Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR)

The official name of the country is Sathalanalat Pasathipatai Pasaxon Lao, but informaly it is acceptable to call the country as "Laos", meaning Pathet Lao (Country of the Lao people). Laos is a Buddhist country, runs by an authoritarian (communist) regime. It's one of the five remaining communist countries in the world (China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea and Vietnam). The country has been controlled by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) since 1975 and there's no major opposition political party inside Laos. Laos is also a communist state. The head of state is President Khamtay Siphandone. The head of government is Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachit. The government divided into three branches: Executive - President; Chairman, Council of Ministers (prime minister and hear of government); 10-member Politburo and 52-member Central Committee. Legislative - National Assembly (109-seat). Judicial - District, provincial and a national Supreme Court. Laos adopted its Constitution in 1991 and the following year, elections were held for a new National Assembly with members elected to 5-year terms. Laos constitution (Article 31): "Lao citizens have freedom of speech, press and assembly; of associations and of demonstrations, which are not contrary to the law". But in reality, any kind of protest against the government is absolutely illegal, and the protester(s) will be arrested immediately. Those who dare to speak out against the regime will certainly be met with severe consequences. So, all visitors beware!

Lao leaders/officials

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