Laos, known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country located in the northern part of the Indochina Peninsula. It borders China to the north, Cambodia to the south, Vietnam to the east, Myanmar to the northwest, and Thailand to the southwest. 80% of the territory is mountainous and plateau, and is mostly covered by forests, which is known as the "Roof of Indochina". The terrain is high in the north and low in the south. It borders the West Yunnan Plateau in Yunnan, China in the north, the Changshan mountain range on the old and Vietnamese borders in the east, and the Mekong Valley and basins and small plains along the Mekong River and its tributaries in the west. The country is divided into Shangliao, Zhongliao and Xialiao from north to south. Shangliao has the highest terrain, and the Chuankhou Plateau is 2000-2800 meters above sea level. The highest peak, Bia Mountain, is 2820 meters above sea level. The Mekong River, which originated in China, is the largest river flowing through 1,900 kilometers to the west. It has a tropical and subtropical monsoon climate, divided into rainy season and dry season.

Laos has a long history. The Lancang Kingdom was established in the 14th century. It was once one of the most prosperous countries in Southeast Asia. From 1707 to 1713, the Luang Prabang Dynasty, Vientiane Dynasty and Champasai Dynasty gradually formed. From 1779 to the mid-19th century, it was gradually conquered by Siam. It became a French protectorate in 1893. Occupied by Japan in 1940. Laos declared independence in 1945. In December 1975, the monarchy was abolished and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was established.

National flag: The middle parallel rectangle on the flag surface is blue, which occupies half of the flag area, and the top and bottom are red rectangles, each occupying a quarter of the flag area. In the middle of the blue part is a white round wheel, and the diameter of the wheel is four-fifths of the width of the blue part. Blue symbolizes fertility, red symbolizes revolution, and white wheel represents the full moon. This flag was originally the flag of the Laotian Patriotic Front.

The population is about 6 million (2006). There are more than 60 tribes in the country, which are roughly divided into three ethnic groups: Laolong, Laoting and Laosong. 85% of the residents believe in Buddhism and speak Lao.

Laos is rich in water resources. It is rich in precious woods such as teak and red sandalwood. The forest area is about 9 million hectares, and the national forest coverage rate is about 42%. Agriculture is the backbone of Laos' economy, and the agricultural population accounts for about 90% of the country's population. The main crops are rice, corn, potatoes, coffee, tobacco, peanuts and cotton. The country's arable land area is approximately 747,000 hectares. Laos has a weak industrial base. The main industrial enterprises include power generation, sawmilling, mining, iron making, clothing and food, etc., as well as small repair shops and weaving, bamboo and wood processing workshops. There is no railway in Laos, and transportation mainly depends on road, water and air.

Vientiane: The capital of Laos, Vientiane (Vientiane) is an ancient historical city. It has been here since the king of Seth Tila moved his capital from Luang Prabang in the mid-16th century. It is the political, economic and cultural center of Laos. The ancient name of Vientiane was Saifeng, and it was called Wankan in the 16th century, which means Jincheng. The name of Vientiane means "the city of sandalwood". It is said that sandalwood was abundant here.

Vientiane is located on the left bank of the middle reaches of the Mekong River, facing Thailand across the river. With a population of 616,000 (2001), it is the largest industrial and commercial city in Laos. Various temples and ancient towers can be seen everywhere in the city.

As early as the 17th to the 18th century, Vientiane was already a prosperous commercial center. Now Vientiane is the largest industrial and commercial city in Laos, with the largest number of factories, workshops and shops in the country. The main industries are sawn wood, cement, bricks and tiles, textiles, rice milling, cigarettes, matches, etc. Weaving and gold and silver jewelry are also well-known. There are salt wells in the suburbs, which are rich in salt. Vientiane is also a hardwood timber distribution center.