Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$2,100 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

8.6% (2008 est.)

Population

6,834,942 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

D

Ease of Doing Business

165/181

Country Map

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Laos : Introduction

Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1986. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

Laos: Business in Laos

Business in Laos is a part of Business-in-Asia and covers business, economic and cultural topics. It offers an extensive guide to doing business in Laos provided by the Embassy of PDR of Laos to the USA.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (April 2009)