| Climate: The weather in this nation is governed by two main monsoons that hit the entire region each year. The monsoons are from May to September and November to March. The southern regions of Laos, including the Mekong Valley, are among the hottest and also the wettest. The northern areas are cooler and receive less rain.
Economy: Up to 80% of the population are involved in forestry, agriculture and fishing. Laos is also rich in minerals but this industry has not been fully exploited. Population: The nation, with a population of around 4.9 million, has a low density of people per square kilometer. The most populated area is the Mekong River Valley in the southern reaches of this country.
Religion: Buddhism is widely observed. During the war years it was suppressed but has come out in the open again after 1992.
Language: Lao is the official language and spoken by the various ethnic groups in the country. English is spoken but not very widely.
Currency: The official currency is the Kip. (US$1 equals 4205 kip) |
