Administrative divisions
16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 capital city* (nakhon luang, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xekong, Xiangkhoang |
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Capital city > Geographic coordinates
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17 58 N, 102 36 E |
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Constitution
promulgated 14 August 1991 |
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Corruption
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3.3 |
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[77th of 160]
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Diplomatic representation from the US > Mailing address
American Embassy Vientiane, APO AP 96546 |
Executive branch > Cabinet
Ministers appointed by president, approved by National Assembly |
Executive branch > Chief of state
President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 8 June 2006); Vice President BOUN-GNANG Volachit (since 8 June 2006) |
Flag description
three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band |
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Government type
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Communist state |
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Independence
19 July 1949 (from France) |
Judicial branch
People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme Court is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee) |
Legal system
based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and socialist practice; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction |
Legislative branch
unicameral National Assembly (115 seats; members elected by popular vote from a list of candidates selected by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to serve five-year terms) |
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Parliamentary seats > Female
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21% |
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[21st of 143]
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Political parties and leaders
Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [CHOUMMALI Saignason]; other parties proscribed |
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Status
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dictatorship |
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Suffrage
18 years of age; universal |
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Time required to start a business > days
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163 days
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[4th of 171]
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Trademarks, residents
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25
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[65th of 98]
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Transnational Issues > Disputes > International
Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of demarcation with Thailand but disputes remain over islands in the Mekong River; concern among Mekong Commission members that China's construction of dams on the Mekong River will affect water levels |
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