
Population:
6,368,481 (July 2006 est.)
Capital:
Vientiane; 716,000
Area: 236,800 square kilometers
(91,429 square miles)
Language:
Lao, French, English, Various ethnic languages
Religion:
Buddhist, Animist, Other
Currency:
Kip
Life Expectancy:
54
Literacy Percent:
53
Industry: Hydroelectric Power, Forestry, Mining, Pottery, Silverwork.
Agriculture: Paddy Rice, Corn, Teak, Coffee, Cotton, Tobacco, Rubber, Poultry.
Exports: Electricity, Wood, Coffee, Tin.
Mount Bia (2820m) is the highest point in Laos.
The Mekong River, the largest river in South-East Asia, flows along the border with Thailand.
The border with Vietnam is naturally marked by the Annamite mountains.
Laos is a country of dense forests and mountains. Most of the population live in the more fertile lowlands near the Mekong River.


