Special Sub-Topic: Let's Go! Laos Authored by: Flynn_17 Sub-topic of: Asian Countries - Other

How did the country of Laos get its name?

From a communist division that have ruled since the 70's. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government, ending a six-century-old monarchy.

Laos is separated into 16 'khoueng', one 'kampheng nakhon', and one 'khephiset'. Each is named and has a separate status. Which of the above terms means 'Special Zone'?

Khephiset. The name of the 'khephiset', or 'special zone', is 'Xaisomboun'. The other two words mentioned above mean 'province' ('khoueng'), and 'municipality' ('kampheng nakhon').

Which of these Lao settlements is not located along the border with Thailand?

Louangphrabang. All of these settlements are located on the river Mekong, but the town of Louangphrabang is located closer to central Laos, near Xiangkhoang.

Laos has borders with five countries. Which of these is not one of the countries bordered by Laos?

India. Laos is landlocked. The border with Vietnam is the longest shared border, at 2,130km long. The border with Myanmar is, however, very short, at only 235 km long. China's border with Laos is 423km long.

Laos is also know as the 'Lao People's Democratic Republic '. What is it known as in Laos, though?

Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao. In Laos, the country is known exclusively as Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao. It has no local conventional short form.

Three Lao provinces are named after the largest settlement located within them. Which of these is NOT one of those provinces?

Xam Nua. Xam Nua is a settlement located close to the border with Vietnam, but it has no province named after it.

Approximately what percentage of the Lao population is below the poverty line?

40%. Laos has a 10% annual inflation rate.

Laos is the world's third largest producer of which illicit drug?

Opium. Methamphetamines, cannabis, and heroin are also problems for Laos, as it is potentially a massive heroin transporter.

What is the highest point in Laos?

Phou Bia. Phou Bia is 2,817m tall. The lowest point in Laos is the Mekong river, approximately 70m above sea level.

Laos has 51 airports. How many of these 51 Lao airports are unpaved?

42. Nine of these airports are therefore paved.