The Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) is a country in south east Asia. It has a total area of 236,800 km2. The climate is tropical monsoon comprising a rainy season that last from May until November and a dry season from December to April. The terrain is mostly comprised of rugged mountains with some plains and plateaus. Natural resources are timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold and gemstones. The religion is 85% Buddhist, 15% animist and other. The official language is Lao with French, and English also spoken.
Laos was part of the KhmerEmpire during the 11th century, and during the 12th century was invaded by the Laom from Thailand who established small independent kingdoms which were amalgamated into one kingdom during the 14th century. After contact with Europeans, Laos was invaded by France and became part of French Indochina in 1893. In 1950 Laos became semi-autonomous and gained full independence again in 1953 as a kingdom. Civil war followed until the communists were victorious in 1975. Research Laos
Abbreviations
Gazetteer
Research Laos