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| Location Laos borders Burma (Myanmar) to the west, Thailand to the south, Vietnam to the east and Yunnan Province in China to the north. Previously known as the Kingdom of Lan Xang. During 1893–1946 Laos was a French colony known as the French Protectorate of Laos and was part of French Indochina or Indo-China encompassing present day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. During 1946 granted self-rule within the French Union. On October 22, 1953 became independent from France. On December 2, 1975 Laos became the Lao People's Democratic Republic under the Pathet Lao divided into eighteen provinces. Wartime History During the Pacific War, occupied by the Japanese Army until the spring of 1945. Postwar During 1946 granted self-rule within the French Union. On December 2, 1975 Laos became the Lao People's Democratic Republic under the Pathet Lao divided into eighteen provinces. Laos Regions Laos does not have formally designated administrative regions but is commonly groupped into three regions: Northern Laos, Central Laos and Southern Laos. the same way some countries do; its primary subdivisions are its 17 provinces and 1 prefecture. However, the country is commonly grouped into three broad geographic regions for reference purposes Laos Provinces Laos is divided into seventeen provinces and one prefecture, the Vientiane Capital that includes Vientiane. Attapeu Province located in southern Laos. Vientiane Province located in northwest Laos. Bokeo Province located in northern Laos. Bolikhamsai Province located in central Laos. Champasak Province located in southwestern Laos. Houaphanh Province located in northeast Laos. Khammouane Province located in central Laos. Luang Namtha Province located in northern Laos. Luang Prabang Province (Louangphabang) located in northern Laos. Vientiane (Viang chan) Vientiane is the capital and largest city in Laos. Vientiane is located on the eastern bank of the Mekong River and the international border with Thailand. Also known as Viangchan or Wiangchan. During World War II, Viangchan was occupied with little resistance by the Japanese Army under the command of Sako Masanori. On March 9, 1945 French paratroopers arrived, and reoccupied the city on April 24, 1945. Luang Prabang Located in central Laos in Louangphabang Province. Savannakhet (Khanthabouli, Kaysone Phomvihane) Located in western Laos, capital of Savannakhet Province, previously known as Khanthabouli. Contribute Information Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated May 2, 2026 |
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