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The Lao flag was first used by anticolonialist forces from the mid-20th century. The white disk honored the Japanese who had supported the Lao independence movement, but it also symbolized a bright future. Red was said to stand for the blood of patriots and blue was for the promise of future prosperity. The flag was adopted on Dec. 2, 1975. |
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Official name: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxôn Lao (Lao People's Democratic Republic).
Form of government: unitary single-party people's republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [99]).
Chief of state: President.
Head of government: Prime Minister.
Population (1998): 5,261,000.
Population projection: (2000) 5,557,000; (2010) 7,168,000.
Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 30.6 (world avg. 15.7).
Gross national product (1996): U.S.$1,895,000,000 (U.S.$400 per capita).
Land use (1994): forested 54.4%; meadows and pastures 3.5%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 3.9%; other 38.2%. |
