Official Name

The Laos People's Democratic Republic

Capital

Vientiane

Population

5.618 million (2003)

Population Growth Rate

2.8%

Land Area

236,800 sq. km
(Malaysia : 329,733 sq. km)

Climate

Laos is tropical and the weather is influenced by monsoons. The weather in the mountains in the North and in the high range of the Annamite Chain bordering in the East is semi - tropical. The difference in day and night temperatures is about 10oC. Tropical monsoon, rainy season (May to November); Dry season (December to April)

Language

Lao is the official national language. Foreign languages in use for business are English and French.

Religion

Buddhism is the predominant religion

Time

GMT + 7 hours

Currency

Kip

Exchange Rate

1US$ = Kip 9,500

Visa

Malaysian citizens traveling to Laos require visas.

Public Holidays

1 January

New Year's Day

20 January

Army Day

8 March

International Women's Day

13 - 15 April

Lao New Year (Pi Mai)

1 May

Labour Day

1 June

Children's Day

2 December

National Day