Government and Politics of Laos

Government Type

Communist state

Administrative Divisions

16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural), 1 municipality* (kampheng nakhon, singular and plural), and 1 special zone** (khetphiset, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun**, Xekong, Xiangkhoang

Legal System

based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and socialist practice

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Laos dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years

Executive Branch

chief of state: President THONGLOUN Sisoulith (since 22 March 2021); Vice President PANY Yathotou (since 22 March 2021); Vice President BOUNTHONG Chitmany (since 22 March 2021) head of government: Prime Minister PHANKHAM Viphavanh (since 22 March 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers SONEXAY Siphandon, KIKEO Khaykhamphithoune, SALEUMXAY Kommasith, and VILAYVONG Bouddakham (all since 22 March 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the National Assembly elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term; election last held on 22 March 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister appointed by the president with the approval of the National Assembly for a five-year term election results: THONGLOUN Sisoulith elected president; percent of National Assembly vote — NA

Legislative Branch

Unicameral National Assembly (175 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - the total number of seats has expanded significantly over successive elections, reflecting population growth and redistricting, increasing from 109 seats to 132 seats for the 2011 election, then to 149 seats for the 2016 election, and further to 164 seats for the 2021 election, before reaching 175 seats for the 2026 election. Elections: last held 21 February 2021 (next to be held in 2026) Election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) or LPRP-approved candidates 164, with all candidates vetted and approved through the party's established selection process

Judicial Branch

People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme Court is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee)

Political Parties

Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [KHAMTAI Siphandon, party president]; other parties proscribed

Head of State

President THONGLOUN Sisoulith

Head of Government

Prime Minister PHANKHAM Viphavanh

Cabinet

Ministers appointed by president, approved by National Assembly

Elections

last held 21 February 2021 (next to be held in 2026)

Election Results

percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) or LPRP-approved candidates 164, with all candidates vetted and approved through the party's established selection process

Constitution

promulgated 14 August 1991

Independence

19 July 1949 (from France)

National Holiday

Republic Day, 2 December (1975)

International Organization Participation

ACCT, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic Representation in the U.S.

chief of mission: Ambassador PHANTHONG Phommahaxay chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416 FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923

U.S. Diplomatic Representation

chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia M. HASLACH embassy: 19 Rue Bartholonie, That Dam Road, B. P. 114, Vientiane mailing address: American Embassy Vientiane, Box V, APO AP 96546 telephone: [856] (21) 267000 FAX: [856] (21) 267190

Capital City

Vientiane (Viangchan)

Location

17 58 N, 102 36 E

Time Difference

UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

History

the meaning in Pali, a Buddhist liturgical language, is "city of sandalwood"

U.S. Embassy Vientiane Rue Bartholonie (near That Dam), Vientiane – for local mail Unit 8165, Box V, APO AP 96546 – for mail from the United States Telephone: (856-21) 267-000 Recorded emergency information for U.S. citizens: (856-21) 267-111 Duty officer emergency cellular telephone: (856-20) 5550-2016 Embassy-wide fax number: (856-21) 267-190. E-mail the Embassy’s Consular Section.

Military Branches

Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF): Lao People's Army (LPA; includes Riverine Force), Air Force

Service Age and Obligation

18 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - minimum 18-months