General Information

Full name

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Population

5.8 million (via UN, 2006)

Capital

Vientiane

Area

236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles)

Major languages

Lao, French (for diplomatic purposes)

Major religion

Buddhism

Life expectancy

53 years (men), 56 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit

1 new kip = 100 ath

Main exports

Clothing, timber products, coffee

GNI per capita

US $440 (World Bank, 2006)

Internet domain

.la

International dialing code

+856