History: Laos - Lao people's Democratic Republic - occupies a strategic position in south East Asia. A French protectorate since 1893, Laos became an independent sovereign state within the French Union in 1949. Conflicts among neutralist, communist and conservative factions created a chaotic political situation. On December 2, 1975 the republic was proclaimed.

In the 1980s, Vietnamese aid-military and financial- was the chief support. Since 1988, investment from Thailand and USA has been substantial. In 1997, Laos was admitted to ASEAN.

Chief Crops: The chief products are rice, maize, tobacco, cotton. Major industrial products: Tin, timber and textiles.

Mission in India:
Embassy of the Lao (PDR)
A 104/7, Parmanand Estate Maharani Bagh
New Delhi - 110 065, India
Tel: 91 - 11 - 26933320
Fax: 91 - 11 - 26323048
Email: amlaodl@ndb.vsnl.net.in

Indian Mission in Lao (PDR):
Embassy of India
Rue That Luang, P.O. Box No. 225
Vientiane, Laos PDR
Tel: 00 - 856 - 21 - 413802/ 04, 416850/ 51
Fax: 00 - 856 - 21 - 412768
Email: indiaemb@laotel.com