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Coordinates: 18°00′N 105°00′E / 18.000°N 105.000°E / 18.000; 105.000
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{{Short description|Geographical features of Laos}}
{{Short description|none}}
{{Country geography
⚫
{{coord|18|00|N|105|00|E|display=title}}
| name = Laos
| image name = Satellite-laos.jpg
| image caption = Satellite view of Laos
| image alt = Satellite image of Laos
| continent = [[Asia]]
| region = [[Southeast Asia]]
⚫
| coordinates = {{coord|18|00|N|105|00|E|display=title}}
| area ranking = 82nd
| km area = 236,800
| percent land = 97.47
| km coastline =
| borders = Total:<br> {{convert|5,274|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} <br> [[Vietnam]]:<br> {{convert|2,161|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} <br> [[Thailand]]:<br> {{convert|1,845|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} <br> [[Cambodia]]:<br> {{convert|555|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} <br> [[China]]:<br> {{convert|475|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} <br> [[Myanmar]]:<br> {{convert|238|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
| highest point = [[Phou Bia]] <br> {{convert|2,817|m|abbr=on}}
| lowest point = [[Mekong]]<br> {{convert|70|m|abbr=on}}
| longest river = [[Mekong River]]<br> {{convert|1,835|km|abbr=on}}
| largest lake= [[Nam Ngum Dam|Nam Ngum Lake]]<br> {{convert|370|km2|abbr=on}}
| climate = Mostly tropical
| terrain = High mountains, and an upland plateau
| natural hazards = Droughts, soil erosion
| exclusive economic zone=
}}
[[Image:La-map.png|right|thumb]]
[[Image:La-map.png|right|thumb]]
[[Image:Laos 2003 CIA map.jpg|thumb|right|Detailed map of Laos]]
[[Image:Laos 2003 CIA map.jpg|thumb|right]]
'''Laos''' is an independent republic, and the only landlocked nation in [[Southeast Asia]], northeast of [[Thailand]], west of [[Vietnam]]. It covers 236,800 square kilometers in the center of the Southeast Asian peninsula and it is surrounded by [[Myanmar]] (Burma), [[Cambodia]], the [[People's Republic of China]], [[Thailand]], and [[Vietnam]]. About seventy percent of its geographic area is made up of mountain ranges, highlands, plateaux, and rivers cut through.
[[Laos]] is a country in and the only landlocked nation in [[mainland Southeast Asia]], northeast of [[Thailand]] and west of [[Vietnam]]. It covers approximately 236,800 square kilometers in the center of the Southeast Asian peninsula and it is surrounded by [[Myanmar]] (Burma), [[Cambodia]], the [[People's Republic of China]], [[Thailand]], and [[Vietnam]].


Its location has often made it a [[buffer state]] between more powerful neighboring states, as well as a crossroads for trade and communication.<ref name=":0">{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=81}}.</ref>
About seventy percent of its geographic area is made up of mountain ranges, highlands, plateaux, and rivers cut through. Historically, its location has often made it a [[buffer state]] between more powerful neighboring states, particularly for the ancestral rulers of the modern-day Burmese, Vietnamese and Thais, as well as a crossroads for trade and communication.<ref name="Savada 1995">{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=81}}.</ref>


==Topography==
==Topography==
{{See also|List of mountains in Laos}}
{{See also|List of mountains in Laos}}
Most of the western border of [[Laos]] is demarcated by the [[Mekong]] river, which is an important artery for transportation.<ref name=":0" /> The Dong Falls at the southern end of the country prevent access to the sea, but cargo boats travel along the entire length of the Mekong in Laos during most of the year.<ref name=":0" /> Smaller power boats and [[pirogue]]s provide an important means of transportation on many of the tributaries of the Mekong.<ref name=":0" />
Most of the western border of [[Laos]] is demarcated by the [[Mekong]] river, which is an important artery for transportation.<ref name="Savada 1995" /> The Dong Falls at the southern end of the country prevent access to the sea, but cargo boats travel along the entire length of the Mekong in Laos during most of the year.<ref name="Savada 1995" /> Smaller power boats and [[pirogue]]s provide an important means of transportation on many of the tributaries of the Mekong.<ref name="Savada 1995" />


The Mekong has thus not been an obstacle but a facilitator for communication, and the similarities between Laos and northeast Thai society—same people, almost same language—reflect the close contact that has existed across the river for centuries.<ref name=":0" /> Also, many Laotians living in the Mekong Valley have relatives and friends in Thailand.<ref name=":0" />
The Mekong has thus not been an obstacle but a facilitator for communication, and the similarities between Laos and northeast Thai society—same people, almost same language—reflect the close contact that has existed across the river for centuries.<ref name="Savada 1995" /> Also, many Laotians living in the Mekong Valley have relatives and friends in Thailand.<ref name="Savada 1995" />


Prior to the twentieth century, Laotian kingdoms and principalities encompassed areas on both sides of the Mekong, and Thai control in the late nineteenth century extended to the left bank.<ref name=":0" /> Although the Mekong was established as a border by French colonial forces, travel from one side to the other has been significantly limited only since the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR, or Laos) in 1975.<ref name=":0" />
Prior to the twentieth century, Laotian kingdoms and principalities encompassed areas on both sides of the Mekong, and Thai control in the late nineteenth century extended to the left bank.<ref name="Savada 1995" /> Although the Mekong was established as a border by French colonial forces, travel from one side to the other has been significantly limited only since the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR, or Laos) in 1975.<ref name="Savada 1995" />


The eastern border with Vietnam extends for 2,130 kilometres, mostly along the crest of the Annamite Chain, and serves as a physical barrier between the Chinese-influenced culture of Vietnam and the Indianized states of Laos and Thailand.<ref name=":0" /> These mountains are sparsely populated by tribal minorities who traditionally have not acknowledged the border with Vietnam any more than lowland Lao have been constrained by the 1,754-kilometre Mekong River border with Thailand.<ref name=":0" /> Thus, ethnic minority populations are found on both the Laotian and Vietnamese sides of the frontier.<ref name=":0" /> Because of their relative isolation, contact between these groups and lowland Lao has been mostly confined to trading.<ref name=":0" />
The eastern border with Vietnam extends for 2,130 kilometres, mostly along the crest of the Annamite Chain, and serves as a physical barrier between the Chinese-influenced culture of Vietnam and the Indianized states of Laos and Thailand.<ref name="Savada 1995" /> These mountains are sparsely populated by tribal minorities who traditionally have not acknowledged the border with Vietnam any more than lowland Lao have been constrained by the 1,754-kilometre Mekong River border with Thailand.<ref name="Savada 1995" /> Thus, ethnic minority populations are found on both the Laotian and Vietnamese sides of the frontier.<ref name="Savada 1995" /> Because of their relative isolation, contact between these groups and lowland Lao has been mostly confined to trading.<ref name="Savada 1995" />


Laos shares its short—only 541 kilometres—southern border with Cambodia, and ancient Khmer ruins at Wat Pho and other southern locations attest to the long history of contact between the Lao and the Khmer.<ref name=":0" /> In the north, the country is bounded by a mountainous 423-kilometre border with China and shares the 235-kilometre-long Mekong River border with [[Myanmar]].<ref name=":0" />
Laos shares its short—only 541 kilometres—southern border with Cambodia, and ancient Khmer ruins at Wat Pho and other southern locations attest to the long history of contact between the Lao and the Khmer.<ref name="Savada 1995" /> In the north, the country is bounded by a mountainous 423-kilometre border with China and shares the 235-kilometre-long Mekong River border with [[Myanmar]].<ref name="Savada 1995" />


The topography of Laos is largely mountainous, with the [[Annamite Range]] in the northeast and east and the [[Luang Prabang Range]] in the northwest, among other ranges typically characterized by steep terrain.<ref name=":1">{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=82}}.</ref> Elevations are typically above 500 metres with narrow river valleys and low agricultural potential.<ref name=":1" /> This mountainous landscape extends across most of the north of the country, except for the plain of Vientiane and the [[Plain of Jars]] in the [[Xiangkhoang Plateau]].<ref name=":1" />
The topography of Laos is largely mountainous, with the [[Annamite Range]] in the northeast and east and the [[Luang Prabang Range]] in the northwest, among other ranges typically characterized by steep terrain.<ref name="Savada 1995-2">{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=82}}.</ref> Elevations are typically above 500 metres with narrow river valleys and low agricultural potential.<ref name="Savada 1995-2" /> This mountainous landscape extends across most of the north of the country, except for the plain of Vientiane and the [[Plain of Jars]] in the [[Xiangkhoang Plateau]].<ref name="Savada 1995-2" />


The southern "panhandle" of the country contains large level areas in Savannakhét and Champasak provinces that are well suited for extensive paddy rice cultivation and livestock raising.<ref name=":1" /> Much of Khammouan Province and the eastern part of all the southern provinces are mountainous.<ref name=":1" /> Together, the alluvial plains and terraces of the Mekong and its tributaries cover only about 20% of the land area.<ref name=":1" />
The southern "panhandle" of the country contains large level areas in Savannakhét and Champasak provinces that are well suited for extensive paddy rice cultivation and livestock raising.<ref name="Savada 1995-2" /> Much of Khammouan Province and the eastern part of all the southern provinces are mountainous.<ref name="Savada 1995-2" /> Together, the alluvial plains and terraces of the Mekong and its tributaries cover only about 20% of the land area.<ref name="Savada 1995-2" />


Only about 4% of the total land area is classified as arable.<ref name=":1" /> The forested land area has declined significantly since the 1970s as a result of commercial logging and expanded [[swidden]], or slash-and-burn, farming.<ref name=":1" />
Only about 4% of the total land area is classified as arable.<ref name="Savada 1995-2" /> The forested land area has declined significantly since the 1970s as a result of commercial logging and expanded [[swidden]], or [[slash-and-burn]], farming.<ref name="Savada 1995-2" />


==Climate==
==Climate==
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map LAO present.svg|thumb|Laos map of Köppen climate classification.]]
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map LAO present.svg|thumb|Laos Köppen climate classification]]
[[Image:Climate Vientiane.svg|thumb|Climate data for [[Vientiane]].]]
[[Image:Climate Vientiane.svg|thumb|Climate data for [[Vientiane]]]]


Laos has a tropical climate, with a pronounced rainy season from May through October, a cool dry season from November through February, and a hot dry season in March and April.<ref name=":1" /> Generally, monsoons occur at the same time across the country, although that time may vary significantly from one year to the next.<ref name=":1" />
Laos has a tropical climate, with a pronounced rainy season from May through October, a cool dry season from November through February, and a hot dry season in March and April.<ref name="Savada 1995-2" /> Generally, monsoons occur at the same time across the country, although that time may vary significantly from one year to the next.<ref name="Savada 1995-2" />


Rainfall varies regionally, with the highest amounts—{{convert|3,700|mm|in|abbr=off|sp=us}} annually—recorded on the Bolovens Plateau in Champasak Province.<ref>{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=83}}.</ref> City rainfall stations have recorded that Savannakhét averages {{convert|1,440|mm|in|abbr=off|sp=us}} of rain annually; Vientiane receives about {{convert|1,700|mm|in|abbr=off|sp=us}}, and Louangphrabang ([[Luang Prabang]]) receives about {{convert|1,360|mm|in|abbr=off|sp=us}}.<ref name=":1" />
Rainfall varies regionally, with the highest amounts—{{convert|3,700|mm|in|abbr=off|sp=us}} annually—recorded on the [[Bolaven Plateau]] in Champasak Province.<ref>{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=83}}.</ref> City rainfall stations have recorded that Savannakhét averages {{convert|1,440|mm|in|abbr=off|sp=us}} of rain annually; Vientiane receives about {{convert|1,700|mm|in|abbr=off|sp=us}}, and Louangphrabang ([[Luang Prabang]]) receives about {{convert|1,360|mm|in|abbr=off|sp=us}}.<ref name="Savada 1995-2" />


Rainfall is not always adequate for rice cultivation and the relatively high average precipitation conceals years where rainfall may be only half or less of the norm, causing significant declines in rice yields.<ref name=":1" /> Such droughts often are regional, leaving production in other parts of the country unaffected.<ref name=":1" />
Rainfall is not always adequate for rice cultivation and the relatively high average precipitation conceals years where rainfall may be only half or less of the norm, causing significant declines in rice yields.<ref name="Savada 1995-2" /> Such droughts often are regional, leaving production in other parts of the country unaffected.<ref name="Savada 1995-2" />


The average temperatures in January, coolest month, are, Luang Prabang 20.5&nbsp;°C (minimum 0.8&nbsp;°C), Vientiane 20.3&nbsp;°C (minimum 3.9&nbsp;°C), and Pakse 23.9&nbsp;°C (minimum 8.2&nbsp;°C); the average temperatures for April, usually the hottest month, are, Luang Prabang 28.1&nbsp;°C (maximum 44.8&nbsp;°C), Vientiane 39.4&nbsp;°C). Temperature does vary according to the altitude, there is an average drop of 1.7&nbsp;°C for every 1000 feet (or 300 meters). Temperatures in the upland plateux and in the mountains are considered lower than on the plains around Vientiane.{{Fact|date=October 2021}}
The average temperatures in January, coolest month, are, Luang Prabang 20.5&nbsp;°C (minimum 0.8&nbsp;°C), Vientiane 20.3&nbsp;°C (minimum 3.3&nbsp;°C), and Pakse 23.9&nbsp;°C (minimum 7.8&nbsp;°C); the average temperatures for April, usually the hottest month, are, Luang Prabang 28.1&nbsp;°C (maximum 44.8&nbsp;°C), Vientiane 42.5&nbsp;°C. Temperature does vary according to the altitude, there is an average drop of 1.7&nbsp;°C for every 1000 feet (or 300 meters). Temperatures in the upland plateux and in the mountains are considered lower than on the plains around Vientiane.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Laos climate: average weather, temperature, precipitation, when to go |url=https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/laos |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=www.climatestotravel.com}}</ref>


Laos is highly vulnerable to the effects of global climate change; nearly all provinces in Laos are at high risks from climate change.<ref>Overland, Indra et al. (2017) ''[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320622312 Impact of Climate Change on ASEAN International Affairs: Risk and Opportunity Multiplier]'', Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) and Myanmar Institute of International and Strategic Studies (MISIS).</ref>
Laos is highly vulnerable to the effects of global [[climate change]]; nearly all provinces in Laos are at high risks from climate change.<ref>Overland, Indra et al. (2017) ''[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320622312 Impact of Climate Change on ASEAN International Affairs: Risk and Opportunity Multiplier]'', Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) and Myanmar Institute of International and Strategic Studies (MISIS).</ref>


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
⚫
| location = Vientiane (1981–2010)
|width = auto
| metric first = Yes
⚫
|location = Vientiane (1981–2010, extremes 1907–1990)
|metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
⚫
| Jan record high C = 36.0
|single line = Yes
| Feb record high C = 38.0
|collapsed = Yes
|Jan record high C = 35.6
| Mar record high C = 40.0
|Feb record high C = 37.8
| Apr record high C = 41.4
|Mar record high C = 40.0
| May record high C = 42.5
|Apr record high C = 41.1
| Jun record high C = 39.5
|May record high C = 38.9
| Jul record high C = 39.0
|Jun record high C = 37.8
| Aug record high C = 37.2
|Jul record high C = 36.1
| Sep record high C = 37.5
|Aug record high C = 37.2
| Oct record high C = 36.8
|Sep record high C = 38.9
| Nov record high C = 36.0
|Oct record high C = 38.9
| Dec record high C = 36.0
|Nov record high C = 34.4
| year record high C = 42.5
|Dec record high C = 33.4
| Jan high C = 28.7
|year record high C = 41.1
| Feb high C = 30.8
|Jan high C = 28.7
| Mar high C = 33.1
|Feb high C = 30.8
| Apr high C = 34.6
|Mar high C = 33.1
| May high C = 33.1
|Apr high C = 34.6
| Jun high C = 32.2
|May high C = 33.1
| Jul high C = 31.6
|Jun high C = 32.2
| Aug high C = 31.2
|Jul high C = 31.6
| Sep high C = 31.3
|Aug high C = 31.2
| Oct high C = 31.2
|Sep high C = 31.3
| Nov high C = 30.1
|Oct high C = 31.2
| Dec high C = 28.3
|Nov high C = 30.1
| year high C = 31.1
|Dec high C = 28.3
| Jan mean C = 22.4
|year high C = 31.1
| Feb mean C = 24.7
|Jan mean C = 22.4
| Mar mean C = 27.1
|Feb mean C = 24.7
| Apr mean C = 29.0
|Mar mean C = 27.1
| May mean C = 28.4
|Apr mean C = 29.0
| Jun mean C = 28.1
|May mean C = 28.4
| Jul mean C = 27.7
|Jun mean C = 28.1
| Aug mean C = 27.5
|Jul mean C = 27.7
| Sep mean C = 27.3
|Aug mean C = 27.5
| Oct mean C = 26.8
|Sep mean C = 27.3
| Nov mean C = 24.8
|Oct mean C = 26.8
| Dec mean C = 22.2
|Nov mean C = 24.8
| year mean C = 26.3
|Dec mean C = 22.2
| Jan low C = 17.4
|year mean C = 26.3
| Feb low C = 19.6
|Jan low C = 17.4
| Mar low C = 22.1
|Feb low C = 19.6
| Apr low C = 24.5
|Mar low C = 22.1
| May low C = 24.9
|Apr low C = 24.5
| Jun low C = 25.2
|May low C = 24.9
| Jul low C = 25.0
|Jun low C = 25.2
| Aug low C = 24.8
|Jul low C = 25.0
| Sep low C = 24.3
|Aug low C = 24.8
| Oct low C = 23.4
|Sep low C = 24.3
| Nov low C = 20.5
|Oct low C = 23.4
| Dec low C = 17.3
|Nov low C = 20.5
| year low C = 22.4
|Dec low C = 17.3
| Jan record low C = 3.3
|year low C = 22.4
| Feb record low C = 7.6
|Jan record low C = 0.0
| Mar record low C = 10.0
|Feb record low C = 7.6
| Apr record low C = 16.8
|Mar record low C = 12.1
| May record low C = 19.0
|Apr record low C = 17.1
| Jun record low C = 20.0
|May record low C = 20.0
| Jul record low C = 19.5
|Jun record low C = 21.1
| Aug record low C = 20.6
|Jul record low C = 21.2
| Sep record low C = 18.8
|Aug record low C = 21.1
| Oct record low C = 12.9
|Sep record low C = 21.2
| Nov record low C = 8.9
|Oct record low C = 12.9
| Dec record low C = 5.0
|Nov record low C = 8.9
| year record low C = 3.3
⚫
| precipitation colour = green
⚫
|Dec record low C = 5.0
|year record low C = 0.0
| Jan precipitation mm = 7.8
| Feb precipitation mm = 15.3
⚫
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 7.8
| Mar precipitation mm = 39.2
|Feb rain mm = 15.3
| Apr precipitation mm = 92.8
|Mar rain mm = 39.2
| May precipitation mm = 233.5
|Apr rain mm = 92.8
| Jun precipitation mm = 264.6
|May rain mm = 233.5
| Jul precipitation mm = 307.2
|Jun rain mm = 264.6
| Aug precipitation mm = 332.9
|Jul rain mm = 307.2
| Sep precipitation mm = 270.2
|Aug rain mm = 332.9
| Oct precipitation mm = 96.6
|Sep rain mm = 270.2
| Nov precipitation mm = 13.5
|Oct rain mm = 96.6
| Dec precipitation mm = 3.7
|Nov rain mm = 13.5
| year precipitation mm = 1677.2
|Dec rain mm = 3.7
| Jan rain days = 1.0
|year rain mm = 1677.2
| Feb rain days = 2.0
|unit rain days = 1.0 mm
| Mar rain days = 5.0
|Jan rain days = 1
| Apr rain days = 8.0
|Feb rain days = 2
| May rain days = 16.0
|Mar rain days = 5
| Jun rain days = 19.0
|Apr rain days = 8
| Jul rain days = 20.0
|May rain days = 16
| Aug rain days = 22.0
|Jun rain days = 19
| Sep rain days = 17.0
|Jul rain days = 20
| Oct rain days = 9.0
|Aug rain days = 22
| Nov rain days = 2.0
|Sep rain days = 17
| Dec rain days = 1.0
|Oct rain days = 9
| year rain days = 122.0
|Nov rain days = 2
| Jan humidity = 70
|Dec rain days = 1
| Feb humidity = 68
|year rain days = 122
| Mar humidity = 66
|Jan humidity = 70
| Apr humidity = 69
|Feb humidity = 68
| May humidity = 78
|Mar humidity = 66
| Jun humidity = 82
|Apr humidity = 69
| Jul humidity = 82
|May humidity = 78
| Aug humidity = 84
|Jun humidity = 82
| Sep humidity = 83
|Jul humidity = 82
| Oct humidity = 78
|Aug humidity = 84
| Nov humidity = 72
|Sep humidity = 83
| Dec humidity = 70
|Oct humidity = 78
| year humidity = 75
|Nov humidity = 72
| Jan sun = 239.8
|Dec humidity = 70
| Feb sun = 216.9
|year humidity = 75
| Mar sun = 218.5
|Jan sun = 239.8
| Apr sun = 227.6
|Feb sun = 216.9
| May sun = 195.3
|Mar sun = 218.5
| Jun sun = 140.8
|Apr sun = 227.6
| Jul sun = 129.9
|May sun = 195.3
| Aug sun = 133.0
|Jun sun = 140.8
| Sep sun = 165.9
|Jul sun = 129.9
| Oct sun = 210.5
|Aug sun = 133.0
| Nov sun = 228.5
|Sep sun = 165.9
| Dec sun = 246.6
|Oct sun = 210.5
| year sun = 2353.5
⚫
| source 1 = [[World Meteorological Organization]],<ref name=WMOCLINO>{{cite web
|Nov sun = 228.5
|Dec sun = 246.6
|year sun = 2353.5
⚫
|source 1 = [[World Meteorological Organization]],<ref name=WMOCLINOVientiane>{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210716235244/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1981-2010/RA-II/Lao_PDR/Vientiane%20Capital.xls
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210716235244/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1981-2010/RA-II/Lao_PDR/Vientiane%20Capital.xls
| archive-date = 16 July 2021
| archive-date = 16 July 2021
Line 170: Line 188:
| title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1981–2010
| title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1981–2010
| publisher = World Meteorological Organization
| publisher = World Meteorological Organization
| access-date = 16 July 2021}}</ref> [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (extremes 1907–1990)<ref name = VientianeDWD>
| access-date = 16 July 2021}}</ref> [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (extremes 1907–1990),<ref>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_489400_kt.pdf
| url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_489400_kt.pdf
Line 177: Line 195:
| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst
| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst
| language = de
| language = de
| access-date = 23 January 2016}}</ref>
| access-date = 23 January 2016}}</ref> Pogoda.ru.net,<ref name=pogoda>
{{cite web|url=http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate4.php?id=48940|script-title=ru:КЛИМАТ УЛАН-БАТОРА|publisher=Pogoda.ru.net|language=ru|access-date=4 January 2015}}</ref> tutiempo.net<ref name=RID>{{Cite web |last=S.L |first=Tutiempo Network |title=Climate Vientiane - Climate data (489400) |url=https://en.tutiempo.net/climate/ws-489400.html |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=www.tutiempo.net |language=en}}</ref>
|source 2 = [[NOAA]] (humidity 1961–1990)<ref name="Vientinae NOAA">{{cite web
| source 2 = [[NOAA]] (humidity 1961–1990)<ref name="NOAA">{{cite web
| url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_II/LA/48940.TXT
| url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_II/LA/48940.TXT
| title = Vientiane Climate Normals 1961–1990
| title = Vientiane Climate Normals 1961–1990
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = 29 November 2013}}</ref>
| access-date = 29 November 2013}}</ref>
|date=August 2010
| date = August 2010
| source =
}}
}}


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
|width = auto
|location = Pakse (1981–2010)
|location = Pakse (1981–2010)
|metric first = Yes
|metric first = Y
|single line = Yes
|single line = Y
|collapsed = Yes
|Jan record high C = 36.7
|Jan record high C = 36.7
|Feb record high C = 37.8
|Feb record high C = 37.8
|Mar record high C = 37.8
|Mar record high C = 38.9
|Apr record high C = 39.4
|Apr record high C = 40.8
|May record high C = 38.3
|May record high C = 41.3
|Jun record high C = 35.0
|Jun record high C = 38.3
|Jul record high C = 33.9
|Jul record high C = 38.2
|Aug record high C = 34.4
|Aug record high C = 35.0
|Sep record high C = 34.4
|Sep record high C = 36.0
|Oct record high C = 35.0
|Oct record high C = 36.7
|Nov record high C = 34.4
|Nov record high C = 36.7
|Dec record high C = 35.0
|Dec record high C = 36.6
|year record high C = 39.4
|year record high C = 41.3
|Jan high C = 32.0
|Jan high C = 32.0
|Feb high C = 33.5
|Feb high C = 33.5
Line 244: Line 262:
|Dec low C = 18.9
|Dec low C = 18.9
|year low C = 23.0
|year low C = 23.0
|Jan record low C = 8.3
|Jan record low C = 7.8
|Feb record low C = 13.3
|Feb record low C = 10.8
|Mar record low C = 12.8
|Mar record low C = 12.8
|Apr record low C = 20.0
|Apr record low C = 19.8
|May record low C = 21.7
|May record low C = 21.7
|Jun record low C = 21.7
|Jun record low C = 21.5
|Jul record low C = 21.7
|Jul record low C = 21.4
|Aug record low C = 21.7
|Aug record low C = 21.5
|Sep record low C = 20.0
|Sep record low C = 20.0
|Oct record low C = 16.7
|Oct record low C = 16.7
|Nov record low C = 13.9
|Nov record low C = 13.9
|Dec record low C = 8.9
|Dec record low C = 8.9
|year record low C = 8.3
|year record low C = 7.8
|rain colour = green
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 1.5
|Jan precipitation mm = 1.5
|Feb rain mm = 10.4
|Feb precipitation mm = 10.4
|Mar rain mm = 26.5
|Mar precipitation mm = 26.5
|Apr rain mm = 67.3
|Apr precipitation mm = 67.3
|May rain mm = 229.6
|May precipitation mm = 229.6
|Jun rain mm = 351.3
|Jun precipitation mm = 351.3
|Jul rain mm = 414.6
|Jul precipitation mm = 414.6
|Aug rain mm = 504.6
|Aug precipitation mm = 504.6
|Sep rain mm = 308.2
|Sep precipitation mm = 308.2
|Oct rain mm = 128.9
|Oct precipitation mm = 128.9
|Nov rain mm = 25.3
|Nov precipitation mm = 25.3
|Dec rain mm = 2.2
|Dec precipitation mm = 2.2
|year rain mm = 2070.6
|year precipitation mm = 2070.6
|unit rain days = 1.0 mm
|Jan rain days = 0
|Jan rain days = 0
|Feb rain days = 1
|Feb rain days = 1
Line 311: Line 328:
|Dec sun = 249.3
|Dec sun = 249.3
|year sun = 2410.4
|year sun = 2410.4
|source 1 = [[World Meteorological Organization]]<ref name=PakxeWMOCLINO>{{cite web
|source 1 = [[World Meteorological Organization]],<ref>{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210717012832/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1981-2010/RA-II/Lao_PDR/Pakse.xls
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210717012832/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1981-2010/RA-II/Lao_PDR/Pakse.xls
| archive-date = 17 July 2021
| archive-date = 17 July 2021
Line 317: Line 334:
| title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1981–2010
| title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1981–2010
| publisher = World Meteorological Organization
| publisher = World Meteorological Organization
| access-date = 16 July 2021}}</ref> tutiempo.net<ref>{{Cite web |last=S.L |first=Tutiempo Network |title=Climate Pakse - Climate data (489550) |url=https://en.tutiempo.net/climate/ws-489550.html |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=www.tutiempo.net |language=en}}</ref>
| access-date = 16 July 2021}}</ref>
|source 2 = [[NOAA]] (humidity 1961–1990),<ref name= NOAAPakse>{{cite web
|source 2 = [[NOAA]] (humidity 1961–1990),<ref>{{cite web
| url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/LA/48955.TXT
| url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/LA/48955.TXT
| title = Pakse Climate Normals 1961-1990
| title = Pakse Climate Normals 1961-1990
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
| access-date = January 11, 2013}}</ref> [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (extremes)<ref name = PakxeDWD>
| access-date = January 11, 2013}}</ref> [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (extremes),<ref name = DWD>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_489550_kt.pdf
| url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_489550_kt.pdf
Line 329: Line 346:
| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst
| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst
| language = de
| language = de
| access-date = January 23, 2016}}</ref>
| access-date = January 23, 2016}}</ref> The Yearbook of Indochina (1932-1933)<ref>[https://seadelt.net/Asset/Source/Document_ID-247_No-01.PDF The Yearbook of Indochina (1932-1933)]</ref>
|date=December 2014}}
|date=December 2014}}


Line 335: Line 352:
[[Agriculture in Laos]] is the most important sector of the economy.<ref>{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=162}}.</ref> Five million out of 23,680,000 hectares of Laos's total land area is suitable for cultivation, and seventeen percent of the land area, between 850,000 and 900,000 hectares, was cultivated as of the early 1990s.<ref>{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=153}}.</ref> Rice is the main crop grown during the rainy season.<ref>{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=156}}.</ref>
[[Agriculture in Laos]] is the most important sector of the economy.<ref>{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=162}}.</ref> Five million out of 23,680,000 hectares of Laos's total land area is suitable for cultivation, and seventeen percent of the land area, between 850,000 and 900,000 hectares, was cultivated as of the early 1990s.<ref>{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=153}}.</ref> Rice is the main crop grown during the rainy season.<ref>{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=156}}.</ref>


Agricultural cultivation is possible during with varying weather on a small portion of land area apart from the Vientiane plain and the lowlands along the Mekong Valley. These cultivated areas are situated in the valley cuts by the rivers or the plateau regions of Xieng Khouang in the North and in the Bolovens in the south. Typically there are only two ways to cultivate: either the wet-field paddy system practiced among the Lao Loum or lowland in Lao, or the swidden cultivation system practiced in the hills.{{Fact|date=October 2021}}
Agricultural cultivation is possible during with varying weather on a small portion of land area apart from the Vientiane plain and the lowlands along the Mekong Valley. These cultivated areas are situated in the valley cuts by the rivers or the plateau regions of Xieng Khouang in the North and in the Bolavens in the south. Typically there are only two ways to cultivate: either the wet-field paddy system practiced among the Lao Loum or lowland in Lao, or the swidden cultivation system practiced in the hills.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Laos - Crops |url=http://countrystudies.us/laos/68.htm |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=countrystudies.us}}</ref>


== Human geography ==
== Human geography ==
{{see also|Laos#Demographics}}
{{see also|Laos#Demographics}}
The overall population density was only eighteen persons per square kilometer, and in many districts the density was fewer than ten persons per square kilometer.<ref name=":2">{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=86-87}}.</ref> Population density per cultivated hectare was considerably high ranging from 3.3 to 7.8 persons per hectare.<ref name=":2" />
The overall population density was only eighteen persons per square kilometer, and in many districts the density was fewer than ten persons per square kilometer.<ref name="Savada 1995-3">{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|pp=86–87}}.</ref> Population density per cultivated hectare was considerably high ranging from 3.3 to 7.8 persons per hectare.<ref name="Savada 1995-3" />


==Natural resources and environmental issues==
==Natural resources and environmental issues==
{{Seealso|Wildlife of Laos|Environmental issues in Laos}}
{{See also|Wildlife of Laos|Environmental issues in Laos}}
[[File:Fires in Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.jpg|thumb|Hundreds of active fires burning across the hills and valleys of [[Myanmar]] [[Thailand]], Laos, and [[Vietnam]] (labelled with red dots).]]
[[File:Fires in Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.jpg|thumb|Hundreds of active fires burning across the hills and valleys of [[Myanmar]], [[Thailand]], Laos, and [[Vietnam]] (labelled with red dots)]]


The natural resources of Laos include timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, and gemstones.<ref name=":3">{{Citation|title=Laos|date=October 19, 2021|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/laos/|work=[[The World Factbook]]|publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]]|access-date=2021-10-26}}. {{PD-notice}}</ref>
The natural resources of Laos include timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, and gemstones.<ref name="World Factbook">{{CIA World Factbook|article=Laos|year=2021|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref>
Laos is increasingly suffering from environmental problems, with [[Deforestation in Laos|deforestation]] a particularly significant issue,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-7823.html|title=Laos Environmental problems & Policy |publisher=United Nations Encyclopedia of the Nations|access-date=20 April 2011}}</ref> as expanding commercial exploitation of the forests, plans for additional hydroelectric facilities, foreign demand for wild animals and nonwood forest products for food and traditional medicines, and a growing population all create increasing pressure.<ref>{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=163}}.</ref>
Laos is increasingly suffering from environmental problems, with [[Deforestation in Laos|deforestation]] a particularly significant issue,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-7823.html|title=Laos Environmental problems & Policy |publisher=United Nations Encyclopedia of the Nations|access-date=20 April 2011}}</ref> as expanding commercial exploitation of the forests, plans for additional hydroelectric facilities, foreign demand for wild animals and nonwood forest products for food and traditional medicines, and a growing population all create increasing pressure.<ref>{{Harvnb|Savada|1995|p=163}}.</ref>


Line 352: Line 369:
==Area and boundaries==
==Area and boundaries==
[[Image:Luang Prabang Phou Si 2.jpg|thumb|The Mekong river at [[Luang Prabang]], Laos]]
[[Image:Luang Prabang Phou Si 2.jpg|thumb|The Mekong river at [[Luang Prabang]], Laos]]
;Area:

* '''Area''':<ref name=":3" />
:* Total: {{Convert|236800|km2|abbr=in}}<ref name="World Factbook" />
:**country rank in the world: ''82nd''
⚫
** '''Total''': {{Convert|236800|km2|abbr=in}}
** '''Land''': {{Convert|230,800|km2|abbr=in}}
:* Land: {{Convert|230,800|km2|abbr=in}}
** '''Water''': {{Convert|6,000|km2|abbr=in}}
:* Water: {{Convert|6,000|km2|abbr=in}}
⚫
;Area comparison:

:* Australia comparative: slightly larger than [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]
⚫
* '''Area comparison''':
:* Canada comparative: slightly less than half the size of the [[Yukon]]
** Slightly larger than [[Guyana]]
:* United States comparative: slightly less than twice the size of [[Pennsylvania]]
** Slightly smaller than the [[United Kingdom]]
:* UK comparative: slightly smaller than the [[United Kingdom]]

:*[[European Union|EU]] comparative: approximately equal in size to [[Romania]]
* '''Land boundaries''':<ref name=":3" />
;Land boundaries:<ref name="World Factbook" />
⚫
** '''Total''': {{Convert|5,274|km|abbr=in}}
⚫
:* Total: {{Convert|5,274|km|abbr=in}}
** '''Border countries''':
:*Border countries:
*** [[Cambodia]]: {{Convert|555|km|abbr=in}}
*** [[China]]: {{Convert|475|km|abbr=in}}
:** [[Cambodia]]: {{Convert|555|km|abbr=in}}
*** [[Myanmar]]: {{Convert|238|km|abbr=in}}
:** [[China]]: {{Convert|475|km|abbr=in}}
*** Thailand: {{Convert|1845|km|abbr=in}}
:** [[Myanmar]]: {{Convert|238|km|abbr=in}}
*** Vietnam: {{Convert|2161|km|abbr=in}}
:** Thailand: {{Convert|1845|km|abbr=in}}
⚫
:** Vietnam: {{Convert|2161|km|abbr=in}}

* '''Elevation extremes''':<ref name=":3" />
;Elevation extremes:<ref name="World Factbook" />
** '''Lowest point''': [[Mekong|Mekong River]] {{Convert|70|m|abbr=in}}
:*Lowest point: [[Mekong|Mekong River]] {{Convert|70|m|abbr=in}}
** '''Highest point''': [[Phou Bia]] {{Convert|2,817|m}}
:*Highest point: [[Phou Bia]] {{Convert|2,817|m}}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 383: Line 400:
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


⚫
* {{cite encyclopedia |title=Laos: a country study |publisher=[[Federal Research Division]], [[Library of Congress]] |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/95017235/ |date=1995 |editor-last=Savada |editor-first=Andrea Matles |edition=3rd |isbn=0-8444-0832-8 |oclc=32394600}} {{PD-notice}}
== Works cited ==
'''Attribution:'''

*{{CIA World Factbook|article=Laos|year=2021}}
⚫
* {{cite encyclopedia|year=|title=Laos: a country study|publisher=[[Federal Research Division]], [[Library of Congress]]|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/95017235/|date=1995|others=|editor-last=Savada|editor-first=Andrea Matles|edition=3rd|pages=|isbn=0-8444-0832-8|oclc=32394600|postscript=. {{PD-notice}}}}


{{Laos topics}}
{{Laos topics}}
Line 392: Line 409:


[[Category:Geography of Laos| ]]
[[Category:Geography of Laos| ]]
[[Category:Regions of Southeast Asia]]


[[bn:লাওস#ভূগোল]]
[[bn:লাওস#ভূগোল]]

Latest revision as of 21:25, 15 November 2024

Geography of Laos
Satellite image of Laos
Satellite view of Laos
ContinentAsia
RegionSoutheast Asia
Coordinates18°00′N 105°00′E / 18.000°N 105.000°E / 18.000; 105.000
AreaRanked 82nd
 • Total236,800 km2 (91,400 sq mi)
 • Land97.47%
 • Water2.53%
BordersTotal:
5,274 km (3,277 mi)
Vietnam:
2,161 km (1,343 mi)
Thailand:
1,845 km (1,146 mi)
Cambodia:
555 km (345 mi)
China:
475 km (295 mi)
Myanmar:
238 km (148 mi)
Highest pointPhou Bia
2,817 m (9,242 ft)
Lowest pointMekong
70 m (230 ft)
Longest riverMekong River
1,835 km (1,140 mi)
Largest lakeNam Ngum Lake
370 km2 (140 sq mi)
ClimateMostly tropical
TerrainHigh mountains, and an upland plateau
Natural hazardsDroughts, soil erosion

Laos is a country in and the only landlocked nation in mainland Southeast Asia, northeast of Thailand and west of Vietnam. It covers approximately 236,800 square kilometers in the center of the Southeast Asian peninsula and it is surrounded by Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, the People's Republic of China, Thailand, and Vietnam.

About seventy percent of its geographic area is made up of mountain ranges, highlands, plateaux, and rivers cut through. Historically, its location has often made it a buffer state between more powerful neighboring states, particularly for the ancestral rulers of the modern-day Burmese, Vietnamese and Thais, as well as a crossroads for trade and communication.[1]

Topography

[edit]
See also: List of mountains in Laos

Most of the western border of Laos is demarcated by the Mekong river, which is an important artery for transportation.[1] The Dong Falls at the southern end of the country prevent access to the sea, but cargo boats travel along the entire length of the Mekong in Laos during most of the year.[1] Smaller power boats and pirogues provide an important means of transportation on many of the tributaries of the Mekong.[1]

The Mekong has thus not been an obstacle but a facilitator for communication, and the similarities between Laos and northeast Thai society—same people, almost same language—reflect the close contact that has existed across the river for centuries.[1] Also, many Laotians living in the Mekong Valley have relatives and friends in Thailand.[1]

Prior to the twentieth century, Laotian kingdoms and principalities encompassed areas on both sides of the Mekong, and Thai control in the late nineteenth century extended to the left bank.[1] Although the Mekong was established as a border by French colonial forces, travel from one side to the other has been significantly limited only since the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR, or Laos) in 1975.[1]

The eastern border with Vietnam extends for 2,130 kilometres, mostly along the crest of the Annamite Chain, and serves as a physical barrier between the Chinese-influenced culture of Vietnam and the Indianized states of Laos and Thailand.[1] These mountains are sparsely populated by tribal minorities who traditionally have not acknowledged the border with Vietnam any more than lowland Lao have been constrained by the 1,754-kilometre Mekong River border with Thailand.[1] Thus, ethnic minority populations are found on both the Laotian and Vietnamese sides of the frontier.[1] Because of their relative isolation, contact between these groups and lowland Lao has been mostly confined to trading.[1]

Laos shares its short—only 541 kilometres—southern border with Cambodia, and ancient Khmer ruins at Wat Pho and other southern locations attest to the long history of contact between the Lao and the Khmer.[1] In the north, the country is bounded by a mountainous 423-kilometre border with China and shares the 235-kilometre-long Mekong River border with Myanmar.[1]

The topography of Laos is largely mountainous, with the Annamite Range in the northeast and east and the Luang Prabang Range in the northwest, among other ranges typically characterized by steep terrain.[2] Elevations are typically above 500 metres with narrow river valleys and low agricultural potential.[2] This mountainous landscape extends across most of the north of the country, except for the plain of Vientiane and the Plain of Jars in the Xiangkhoang Plateau.[2]

The southern "panhandle" of the country contains large level areas in Savannakhét and Champasak provinces that are well suited for extensive paddy rice cultivation and livestock raising.[2] Much of Khammouan Province and the eastern part of all the southern provinces are mountainous.[2] Together, the alluvial plains and terraces of the Mekong and its tributaries cover only about 20% of the land area.[2]

Only about 4% of the total land area is classified as arable.[2] The forested land area has declined significantly since the 1970s as a result of commercial logging and expanded swidden, or slash-and-burn, farming.[2]

Climate

[edit]
Laos Köppen climate classification
Climate data for Vientiane

Laos has a tropical climate, with a pronounced rainy season from May through October, a cool dry season from November through February, and a hot dry season in March and April.[2] Generally, monsoons occur at the same time across the country, although that time may vary significantly from one year to the next.[2]

Rainfall varies regionally, with the highest amounts—3,700 millimeters (150 inches) annually—recorded on the Bolaven Plateau in Champasak Province.[3] City rainfall stations have recorded that Savannakhét averages 1,440 millimeters (57 inches) of rain annually; Vientiane receives about 1,700 millimeters (67 inches), and Louangphrabang (Luang Prabang) receives about 1,360 millimeters (54 inches).[2]

Rainfall is not always adequate for rice cultivation and the relatively high average precipitation conceals years where rainfall may be only half or less of the norm, causing significant declines in rice yields.[2] Such droughts often are regional, leaving production in other parts of the country unaffected.[2]

The average temperatures in January, coolest month, are, Luang Prabang 20.5 °C (minimum 0.8 °C), Vientiane 20.3 °C (minimum 3.3 °C), and Pakse 23.9 °C (minimum 7.8 °C); the average temperatures for April, usually the hottest month, are, Luang Prabang 28.1 °C (maximum 44.8 °C), Vientiane 42.5 °C. Temperature does vary according to the altitude, there is an average drop of 1.7 °C for every 1000 feet (or 300 meters). Temperatures in the upland plateux and in the mountains are considered lower than on the plains around Vientiane.[4]

Laos is highly vulnerable to the effects of global climate change; nearly all provinces in Laos are at high risks from climate change.[5]

Climate data for Vientiane (1981–2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 36.0
(96.8) 		38.0
(100.4) 		40.0
(104.0) 		41.4
(106.5) 		42.5
(108.5) 		39.5
(103.1) 		39.0
(102.2) 		37.2
(99.0) 		37.5
(99.5) 		36.8
(98.2) 		36.0
(96.8) 		36.0
(96.8) 		42.5
(108.5)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 28.7
(83.7) 		30.8
(87.4) 		33.1
(91.6) 		34.6
(94.3) 		33.1
(91.6) 		32.2
(90.0) 		31.6
(88.9) 		31.2
(88.2) 		31.3
(88.3) 		31.2
(88.2) 		30.1
(86.2) 		28.3
(82.9) 		31.1
(88.0)
Daily mean °C (°F) 22.4
(72.3) 		24.7
(76.5) 		27.1
(80.8) 		29.0
(84.2) 		28.4
(83.1) 		28.1
(82.6) 		27.7
(81.9) 		27.5
(81.5) 		27.3
(81.1) 		26.8
(80.2) 		24.8
(76.6) 		22.2
(72.0) 		26.3
(79.3)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 17.4
(63.3) 		19.6
(67.3) 		22.1
(71.8) 		24.5
(76.1) 		24.9
(76.8) 		25.2
(77.4) 		25.0
(77.0) 		24.8
(76.6) 		24.3
(75.7) 		23.4
(74.1) 		20.5
(68.9) 		17.3
(63.1) 		22.4
(72.3)
Record low °C (°F) 3.3
(37.9) 		7.6
(45.7) 		10.0
(50.0) 		16.8
(62.2) 		19.0
(66.2) 		20.0
(68.0) 		19.5
(67.1) 		20.6
(69.1) 		18.8
(65.8) 		12.9
(55.2) 		8.9
(48.0) 		5.0
(41.0) 		3.3
(37.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 7.8
(0.31) 		15.3
(0.60) 		39.2
(1.54) 		92.8
(3.65) 		233.5
(9.19) 		264.6
(10.42) 		307.2
(12.09) 		332.9
(13.11) 		270.2
(10.64) 		96.6
(3.80) 		13.5
(0.53) 		3.7
(0.15) 		1,677.2
(66.03)
Average rainy days 1.0 2.0 5.0 8.0 16.0 19.0 20.0 22.0 17.0 9.0 2.0 1.0 122.0
Average relative humidity (%) 70 68 66 69 78 82 82 84 83 78 72 70 75
Mean monthly sunshine hours 239.8 216.9 218.5 227.6 195.3 140.8 129.9 133.0 165.9 210.5 228.5 246.6 2,353.5
Source 1: World Meteorological Organization,[6] Deutscher Wetterdienst (extremes 1907–1990),[7] Pogoda.ru.net,[8] tutiempo.net[9]
Source 2: NOAA (humidity 1961–1990)[10]
Climate data for Pakse (1981–2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 36.7
(98.1) 		37.8
(100.0) 		38.9
(102.0) 		40.8
(105.4) 		41.3
(106.3) 		38.3
(100.9) 		38.2
(100.8) 		35.0
(95.0) 		36.0
(96.8) 		36.7
(98.1) 		36.7
(98.1) 		36.6
(97.9) 		41.3
(106.3)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 32.0
(89.6) 		33.5
(92.3) 		35.1
(95.2) 		35.5
(95.9) 		33.5
(92.3) 		31.6
(88.9) 		31.0
(87.8) 		30.5
(86.9) 		31.0
(87.8) 		31.3
(88.3) 		31.2
(88.2) 		30.8
(87.4) 		32.3
(90.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) 25.6
(78.1) 		27.7
(81.9) 		29.6
(85.3) 		30.4
(86.7) 		29.1
(84.4) 		28.1
(82.6) 		27.6
(81.7) 		27.2
(81.0) 		27.3
(81.1) 		27.1
(80.8) 		26.2
(79.2) 		24.9
(76.8) 		27.6
(81.7)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 18.7
(65.7) 		21.4
(70.5) 		24.1
(75.4) 		25.8
(78.4) 		25.3
(77.5) 		24.9
(76.8) 		24.5
(76.1) 		24.3
(75.7) 		24.1
(75.4) 		23.1
(73.6) 		21.1
(70.0) 		18.9
(66.0) 		23.0
(73.4)
Record low °C (°F) 7.8
(46.0) 		10.8
(51.4) 		12.8
(55.0) 		19.8
(67.6) 		21.7
(71.1) 		21.5
(70.7) 		21.4
(70.5) 		21.5
(70.7) 		20.0
(68.0) 		16.7
(62.1) 		13.9
(57.0) 		8.9
(48.0) 		7.8
(46.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 1.5
(0.06) 		10.4
(0.41) 		26.5
(1.04) 		67.3
(2.65) 		229.6
(9.04) 		351.3
(13.83) 		414.6
(16.32) 		504.6
(19.87) 		308.2
(12.13) 		128.9
(5.07) 		25.3
(1.00) 		2.2
(0.09) 		2,070.6
(81.52)
Average rainy days 0 1 3 8 17 21 24 25 20 12 5 1 138
Average relative humidity (%) 62 60 59 65 75 82 83 85 84 79 72 67 72.8
Mean monthly sunshine hours 274.5 243.9 244.5 227.1 202.0 145.0 142.2 126.6 141.2 188.3 225.7 249.3 2,410.4
Source 1: World Meteorological Organization,[11] tutiempo.net[12]
Source 2: NOAA (humidity 1961–1990),[13] Deutscher Wetterdienst (extremes),[14] The Yearbook of Indochina (1932-1933)[15]

Agriculture

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Agriculture in Laos is the most important sector of the economy.[16] Five million out of 23,680,000 hectares of Laos's total land area is suitable for cultivation, and seventeen percent of the land area, between 850,000 and 900,000 hectares, was cultivated as of the early 1990s.[17] Rice is the main crop grown during the rainy season.[18]

Agricultural cultivation is possible during with varying weather on a small portion of land area apart from the Vientiane plain and the lowlands along the Mekong Valley. These cultivated areas are situated in the valley cuts by the rivers or the plateau regions of Xieng Khouang in the North and in the Bolavens in the south. Typically there are only two ways to cultivate: either the wet-field paddy system practiced among the Lao Loum or lowland in Lao, or the swidden cultivation system practiced in the hills.[19]

Human geography

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See also: Laos § Demographics

The overall population density was only eighteen persons per square kilometer, and in many districts the density was fewer than ten persons per square kilometer.[20] Population density per cultivated hectare was considerably high ranging from 3.3 to 7.8 persons per hectare.[20]

Natural resources and environmental issues

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See also: Wildlife of Laos and Environmental issues in Laos
Hundreds of active fires burning across the hills and valleys of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam (labelled with red dots)

The natural resources of Laos include timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, and gemstones.[21] Laos is increasingly suffering from environmental problems, with deforestation a particularly significant issue,[22] as expanding commercial exploitation of the forests, plans for additional hydroelectric facilities, foreign demand for wild animals and nonwood forest products for food and traditional medicines, and a growing population all create increasing pressure.[23]

The United Nations Development Programme warns: "Protecting the environment and sustainable use of natural resources in Lao PDR is vital for poverty reduction and economic growth."[24]

Area and boundaries

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The Mekong river at Luang Prabang, Laos
Area
  • Total: 236,800 km2 (91,400 square miles)[21]
    • country rank in the world: 82nd
  • Land: 230,800 km2 (89,100 square miles)
  • Water: 6,000 km2 (2,300 square miles)
Area comparison
  • Australia comparative: slightly larger than Victoria
  • Canada comparative: slightly less than half the size of the Yukon
  • United States comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Pennsylvania
  • UK comparative: slightly smaller than the United Kingdom
  • EU comparative: approximately equal in size to Romania
Land boundaries
[21]
  • Total: 5,274 km (3,277 miles)
  • Border countries:
    • Cambodia: 555 km (345 miles)
    • China: 475 km (295 miles)
    • Myanmar: 238 km (148 miles)
    • Thailand: 1,845 km (1,146 miles)
    • Vietnam: 2,161 km (1,343 miles)
Elevation extremes
[21]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Savada 1995, p. 81.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Savada 1995, p. 82.
  3. ^ Savada 1995, p. 83.
  4. ^ "Laos climate: average weather, temperature, precipitation, when to go". www.climatestotravel.com. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  5. ^ Overland, Indra et al. (2017) Impact of Climate Change on ASEAN International Affairs: Risk and Opportunity Multiplier, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) and Myanmar Institute of International and Strategic Studies (MISIS).
  6. ^ "World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1981–2010". World Meteorological Organization. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  7. ^ "Klimatafel von Vientiane (Viangchan) / Laos" (PDF). Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world (in German). Deutscher Wetterdienst. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  8. ^ КЛИМАТ УЛАН-БАТОРА (in Russian). Pogoda.ru.net. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  9. ^ S.L, Tutiempo Network. "Climate Vientiane - Climate data (489400)". www.tutiempo.net. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  10. ^ "Vientiane Climate Normals 1961–1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 29 November 2013.
  11. ^ "World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1981–2010". World Meteorological Organization. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  12. ^ S.L, Tutiempo Network. "Climate Pakse - Climate data (489550)". www.tutiempo.net. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  13. ^ "Pakse Climate Normals 1961-1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  14. ^ "Klimatafel von Pakse (Pakxé) / Laos" (PDF). Baseline climate means (1961-1990) from stations all over the world (in German). Deutscher Wetterdienst. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  15. ^ The Yearbook of Indochina (1932-1933)
  16. ^ Savada 1995, p. 162.
  17. ^ Savada 1995, p. 153.
  18. ^ Savada 1995, p. 156.
  19. ^ "Laos - Crops". countrystudies.us. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  20. ^ a b Savada 1995, pp. 86–87.
  21. ^ a b c d Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from "Laos". The World Factbook (2024 ed.). CIA. Retrieved 2021-10-26. (Archived 2021 edition.)
  22. ^ "Laos Environmental problems & Policy". United Nations Encyclopedia of the Nations. Retrieved 20 April 2011.
  23. ^ Savada 1995, p. 163.
  24. ^ "Energy & Environment for Sustainable Development". United Nations Development Programme. Archived from the original on 11 March 2008. Retrieved 20 April 2011.

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