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Photos of Laos

Pha That Luang, the Great Stupa in Vientiane, is considered a national symbol of Laos and includes many references to Lao culture in its architecture.  It was built in the 16th century on the ruins of a 13th century Khmer temple, which in turn was built on the ruins of a 3rd century Indian temple built by Buddhist missionaries. The gold-covered stupa stands 45 m (148 ft) high and is said to contain a relic of the Buddha.

Introduction

World Factbook Glyph

Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Geography

Area

comparison ranking: total 84

Area - comparative

Area comparison map:
Area comparison map

People and Society

Languages

Lao audio sample:

Age structure

2023 population pyramid:
2023 population pyramid

Median age

comparison ranking: total 170

Population growth rate

comparison ranking: 75

Birth rate

comparison ranking: 69

Death rate

comparison ranking: 147

Net migration rate

comparison ranking: 145

Maternal mortality ratio

comparison ranking: 60

Infant mortality rate

comparison ranking: total 38

Total fertility rate

comparison ranking: 81

Tobacco use

comparison ranking: total 21

Education expenditures

comparison ranking: 179

Environment

Government

Economy

Real GDP growth rate

comparison ranking: 87

Real GDP per capita

comparison ranking: 154

Labor force

comparison ranking: 105

Unemployment rate

comparison ranking: 12

Public debt

comparison ranking: 69

Taxes and other revenues

comparison ranking: 161

Current account balance

comparison ranking: 68

Exports

comparison ranking: 118

Imports

comparison ranking: 128

Debt - external

comparison ranking: 50

Energy

Communications

Transportation

Airports

comparison ranking: 140

Merchant marine

comparison ranking: total 184

Military and Security

Transnational Issues