Background
PopulationOver the last ten years, Laos's population grew by one million, from 5.3 to 6 million people.
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GovernmentLong Name: Lao People's Democratic Republic
Government Type: Communist Head of Government: Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong |
CurrencyLao Kip - 1 U.S. Dollar is equivalent to 7,600 Kips. As an example of purchasing power, a lunch of curry and rice could cost around 20,000 Kips, about $2.50.
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History
Japan ruled over Laos for only six months before they lost WWII and control over Laos. The French tried to reclaim their control for a few years until they gave Laos their independence in 1949. The Laotians set up a kingdom. Between 1953 and 1975, a civil war raged between the Communists and the Royal Lao Government, with the North Vietnamese government supporting the Communists and the U.S. bombing them as well. The Communists prevailed in 1975. In the 80's, the government abandoned its strict control over the economy. Today, the Communist government leaves the market economy to itself but retains control if Laos's political power.
Culture
Religion67% of Laotians identify as Theravada Buddhists, 1.5% identify as Christians, and 31.5% identify as unspecified.
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LanguageThailand's official language is Lao, similar to Tai languages. It is written with Khmer's writing language. Khmer and Hmong are minority languages but still relatively common. French is spoken widely, and is used in the government as well.
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Food
![Picture](/uploads/1/9/8/8/19886995/563308067.jpg)
Although Laotian Cuisine is similar to other Asian food, it is quite distinct. Because of Laos's close proximity to the wild, foods are often served less refined and raw. Their food is much simpler than those of their neighboring countries, with fewer ingredients and simpler preparation, as shown below. Sticky rice is eaten commonly as well with meals.
Attractions
Phat That Luang
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Luang Prabang
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Mekong River
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Expenses
Food: A meal from a street vendor can cost between 5,000 and 30,000 Kips ($0.75 and $4), depending on the quantity and quality. A meal from a restaurant ranges between 30,000 and 60,000 Kips ($4 and $8). A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs 5000 Kips ($0.75).
Travel: It's easy enough to walk around inside cities, but if you need to you can hire Jumbos, large motorcycles with rooms that cost between 10,000 and 20,000 Kips, ($1.25 and $2.50).
Hotel: Rooms cost between 20,000 and 80,000 Kips depending on air conditioning and how whether its a double room or not, ($4 and $16)
Travel: It's easy enough to walk around inside cities, but if you need to you can hire Jumbos, large motorcycles with rooms that cost between 10,000 and 20,000 Kips, ($1.25 and $2.50).
Hotel: Rooms cost between 20,000 and 80,000 Kips depending on air conditioning and how whether its a double room or not, ($4 and $16)