Trade turnover between Russia and the Republic of Laos for the 1st quarter of 2015. "Exporters of Russia" (October 14, 2015). Retrieved June 8, 2016.
24. Morev L. N. "Laos: among friends"// "Southeast Asia: actual problems of development". - 2010. - T. 14. - S. 245
25. Morev L. N. "Laos: among friends"// "Southeast Asia: actual problems of development". - 2010. - T. 14. - S. 246
26. Opium production in the Golden Triangle increased by almost a quarter in 2013. UN News Center. United Nations (December 19, 2013). Retrieved June 8, 2016.
27. "Plans and prospects for the development of hydropower in Laos" - the topic of a scientific article in economics and economic sciences.
28. Yanchuk A. L. Development and reformation of industry in Laos // Actual problems of economics and management at the enterprises of mechanical engineering, oil and gas industry in the conditions of an innovation-oriented economy. - 2016. - T. 1. - S. 289-290.
29. Yanchuk A. L. Development and reformation of industry in Laos // Actual problems of economics and management at the enterprises of mechanical engineering, oil and gas industry in the conditions of an innovation-oriented economy. - 2016. - T. 1. - S. 290.
30. Yanchuk A. L. Development and reformation of industry in Laos // Actual problems of economics and management at the enterprises of mechanical engineering, oil and gas industry in the conditions of an innovation-oriented economy. - 2016. - T. 1. - S. 291.
31. Yanchuk A. L. Development and reformation of industry in Laos // Actual problems of economics and management at the enterprises of mechanical engineering, oil and gas industry in the conditions of an innovation-oriented economy. - 2016. - T. 1. - S. 291-292.
32. Yanchuk A. L.
33. Yanchuk A. L. Development and reformation of industry in Laos // Actual problems of economics and management at the enterprises of mechanical engineering, oil and gas industry in the conditions of an innovation-oriented economy. - 2016. - T. 1. - S. 292.
34. Morev L. N.
35. Yanchuk A. L. Development and reformation of industry in Laos // Actual problems of economics and management at the enterprises of mechanical engineering, oil and gas industry in the conditions of an innovation-oriented economy. - 2016. - T. 1. - S. 292.
36. Morev L. N. Laos: on the way to the status of a "developing country" // Asia and Africa today. - 2010. - No. 2. - S. 34.
37. Morev L. N.
38. Morev L. N. Laos: on the way to the status of a "developing country" // Asia and Africa today. - 2010. - No. 2. - S. 35.
39. Morev L. N. Laos: on the way to the status of a "developing country" // Asia and Africa today. - 2010. - No. 2. - S. 35.
40. Morev L. N. Laos: on the way to the status of a "developing country" // Asia and Africa today. - 2010. - No. 2. - S. 35.
41. Morev L. N. Laos: on the way to the status of a "developing country" // Asia and Africa today. - 2010. - No. 2. - S. 35.
42. "LOS ANGELES is the world's first city to be awarded its own unique internet address:LA."

Literature

• Laos. Directory / Managing editor V. A. Tyurin. - M.: Nauka, 1980. - S. 263.
• Afonin D.S. - Children of Khunborom. - M., 2000
• Ioanesyan S. I. - Laos in the XX century (economic development). - M., 2003
• Ioanesyan S.I. - Laos: socio-economic development (late XIX - 60s of the XX century). - M., 1972
• Ioanesyan S. I. - Lao People's Democratic Republic. - M., 1979
• Kobelev E. V. - Lao People's Democratic Republic. - M., 1978 (New in life, science, technology. Series "U political map peace", 2)
• Kozhevnikov V. A. - Essays recent history Laos. - M., 1979
• Laos. Directory. - M., 1994
• Mikheev Yu. Ya. - Lao People's Democratic Republic. Directory. - M., 1985
• Morev L. N. - Lao Literature (in the book "Concise Literary Encyclopedia", vol. 4, M., 1967)
• Petrakov VV - Old postcards of exotic Laos. - M., 2006 (ZHUK magazine, No. 02-03 (10-11) July-September 2006)
• Russian-Lao dictionary: 24,000 words and expressions / L. V. Larionova et al.; ed. L. N. Moreva; Institute of Linguistics RAS; Institute of Oriental Studies RAS; Institute for the Study of the Culture of Laos. - M., 2004
• Skvortsov VN - White elephants of luck. - M., 1983
• Stratanovich G. G., Chesnov Y. V. - The peoples of Laos (in the book "Peoples of Southeast Asia". - M., 1966)
• Shchedrov I. M. - Republic on the Mekong. - M., 1983

Links

• Laos at the Open Directory Project (dmoz) Links Directory
• Journey through Laos from south to north
• Head of state and cabinet members
• Laos in the world book of facts. US Central Intelligence Agency.
• Country profile on BBC News
• Laos at UCB Libraries GovPubs
• Laos in Britannica
• Laos at Tageo.com
• Laos National Tourism Administration
• Key forecasts for the development of Laos

State flag of Laos.

Laos (Lao People's Democratic Republic) is a state in Southeast Asia, in the very center of the Indochinese Peninsula (landlocked). Laos borders China to the north, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar to the northwest. The borders pass along natural boundaries - the Mekong River or mountain ranges. Area - 236.8 thousand sq. km; population - 6.5 million people. It is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Asia. Over 70% are Lao; other peoples: Vietnamese, Chinese, Burmese. The official language is Lao. Most believers are Buddhists. Administrative-territorial division: 16 provinces (khueng). The capital is Vientiane (allocated as a special administrative-territorial unit).

Laos is the land of rugged mountains and fertile river valleys. The mountainous nature of the relief predetermines the isolation of individual regions and makes it difficult to communicate with the outside world. The climate is monsoon. Average temperatures in January are 15-23 °С, in July 28-30 °С. Precipitation up to 3000 mm per year. Tropical forests, savannas. Forest reserves Dongxiengthong, Dongkhasau. The country's capital is Vientiane ("city of the moon"), it is home to 692,000 inhabitants.

Poor, underdeveloped country. 80% of the population lives in rural areas. The main crop is rice. Laos is a historical supplier of drugs; from time immemorial, opium poppy has been grown in mountainous areas for the production of heroin.

The first major Lao state, Lan Xang, took shape in the middle of the 14th century. In 1707, Lan Xang broke up into the principalities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane. In 1893 Laos was turned into a colony of France (formally a protectorate). The people of Laos raised uprisings against French domination (in 1901-1907, 1910-36 and other years). In 1941-45, Laos was under Japanese occupation. In the course of the national liberation struggle, the anti-colonial movement of Lao Issara (Free Laos) arose. On October 12, 1945, it declared the independence of Laos, but France reoccupied Laos in early 1946. In 1953, France recognized Laos as an independent kingdom. In 1960, the country unfolded Civil War between communist, right-wing and neutralist factions, which continued (intermittently) until 1973. In December 1975, the formation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic was proclaimed.

Vientiane is an industrial, commercial and cultural center, a port on the Mekong River. This is one of ancient cities country, which has preserved, although sometimes in ruined form, numerous pagodas. French colonial mansions of the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries have also survived to this day.

Other major cities in the country: Luang Prabang and Savannakhet. Luang Prabang is dominated by 31 pagodas. The building of the former royal palace is also located here, and sacred grottoes with Buddha statues have been preserved in the suburbs.

Other sights of the country include the Bolaven Plateau, towering over the Mekong River valley, and picturesque waterfalls are located nearby. In the south of Laos, among tropical forests and rice fields, many ancient Khmer temples have been preserved, the most famous of which - Wat Phou - is located near the city of Champasak, the former royal residence.

The national cuisine is dominated by rice and buffalo meat dishes. Popular are: rice noodle soup "pho", minced meat with vegetables and rice - "lap", green papaya salad "tam-som", spicy buffalo meat soup with spices "lam".

Of the drinks, the Laotians prefer coffee, drinking it with ice on hot days, as well as black tea with milk and juices. Bialao beer and rice moonshine, which are not recommended for Europeans, are especially famous.

Laos. Vientiane. Triumphal Arch Patusai. 1968. You can climb to the top and admire the city.

Laos. Vientiane. Presidential palace.

Laos. Vientiane. Temple Pha That Luang. 1566.

Laos. Luang Prabang. Panorama of the city.

Laos. Luang Prabang. The Royal Monastery of Wat Sieng Thong (City of Golden Temples). 1560.

Laos. The Mekong River near Luang Prabang.

Laos. Waterfalls on the Bolaven Plateau.

Laos. Wat Phou temple near Champasak city.

Laos. Sacrificial Cave.

In the center of the Indochina peninsula, a small but many-sided Laos is located - a state that is still little known in mass tourism. Occasionally they go here independent travel exotic lovers. Laos is landlocked, but it has ancient temples, traditional villages nestled in the tropical jungle, mysterious caves, picturesque mountains and an amazing way of life.

Geographic location of Laos

Where the state of Laos is located and with which countries it borders can be clearly seen on the world map. In the northwestern part of the country there is a border with. Thanks to this geolocation, Laos fell into the "golden triangle" at the junction of Thailand and Burma. In terms of area, the country of Laos occupies 236,800 square kilometers. km.

Climatic features and nature of the state

Laos has a subequatorial monsoonal climate. The air temperature in different regions varies depending on the altitude of the area. The average annual summer temperature is +28…+30ºС. In winter, it is noticeably cooler - + 15 ... + 23ºС. In the Mekong area, the hottest period is from April to May. At this time, the air warms up to + 35ºС. It is cool in the mountains all year round: in summer the daytime temperature fluctuates around +29ºС, and in winter it is really frosty - up to +7ºС. Three climatic seasons prevail in Laos: dry hot, wet and dry cool.

Lao nature is striking in its diversity. 50% of the country's territory is occupied rainforests: laurels, ferns, palm trees, thickets of bamboo and lagestremia. The relief here is predominantly mountainous. Mount Bia is considered the most majestic, its height reaches 2819 m. The main water artery in Laos is the full-flowing Mekong River, and the waterfalls delight every traveler. The flora and fauna in northern Laos are unique. Here you can meet huge herds of Indian elephants, tigers, marbled panthers, colorful parrots and peacocks.

Political system and symbolism

In the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the president is the head of state and supreme commander of the armed forces. supreme body the legislative branch is the National Assembly, which elects a new president after a five-year term. The state structure in Laos is determined by the Constitution, the form of government is republican. The country is made up of 16 provinces, a metropolitan prefecture and a municipality. The provinces are divided into 140 districts, which consist of 11,000 communes.

The coat of arms and the flag of Laos look quite interesting. The national shrine of the country is applied to the coat of arms, a section of the wheel of the mechanism is depicted in the lower part. The inscription on the coat of arms on the left means "Independence and Democracy", on the right - "Unity and Prosperity", and in the middle - "People's Democratic Republic Laos". The flag of Laos consists of three horizontally arranged rectangular stripes of blue and red. There is a white circle in the center of the blue rectangle.

Many tourists do not know what currency is used in Laos. The national currency is the Lao kip, which is issued in denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 LAK. There are no coins in circulation. You can also pay in Thai baht and US dollars. The population of Laos is 6,803,699. The official language of Laos is Lao (Lao), but many locals fluent in Thai, English and French. The main religion is Buddhism, but some tribes in Laos practice animism. Christians and Muslims meet.

The largest cities in Laos

In this Asian state, there are quite large cities that are especially interesting to visit:

What to see in Laos?

The country has enough attractions like natural origin, as well as man-made. Definitely worth a look:

• temple of the golden city exotic place where the most cherished desires come true;
• in the capital of Laos with its numerous religious sculptures, some reaching 40 m high;
• Bokeo Reserve, created to protect black gibbons. Here you can see elephants, tigers, wild buffaloes and bears;
• Nong Khyawa village, which has become one of the most popular tourist destinations thanks to its picturesque landscapes;
• - a historical and archaeological monument in Laos with mysterious objects in the form of jugs;
• Tam Kong Lo - a karst 7-kilometer cave with a luminous sacred pool inside;
• in the south of Laos, widely known for its majestic waterfalls;
• , filled with many Buddha figurines of various shapes and sizes;
• - a historical landmark of Laos, from which only the ruins of an ancient temple complex;
• monasteries of Laos, striking tourists with their serenity and unique architecture.

Entertainment and recreation

Laos is a great choice for tourists who love an active or relaxing family vacation. Especially popular are such activities as trekking, rafting, cycling around the outskirts of the country, descents into caves and rafting on the Mekong River. accompanied by an experienced guide, they will give you an acquaintance with stunning landscapes, exotic flora and fauna, ancient religion and fairy culture.

Holidays in the resorts of Laos are different from our usual understanding, and beach holiday not provided here at all. However, there are many unknown mysterious routes. Do not miss the opportunity to get on. Every year in February, a traditional - fantastic spectacle is held, which is accompanied by carnivals, musical performances, performances, fireworks and elephant coronations.

Where should you stay?

Most are 2-4-story buildings with a standard set of services, pleasant service and rooms in the national style. Currently, the so-called boutique hotels located in Lao villas are becoming more and more popular. The interior of such places of residence is decorated in a colonial style, and the time that tourists spend here promises to be as comfortable as possible.

The most expensive and luxurious hotels are concentrated in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Among them are The Luang Say Residence, Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel, Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel, The Luang Say Residence and others. Such options include a swimming pool, tennis court, free internet and Wi-Fi. Tourists with a modest budget can stay in cozy and inexpensive hostels in Laos.

Cuisine and restaurants of Laos

The basis is considered to be rice (white, fried and sticky), various spices and sauces. No less popular are noodles, which are used as a side dish or an independent dish. Locals at cooking national dishes use a lot of greens and vegetables. A very important place in the cuisine of Laos is occupied by freshwater fish with lime, chili, garlic or mint. In Asian restaurants, you can try chanam tuk beef salad with greens, fish in coconut milk and spicy fried catfish.

You can get to know the local cuisine better by visiting the Makphet restaurant, where you will meet with fried sushi-pa-gnon fish, chicken stuffed with rice and cinnamon. At Lao Kitchen you can enjoy exotic delicacies from squirrels, snakes and lizards. Gourmets should look into Namaste India, Pimenton, Jamil Zahid Punjabi Restaurant. Since there are plenty of restaurants in Laos, the cost of food does not break the wallet. On average, tourists pay no more than $10-15 per person for dinner, and you can eat even cheaper in numerous street cafes.

Shopping features

Like most other Asian countries, Laos is characterized by a fascinating and inexpensive lifestyle. What to buy in the numerous stores of Laos? Local silk, gold and silver jewelry, leather and wood products, embroidered shoes and clothes, as well as various souvenirs and paintings are well sold here. Traveling around Laos, one cannot help but look at local markets, the most famous of which is the capital. It works daily from 07:00 to 16:00. Talat Sao is focused on tourists, so you can buy anything here.

Bargaining is practiced in private shops, souvenir shops and markets, since the initial prices are much higher. Among the interesting facts about Laos, it is worth noting the strange behavior of sellers in the provinces: actively bargaining, they do not reduce the price of a kip. In this case, look at the seller next door, who will be very happy to see you. Bank card you can pay only in large stores in the country, but in the provinces they are not accepted for payment at all. It is most profitable to exchange currency at a bank.

Safety for tourists

Laos - quite safe country. Violent crime is extremely rare here. Tourists should still be wary of petty thieves and not neglect the basic precautions: do not carry all the cash, jewelry and documents with you. It should also be remembered that unexploded shells lie in the eastern regions of Laos to this day, so it is better to go there with a guide. In addition, you need to take care of your health in advance: get vaccinated against malaria and stock up on mosquito repellents. To call anywhere, use the code +856.

Transport connection

One of the main types is the bus. You can travel between cities within the country by tourist buses equipped with air conditioning, TV and toilets. For short trips, locals and tourists travel by tuk-tuks. Taxi rides are very popular. In Laos, you can easily, motorcycle or bicycle. Prices for this type of service are still relatively high. To save time within the country, you can use air transport: flights between major cities Laos is operated by Lao Airlines. There is no rail link in the state.

How to get to Laos?

It is most convenient to get into the country by transit flights of Lao Airlines, Thai Airlines and Aeroflot through Thailand, Vietnam, and China. It is best to choose flights through Bangkok. 3 km west of Vientiane is Laos International Airport, Wattay. You can also get into the state by land, crossing the border with China and Thailand. The question of whether a visa is needed to Laos worries every traveler. A visa is not required to visit the country for up to 15 days.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency, but the amount of more than $2000 will have to be declared. But the export and import national currency, weapons, drugs, explosives and poisonous substances is prohibited. Duty-free import applies to cigars (up to 500 pieces), tobacco (up to 500 g), jewelry (also up to 500 g), 2 bottles of wine and 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages.

Where is Laos : in Southeast Asia - between Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China.

Currency: Laotian kip (LAK) (1 ruble ≈ 240 kip; 1$ ≈ 8000 kip).

Population: 6 million people.

Languages: lao, french, thai.

Temperature in Laos in January +16 ... + 22 ° C, in July - up to + 30 ° C. The climate of Laos is characterized by three different seasons: hot humid (from May to October), dry cool (from November to January) and dry hot ( February to April).

Visa to Laos for Russians when entering for up to 15 days is not needed.

Religion: Buddhism.

Buddhism in Laos is influential and loved. The monks have great authority in cultural life countries, so Marxist-Leninists willy-nilly have to be friends with them. The main and only party of the state - the Lao People's Revolutionary Party - considers Buddhism and Marxism-Leninism as related phenomena, because both the first and the second are aimed at eradicating suffering in human life. And everyone who claims to be a member of the Communist Party has to live a couple of months as a novice at a monastery.

Sights of Laos

Waterfalls of Laos: Bolaven Plateau

(Photo © rakugo + filter / flickr.com)

One of the main attractions of Laos. The plateau is located 30-40 km east of the city Pakse, which is located in the south of the country. Most tourists go to the waterfalls in organized groups, using the services of local offices. The price of visiting the three waterfalls and the so-called "authentic" village of artisans (which is actually a sham - a performance for visiting guests) is about $25 per person.
It will be cheaper and more interesting to visit the waterfalls on your own. The easiest way is to rent a motorbike in Pakse (about 70-90 thousand kip for 12 hours of use), get a map and hit the road.

Tham Cham Pee Waterfall(entry costs 5,000 kip). A distinctive feature of the waterfall is a large and picturesque grotto. In good weather, it is easy and pleasant to swim here due to the convenient shore for entry and the absence of strong water currents.

Waterfall Tad Fane(entry costs 5,000 kip). This is a 100-meter waterfall, divided into two jets. You can admire it from the observation deck, which is located on the territory of the hotel of the same name.

Waterfall Tad Gneuang(entry costs 10,000 kip). A majestic waterfall 70 meters high with a powerful stream of water.

Ruins of Wat Phu

(Photo © kenner116 + filter / flickr.com)

In the same part of the country, 40 km from Pakse, there are the ruins of the ancient Khmer temple complex Wat Phu, which is an important historical monument Indochinese architecture and is included in world heritage UNESCO. The ruins are located a few kilometers from the Mekong River, right next to Mount Phu Khao, which is considered sacred.

The first buildings here were erected in the 5th century, but the oldest surviving buildings date back to the 11th and later centuries. Initially, the temple was associated with the cult of Shiva, but later became Buddhist center and continues to function in this role to this day. Near the temple there are two palace complexes, which are in a dilapidated state.

At the very top of the temple complex, you will find the main sanctuary, which is active - there are always monks praying in front of the Buddha statue, and the air is permeated with a pleasant smoke of incense. If you climb a little higher up the hill, you can find a sacred source.

There are several ways to get to Wat Phu. Can buy one day tour in Pakse at a rate of $ 25 per person, or you can again rent a scooter (about 80,000 kip + 10,000 kip for gasoline) and get to Wat Phu on your own.

Golden Stupa (Pha That Luang)

This building in the center of Vientiane is easily mistaken for a modern building - it looks painfully good with fresh plaster and gilding brightly shining in the sun. However, in fact, the stupa was erected as early as 1566. Beautiful appearance- this is the personal merit of the monks, who for over 400 years diligently looked after the stupa, which is the main shrine of Laos, because, according to legend, in the distant 3rd century, a hair belonging to the Buddha himself was immured under it.

Buddha Park (Xiengkhuan)

(Photo © Arian Zwegers + filter / flickr.com)

A local landmark of Laos and a source of pride for the inhabitants of the capital. Located 25 km from Vientiane right on the banks of the Mekong. Reinforced concrete sculptures of a Buddhist monk and part-time artist Bun Liua Surirat are located on a small area. One hour is enough for a complete inspection.

You can get to the park by taxi - the trip costs $15-20. Another option is to take bus number 14, which runs from the main bus station literally every half an hour and travels to the park for about an hour. Approximately in the middle of the way, the bus stops at the Friendship Bridge ( border crossing Laos with neighboring Thailand). The ticket costs 6 thousand bales (the first part of the journey) + 8 thousand bales (the second) and is bought from the controller directly on the bus. The last flight back to the city leaves at 17.30.

Entrance ticket to the park costs 5,000 kip, 3,000 kip for photography.

Cuisine of Laos

Of course, the first place in the diet of the Laotians is occupied by rice dishes, buffalo meat is also popular. Pho (noodle soup), lap (meat, vegetables and rice), tam-som (papaya salad), lam (buffalo meat soup with a fair amount of spices) are widespread.

It will be useful to remember the main types of rice: khao yao (white rice), khao phat (fried rice) and khao nyau (sticky rice designed to be rolled into balls so that it can then be dipped in sauce).

Drinks popular here are coffee (often iced), black tea with milk and various juices. Among the residents, the Mac Mai Pan drink is especially popular, which is a rich, thick fruit juice mixed with ice and condensed milk or sugar cane juice. Of the alcoholic beverages, beer (BirLao) and moonshine brewed on rice are popular.

(Photo © dalbera + filter / flickr.com)