)other: 21.5% (2018 est. [141] Access rose rapidly from 10 percent in 1995 to 38 percent in 2008. WebThe country was governed as a constitutional monarchy that ruled Laos beginning with its independence on 9 November 1953. The rebellion failed, and Vientiane was ransacked. [128] As of 2021, despite cheap hydro power available in the country, Laos continues to also rely on fossil fuels, coal in particular, in the domestic electricity production. English, the language of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has become increasingly studied in recent years. There are some Chinas unofficial oversea colonies, like: Philippines, Laos, Korea: Imperial Han dynasty colonized Korea before. Then go to the Tang dynasty and later the Mongol Yuan. Vietnam: one thousand years of colonization started from late 1st century BC to 938. Ming reconquered the nation at 1407 to 1427. Tibet. Xinjiang. and Yurnaidi, Z., 2020. ), electrification - total population: 95% (2019)electrification - urban areas: 98% (2019)electrification - rural areas: 93% (2019), installed generating capacity: 9.346 million kW (2020 est. [43], During World War II in Laos, Vichy France, Thailand, Imperial Japan and Free France occupied Laos. (2022)domestic: fixed-line nearly 20 per 100 and 56 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020)international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by Chinanote: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress toward 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services, 6 TV stations operating out of Vientiane - 3 government-operated and the others commercial; 17 provincial stations operating with nearly all programming relayed via satellite from the government-operated stations in Vientiane; Chinese and Vietnamese programming relayed via satellite from Lao National TV; broadcasts available from stations in Thailand and Vietnam in border areas; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems provide access to a wide range of foreign stations; state-controlled radio with state-operated Lao National Radio (LNR) broadcasting on 5 frequencies - 1 AM, 1 SW, and 3 FM; LNR's AM and FM programs are relayed via satellite constituting a large part of the programming schedules of the provincial radio stations; Thai radio broadcasts available in border areas and transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are also accessible, total: 2,473,689 (2020 est. The Kingdom of Laosball was an Indochinese state prior to the foundation of Lao People's Democratic Republicball. note: data are in current year dollars$6.461 billion (2020 est.) There are many traditions and rituals associated with rice production in different environments and among many ethnic groups. [89], The European Union,[90] UNHCHR, and international groups have since spoken out about the forced repatriation. [76], In 1989, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with the support of the US government, instituted the Comprehensive Plan of Action, a programme to stem the tide of Indochinese refugees from Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. [101] On 25 September 2009, Laos ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, nine years after signing the treaty. It is evident throughout the country, expressed in language, temples and the arts and literature. ), municipal solid waste generated annually: 351,900 tons (2015 est. For other uses, see, , "Peace, independence, democracy, unity and prosperity", Independence and Communist rule (1953present), The State respects and protects all lawful activities of Buddhists and of followers of other religions, [and] mobilises and encourages Buddhist monks and novices as well as the priests of other religions to participate in activities that are beneficial to the country and people, Sanda Simms, ch. WebKingdom 2 To Distant Lands (Harukanaru Daichi E) 2022 135 Pht. Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004 and applied for Generalized System of Preferences trade benefits in 2013 after being admitted to the World Trade Organization earlier in the year. Its first railway line, a short 3-km long metre-gauge railway that connects southern Vientiane to Thailand, only opened in 2009. [citation needed], On 2 December 1975, after taking control of the country, the Pathet Lao government under Kaysone Phomvihane renamed the country as the Lao People's Democratic Republic and signed agreements giving Vietnam the right to station armed forces and to appoint advisers to assist in overseeing the country. The major roads connecting to urban centres, in particular Route 13, have been significantly upgraded in recent years. [155] The National University of Laos is the Lao state's public university. Theravada Buddhism has coexisted peacefully since its introduction to the country with the local polytheism. [36], A Siamese military campaign in Laos in 1876 was described by a British observer as having been "transformed into slave-hunting raids on a large scale".[37]. WebKingdom-of-laos Definition Meanings Definition Source Filter A former country in Southeast Asia (official name). By submitting this form, I am giving express written consent to receive emails, text messages, OTT app messages (e.g., WhatsApp messages), and/or telephone calls including mobile from or on behalf of Academy of Art University at the phone number (s) I provided using automated technology. In 2009, despite the fact that the government is still officially communist, the Obama administration in the US declared Laos was no longer a MarxistLeninist state and lifted bans on Laotian companies receiving financing from the US Export-Import Bank.[117][118]. WebThe Kingdom of Laos was a constitutional monarchy that ruled Laos beginning with its independence on 9 November 1953. Find high-quality stock photos that you won't find anywhere else. )crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est. Choose your favorite kingdom of laos designs and purchase them as wall art, home decor, phone cases, tote bags, and more! The Laos civil war (1953 1975) mainly caused internal displacement (numbering in the hundreds of thousands). Following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, indigenous people in remote, war-struck areas were resettled and more than 300,000 people fled to Thailand to escape the communist regime that took power. The majority of those who sought refuge in Thailand ultimately were resettled in the US (mainly Hmong who fought with US forces), and lesser numbers went to France, Canada, and Australia.. For example, Article 8 makes it clear that Laos is a multinational state and is committed to equality between ethnic groups. Laos is a member of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement, the ASEAN, East Asia Summit, and La Francophonie. Agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland areas, accounts for about 20% of GDP and 73% of total employment. Amnesty International raised concerns about the ratification record of the Lao government on human rights standards and its lack of co-operation with the UN human rights mechanisms and legislative measuresboth impact negatively upon human rights. Thailand (invested US$4.489billion) and Vietnam (invested US$3.108billion) are the second and third largest investors respectively. The economy has benefited from high-profile foreign direct investment in hydropower dams along the Mekong River, copper and gold mining, logging, and construction, although some projects in these industries have drawn criticism for their environmental impacts. French is used in government and commerce, and Laos is a member of the French-speaking organisation of La Francophonie. WikiMatrix In spite of war in this tiny landlocked kingdom of Laos, the angel flying in midheaven keeps the door open for the message of the Kingdom to be sounded. Laos applied for membership of the World Trade Organization in 1997; on 2 February 2013, it was granted full membership. [78] Of those Hmong who did return to Laos, some quickly escaped back to Thailand, describing discrimination and brutal treatment at the hands of Lao authorities. ), 1.26% (2021 est. [154] Healthy life expectancy was 54 years in 2007. Vientiane prefecture, the capital and largest city, had about 683,000 residents in 2020. [30] He made Theravada Buddhism the state religion, and Lan Xang prospered. Additionally, the Khao San Pathet Lao, the country's official news agency, publishes English and French versions of its eponymous paper. At the same time, Laos has expanded its economic reliance on the West and other Asian countries, such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. [126] In addition, the country's plentiful water resources and mountainous terrain enable it to produce and export large quantities of hydroelectric energy. )from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est. Laos's first French-written and monarchical constitution was promulgated on 11 May 1947, and declared Laos an independent state within the French Union. The constitution and Family Code bar the legal recognition of polygamous marriages, stipulating that monogamy is the principal form of marriage in the country. A s we continue our 2023 Awards coverage, today we are talking to the sound team behind another film on the Best Sound Academy Awards shortlist Avatar: The Way of Water.. ), conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republicconventional short form: Laoslocal long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Laolocal short form: Mueang Lao (unofficial)etymology: name means "Land of the Lao [people]", name: Vientiane (Viangchan)geographic coordinates: 17 58 N, 102 36 Etime difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)etymology: the meaning in Pali, a Buddhist liturgical language, is "city of sandalwood", 17 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 prefecture* (kampheng nakhon); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang (Luang Prabang), Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun, Xekong, Xiangkhouang, 19 July 1949 (from France by the Franco-Lao General Convention); 22 October 1953 (Franco-Lao Treaty recognizes full independence), Republic Day (National Day), 2 December (1975), history: previous 1947 (preindependence); latest promulgated 13-15 August 1991amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the president of the republic; amended 2003, 2015, civil law system similar in form to the French system, has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt, citizenship by birth: nocitizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Laosdual citizenship recognized: noresidency requirement for naturalization: 10 years, chief of state: President THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 22 March 2021); Vice Presidents PANI Yathotou and BOUNTHONG Chitmani (since 22 March 2021)head of government: Prime Minister PHANKHAM Viphavan (since 22 March 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers CHANSAMON Chan-gnalat, SONXAI Siphandon, KIKEO Khaikhamphithoun (since 22 March 2021); VILAI Lakhamfong, SALEUMXAI Kommasit (since June 2022)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the National Assemblyelections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 22 March 2021 (next to be held in March 2026); prime minister nominated by the president, elected by the National Assembly for 5-year termelection results: 2021: THONGLOUN Sisoulit (LPRP) elected president; National Assembly vote: 161-1; PANI Yathotou and BOUNTHONG Chitmani (LPRP) elected vice presidents; National Assembly vote NA; PHANKHAM Viphavan (LPRP) elected prime minister; National Assembly vote: 158-32016: BOUNNYANG Vorachit (LPRP) elected president; PHANKHAM Viphavan (LPRP) elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA; THONGLOUN Sisoulit (LPRP) elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - NA, description: unicameral National Assembly or Sapha Heng Xat (164 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote from candidate lists provided by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party; members serve 5-year terms)elections: last held on 21 February 2021 (next to be held in 2026)election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LPRP 158, independent 6; composition - men 128, women 36, percent of women 21.9%, highest court(s): People's Supreme Court (consists of the court president and organized into criminal, civil, administrative, commercial, family, and juvenile chambers, each with a vice president and several judges)judge selection and term of office: president of People's Supreme Court appointed by the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the president of the republic for a 5-year term; vice presidents of the People's Supreme Court appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the National Assembly; appointment of chamber judges NA; tenure of court vice presidents and chamber judges NAsubordinate courts: appellate courts; provincial, municipal, district, and military courts, Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [THONGLOUN Sisoulit]note: other parties proscribed, ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, chief of mission: Ambassador SisavathINPHACHANH (since 7 June 2022)chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone: [1] (202) 328-9148; [1] (202) 332-6416FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923email address and website: embasslao@gmail.com; laoemb@verizon.nethttps://laoembassy.com/consulate(s): New York, chief of mission: Ambassador Peter HAYMOND (since 7 February 2020)embassy: Ban Somvang Tai, Thadeua Road, Km 9,Hatsayfong District, Vientianemailing address: 4350 Vientiane Place, Washington DC 20521-4350telephone: [856] 21-48-7000FAX: [856] 21-48-7040email address and website: CONSLAO@state.govhttps://la.usembassy.gov/, three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band; the red bands recall the blood shed for liberation; the blue band represents the Mekong River and prosperity; the white disk symbolizes the full moon against the Mekong River, but also signifies the unity of the people under the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, as well as the country's bright future, elephant; national colors: red, white, blue, name: "Pheng Xat Lao" (Hymn of the Lao People)lyrics/music: SISANA Sisane/THONGDY Sounthonevichitnote: music adopted 1945, lyrics adopted 1975; the anthem's lyrics were changed following the 1975 Communist revolution that overthrew the monarchy, total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural)selected World Heritage Site locales: Town of Luangphrabang; Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements; Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang - Plain of Jars. )beer: 3.62 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est. [96][97] In The Economist's Democracy Index 2016 Laos was classified as an "authoritarian regime", ranking lowest of the nine ASEAN nations included in the study. This includes decreasing the environmental and cultural impact of tourism; increasing awareness in the importance of ethnic groups and biological diversity; providing a source of income to conserve, sustain and manage the Lao protected area network and cultural heritage sites; and emphasizing the need for tourism zoning and management plans for sites that will be developed as ecotourism destinations.[137]. Its thickly forested landscape consists mostly of rugged mountains, the highest of which is Phou Bia at 2,818 metres (9,245ft), with some plains and plateaus. The close ties between Laos and Vietnam were formalised via a treaty signed in 1977, which has since provided direction for Lao foreign policy, and provides the basis for Vietnamese involvement at all levels of Lao political and economic life. [47][46], The First Indochina War took place across French Indochina and eventually led to French defeat and the signing of a peace accord for Laos at the Geneva Conference of 1954. [60] The country is one of four in the opium poppy growing region known as the "Golden Triangle". Usually called Laos . For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. ), -1.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est. )nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est. Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam, total: 236,800 sq kmland: 230,800 sq kmwater: 6,000 sq km, about twice the size of Pennsylvania; slightly larger than Utah, total: 5,274 kmborder countries (5): Burma 238 km; Cambodia 555 km; China 475 km; Thailand 1,845 km; Vietnam 2,161 km, tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April), mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus, highest point: Phu Bia 2,817 mlowest point: Mekong River 70 mmean elevation: 710 m, timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones, agricultural land: 10.6% (2018 est. [167] One production company's film that has succeeded to produce Lao feature films and gain international recognition is Lao New Wave Cinema's At the Horizon, directed by Anysay Keola, that was screened at the OzAsia Film Festival[168] and Lao Art Media's Chanthaly (Lao: ) directed by Mattie Do, which was screened at the 2013 Fantastic Fest. However, villages far from major roads can be reached only through unpaved roads that may not be accessible year-round. Sticky rice is generally preferred over jasmine rice, and sticky rice cultivation and production is thought to have originated in Laos. [108] In late February 2017, two of those imprisoned were finally released after 17 years. [135] The European Council on Trade and Tourism awarded the country the "World Best Tourist Destination" designation for 2013 for architecture and history.[136]. Subsistence agriculture still accounts for half of the GDP and provides 80% of employment. note: data are in current year dollars$6.985 billion (2019 est. It is estimated that about 37% of educated Laotians live outside Laos. A post-independence civil war began, which saw the communist resistance, supported by the Soviet Union, fight against the monarchy that later came under influence of military regimes supported by the United States. The proto-historic period is characterised by contact with Chinese and Indian civilisations. )consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est. The French language's decline was slower and occurred later than in Vietnam and Cambodia in Laos as the monarchy of Laos had close political relations with France. Have one to sell? It briefly gained independence in 1945 after Japanese occupation but was re-colonised by France until it won autonomy in 1949. Archaeological exploration in Laos has been limited due to rugged and remote topography, a history of twentieth century conflicts which have left over two million tons of unexploded ordnance throughout the country, and local sensitivities to history which involve the Communist government of WebThe Kingdom of Laos (1953-1975) was a constitutional monarchy that ruled Laos for 22 years with only two kings, Sisavang Vong and Savang Vatthana. [147] Ten percent belong to other "lowland" groups, which together with the Lao people make up the Lao Loum (lowland people). All kingdom of laos artwork ships within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. [citation needed]. [19][20][21][22][23] In the Lao language, the country's name is Muang Lao () or Pathet Lao (), both of which literally mean 'Lao Country'. [179] Only 3.5% of women and 2.1% of men between the ages of 1549 were in a polygamous union as of 2017. History [edit | edit source] The Lao Kingdom [66][67] The incumbent head of government is Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Laos held the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2016. [119] The economy receives development aid from the International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, and other international sources; and also foreign direct investment for development of the society, industry, hydropower and mining (most notably of copper and gold). [156] Laos was ranked 117th in the Global Innovation Index in 2021 down from 113rd in 2020.[157][158][159][160][161]. The Thai government attempted to repatriate these refugees, but the Wat Tham Krabok Hmong refused to leave and the Lao government refused to accept them, claiming they were involved in the illegal drug trade and were of non-Lao origin. Paul Lvy, ''Histoire du Laos'', PUF, 1974. [50], In 1975 the Pathet Lao overthrew the royalist government, forcing King Savang Vatthana to abdicate on 2 December 1975. jw2019 Picture Information. [122] Rice dominates agriculture, with about 80% of the arable land area used for growing rice. Layers of Chinese Loanwords in Proto-Southwestern Tai as Evidence for the Dating of the Spread of Southwestern Tai, "Let's hope Laos hangs on to its identity", "Slavery in Nineteenth-Century Northern Thailand: Archival Anecdotes and Village Voices", Creating Laos: The Making of a Lao Space Between Indochina and Siam, 18601945, "Laos Encyclopdia Britannica Overview", "Making More Enemies than We Kill? [70] Laos was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July 1997 and acceded to the World Trade Organization in 2016. [68] Laos also maintained a "special relationship" with Vietnam and formalised a 1977 treaty of friendship and cooperation that created tensions with China. [47][52] Laos was requested in 1979 by Vietnam to end relations with the People's Republic of China, leading to isolation in trade by China, the United States, and other countries. [131] In 2019, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights conducted an official visit to Laos and found that the country's top-down approach to economic growth and poverty alleviation "is all too often counterproductive, leading to impoverishment and jeopardising the rights of the poor and marginalised. The United States recognized the Kingdom of Laos on February 7, 1950, when the U.S. Department of State made an