| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | LAISO 3166 [2024] |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | LAOISO 3166 [2024] |
| Capital | VientianeGeoNames [2024] |
| Continent | AsiaGeoNames [2024] |
| Common name | LaosCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Official name | Lao People's Democratic RepublicCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Local name | Mueang Lao (unofficial)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Etymology | name means "Land of the Lao [people];" it derives from the name of the country's founder, LaoCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Government type | Communist party-led stateCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Independence | 19 July 1949 (from France); 22 October 1953 (Franco-Lao Treaty recognizes full independence)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National holiday | Republic Day (National Day), 2 December (1975)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Head of state | THONGLOUN Sisoulit (Pres.)CIA World Leaders [2025] |
| Currency code (ISO 4217) | No authoritative open source found |
| Currency | No authoritative open source found |
| Administrative subdivisions | 18ISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Subdivision names | Attapu / Bokèo / Bolikhamxai / Champasak / Houaphan / Khammouan / Louang Namtha / Louangphabang / Oudômxai / Phôngsali / Salavan / Savannakhét / Viangchan / Xaignabouli / Xaisômboun / Xiangkhouang / XékongISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Historical overview | No authoritative open source found |
| National symbols | elephantCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National anthem | title: "Pheng Xat Lao" (Hymn of the Lao People); lyrics/music: SISANA Sisane/THONGDY Sounthonevichit; history: music adopted 1945, lyrics adopted 1975; the anthem's lyrics were changed after the communist revolution that overthrew the monarchy in 1975CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National colors | red, white, blueCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Citizenship rules | citizenship by birth: no; citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Laos; dual citizenship recognized: no; residency requirement for naturalization: 10 yearsCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
name means "Land of the Lao [people];" it derives from the name of the country's founder, Lao
description: three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double-width), and red, with a large white disk centered in the blue band meaning: red stands for the blood shed for liberation, and blue for the Mekong River and prosperity; the white disk represents the full moon over the Mekong River and the unity of the people under the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, as well as the country's bright future
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
