Laos Political Map shows the international boundaries, provincial boundaries with names, the national capital, and provincial capitals.
Geography of Laos
Laos is an autonomous nation and a non-coastal country in Southeast Asia. The landscape of Laos is mainly mountainous consisting of the Annamite Range in the east and northeast and the Luang Prabang Range in the northwest; Laos is also featured by sharp terrain (altitudes normally above 500m); low agricultural area and narrow river valleys. Laos is bordered by China towards the north; Vietnam towards the East and Northeast; Cambodia towards the south; Thailand towards the west, and Myanmar (Burma) towards the northwest.
Demography of Laos
The total population of Laos as per the UN data is approx. 7,291, 752 as of Aug 2020; equal to 0.09% of the overall population of the world. The populace density is 32/SqKm on the overall landmass of 230,800SqKm. Around 35.7% of the total population of Laos is urban. Life expectancy at birth is 68.89 years for both males and females; the infant mortality rate is 33.0 deaths/1000 births and the death rate under age 5 is 40.4 deaths/1000 births.
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Culture of Laos
The dominance of French colonial rule in Laos’ culture is highly evident, even though, people in Laos are primarily followers of Buddhism. Lao is the most dominant language in the state, spoken by around 70% of the population; however, the locals staying in rural places speak ethnic languages such as Hmong and Khmu. French is the official language, used in commerce and governmental purpose as well as it’s a mandatory subject for the schools.
The majority of the people follow Buddhism in Laos, and the ‘That Luang festival’ is celebrated with great pompous across the country; it is a week-long festivity of parades, religious ceremonies, and concerts. While people are highly traditional and greet the elders with a ‘Nop’, prayer-like gesture; handshake culture is slowly gaining popularity among the youths. You must be cautious while in the town as affection displayed publicly; backslapping; shouting and wild sign are regarded as impolite here.
Top places to visit in Laos
Vientiane
The capital city of Laos is extremely charming because of its natural beauty and its historical significance. The small town happened to be the trading post during the French colonial period. Thus, the influence of French can be conspicuously seen in the old French quarter and abundant French-inspired buildings and architecture including the Laotian form of the popular ‘Arc de Triomphe’ in Paris, also called Patuxai.
Luang Prabang
The small town is quite popular for its stunning small ‘European styled’ cafes located through the picturesque river banks; because of the charm of the place, it is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO. You can even find beautiful and tiny temples across the town and the place also offers you opportunities for trekking at the Kuang Si Waterfalls. The waterfalls even offer astonishing sapphire cascades with deep pools, perfect for diving, snorkeling, swimming, and bathing.
Van Vieng
Located between Luang Prabang and Vientiane, Van Vieng is one of the key tourist spot in Laos. Tourists enjoy plumbing down the Nam Song River and the view of the lush and green forest is simply amazing. Other sports enjoyed by the visitors include Tham Phu Kham Cave, popular for its lagoon, and the bronze sculpture of the Lord Buddha.
The most ideal time to visit Laos is from October through April as the weather is dry and warm at that time.
