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Places in News: Laos
Context:
The Laos government has approved visa-free entry and extended stay durations for tourists from certain countries, effective from July 1 to December 31, 2024.
- This initiative aims to boost tourism during Visit Laos Year 2024.
About Laos:
- Laos is a landlocked country located in Southeast Asia.
- Official Name: Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
- Form of Government: Communist
- Capital: Viangchan (local name); Vientiane
- Official Language: Lao. French, English, and Vietnamese are also spoken.
- Money: Kip
- Location: It is bordered by Burma, Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Laos is a member of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
- Major Mountain Ranges: Annamite Range, Luang Prabang Range, Phou Bia( highest 2,817 metres).
- Major Rivers: Mekong (forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand).
- Culture: Mostly Buddhist, living simple lives in rural communities near the river.
- Traditional sports like kataw (volleyball with feet) and beetle wrestling.
- Natural Resources: Timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones.
- Climate: Tropical climate is influenced by the southeast monsoon which brings 70% of annual rainfall and high humidity.