Key Figures

Chief of State:
President Thongloun Sisoulith
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Sonxai Siphandon

Overview

Government Name:
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Constitution:
Adopted: 1991; Protects the right to preserve the national culture, natural heritage, fine tradition, antiques and historical places of the country and its ethnic minorities, the right to transfer of technology, and the right to create artistic and literary works and to engage in cultural activities.
Government Type:
Communist state
Lao People's Democratic Republic Flag
Coat of Arms of Lao People's Democratic Republic

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

D
A high-risk political and economic situation and an often very difficult business environment can have a very significant impact on corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is very high. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

Appoints prime minister and cabinet, and is in charge of executory tasks of the government.

Elected by National Assembly.

5 years

Judicial

In charge of interpreting the constitution and upholding the law.

Appointed by National Assembly Standing Committee.

Information not available

Legislative

Elects the president, approves appointments by president and is in charge of creating legislature.

132 members elected by plurality vote in multi-member constituencies.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Information not available
Tax Name:
Information not available

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/