Laos, one of the world's few remaining communist states, is one of east Asia's poorest countries. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 it has struggled to find its position within a changing political and economic landscape.
- 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 dialling code: +856