History
In the 8th century, the migrations of the Lao people began from southern China, displacing the hill tribes. In 1353, the kingdom of Lan Xang was established by Fa Ngum. During the 18th century it was divided into three kingdoms: Luang Prabang, Vieng Chang, and Champassak. Burmese, Siamese, Vietnamese and Chinese invasions followed. In 1893, France established the protectorate over Vieng Chang, and then over the other two kingdoms. Laos proclaimed its independence in 1945, during the Japanese occupation. When Japan surrendered, the return to the French protectorate was announced by the King of Laos, Sisavang Vong. In 1953, Laos achieved its independence.
Prince Souphanou Vong, with the help of the Viet Minh, declared war on the Luang Prabang regime and established the Pathet Lao government. A year later, in 1954, the Geneva Conference ratified the country’s independence, with the exception that the provinces of Phong Saly and Sam Neua belonged to the Pathet Lao with the express direction of the International Supervision Commission. Laos joined the UN in 1955. In 1957, both Laotian factions united under the name of the National Union, through the Vientiane Agreement. Shortly after, universal suffrage was established, with the participation of the female vote.
The military presence and US interference in Laos, as part of the aggression against Viet Nam was notorious during this period.
In 1958, the government of the National Union was overthrown and Phoui Sananikone assumed power, who again outlawed the Pathet Lao. King Sisavang Vong passed away in 1959. In 1960, by means of a coup, Kong Le took the capital and assumed the government, but was deposed by a counterattack, led by General Phoumi Nosavan. In 1961 there were two governments in Laos: in Vientiane, the monarchist of Prince Boun Oum, and in Jang Jay, of Souvanna Phouma. Shortly after, the country was unified through a coalition called the National Union.
The Phatet Lao resumed the fight. In 1975, after 20 years, the United States withdrew its troops from the country and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was proclaimed. Laos signed that year a Treaty of Cooperation and Friendship with Vietnam. In 1979, during the Vietnamese military campaign in Cambodia, Laotian troops were sent as reinforcements. Prince Souphanou Vong, in 1986, retired from the civil service, citing health reasons. The General Secretary of the Party, Kaysone Phomvihane, was confirmed in his position in November of that same year.
In 1988, in the first Lao PDR elections, local councils were elected. In 1989 a new Supreme People’s Assembly was elected. In December of 1989 he was proclaimed in Laos the “Provisional Revolutionary Government” (right – wing group National Liberation Front Laos Kingdom, ULNLF), which announced the release of Laos, statement designed to attract popular support.
In November 1988 the withdrawal of Vietnamese troops stationed in Laos began (from 30,000 to 50,000 soldiers in 1987). The relationship with Thailand, difficult since 1975, caused resentments on both sides. Thailand kept its border closed, hurting Laotian trade. In 1984, the dispute over three small towns was the excuse for the outbreak of hostilities. Attempts to resolve the conflict failed, until there was a meeting of the Security Council of the UN in October of 1984. The tension increased in May 1987, when another territorial dispute began, leading (in 1987 and 1988) to armed struggles and mutual accusations of invasion. There were hundreds of deaths. In february In 1988, however, peace negotiations began.
In 1985, Laos agreed to cooperate with the United States to find American soldiers “lost in action” in Laos during the Vietnam War. A delegation from the United States visited Laos in 1987 to affirm Laotian “humanitarian cooperation” and provide financial assistance. Some of
Geography
Relief
According to hyperrestaurant.com, Laos is a mountainous country. Almost the entire territory is located more than 180 meters above sea level. Its geography can be divided into two regions. The first, which has less important heights, has as its epicenter the path of the Mekong River, whose hydrographic basin, of 524,412 km 2, is the axis of the nation’s economic life. In this area, the mountains are located on the eastern bank of the Mekong, accompanying its course.
In the south is the Bolovens Plateau, with a height of 1067 meters. West of the river are the most fertile rice fields in the country (the only lowlands in Laos). In the north are the highest and steepest mountains. From the northwest to the southeast, numerous deep and narrow river valleys develop. The highest peak in Laos is Phou Bia, at 3,084 meters.
The average height of the mountain ranges is 1524 meters. On the Xiangkhoang plateau (1098 meters), is the Jars plain, whose geographical location gives it great strategic and political relevance. The Anamitic chain, whose elevations vary from 1,524 meters to 2,438 meters, is an impressive natural barrier that separates it from Vietnam.
Climate
The climate is subequatorial and monsoon, with a dry season (November to April) and a rainy season (May to October). Temperatures exceed 32 ° C in March and April. During the winter months from December to February there are temperatures that vary between 16 and 21 ° C. Annual rainfall is around 3000 mm in the mountainous area and between 1500 and 1700 mm in the less elevated region.
Flora
Approximately two thirds of the territory of Laos is covered by tropical forests. The northern region has a perennial vegetation where oak, pine, magnolia and laurel predominate. The area of the lowlands of southern monsoon has deciduous forests, with exponents such as teak, stick rose, the ebony, the sandalwood and bamboo.
Fauna
Animal life is represented by tigers, elephants, and leopards, among others.
