Country
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Laos
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxôn Lao
Political Status: Fully independent constitutional monarchy proclaimed October 23, 1953; Communist-led people’s democratic republic established December 2, 1975; present constitution adopted August 14, 1991.
Area: 91,428 sq. mi. (236,800 sq. km).
Population: 7,266,000 (2020E—World Bank); 7,447,396 (2020E—U.S. Census).
Major Urban Center (2015E—UN): VIENTIANE (Viangchan, 997,000).
Official Language: Lao. (English is considered the business language in government circles.)
Monetary Unit: New Kip (market rate September 30, 2020: 9,174.61 new kips = $1US). The Thai baht also circulates.
President: Bounnhang VORACHIT (Lao People’s Revolutionary Party); elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term on April 20, 2016, to succeed Choummaly SAYASONE (Lao People’s Revolutionary Party).
Vice President: Phankham VIPHAVANH (Lao People’s Revolutionary Party); elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term on April 20, 2016, to ...
