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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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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=":1" /> Such droughts often are regional, leaving production in other parts of the country unaffected.<ref name=":1" />


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.<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>
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 167:
| 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 name = DWD>
{{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 174:
| 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 241:
|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 307:
|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 name=WMOCLINO>{{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 313:
| 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 name=RID>{{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 name= NOAA>{{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 325:
| 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}}


Revision as of 11:05, 22 May 2023

18°00′N 105°00′E / 18.000°N 105.000°E / 18.000; 105.000

Detailed map of Laos

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.

Its location has often made it a buffer state between more powerful neighboring states, as well as a crossroads for trade and communication.[1]

Topography

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

Laos map of 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 Bolovens 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,[6] tutiempo.net[9]
Source 2: NOAA (humidity 1961–1990),[10] Deutscher Wetterdienst (extremes),[7] The Yearbook of Indochina (1932-1933)[11]

Agriculture

Agriculture in Laos is the most important sector of the economy.[12] 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.[13] Rice is the main crop grown during the rainy season.[14]

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.[15]

Human geography

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.[16] Population density per cultivated hectare was considerably high ranging from 3.3 to 7.8 persons per hectare.[16]

Natural resources and environmental issues

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.[17] Laos is increasingly suffering from environmental problems, with deforestation a particularly significant issue,[18] 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.[19]

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."[20]

Area and boundaries

The Mekong river at Luang Prabang, Laos
  • Area:[17]
    • Total: 236,800 km2 (91,400 square miles)
    • Land: 230,800 km2 (89,100 square miles)
    • Water: 6,000 km2 (2,300 square miles)
  • Area comparison:
  • Land boundaries:[17]
    • 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:[17]

See also

References

  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. ^ a b "World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1981–2010". World Meteorological Organization. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021. Cite error: The named reference "WMOCLINO" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  7. ^ a b "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. Cite error: The named reference "DWD" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  8. ^ КЛИМАТ УЛАН-БАТОРА (in Russian). Pogoda.ru.net. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  9. ^ a b S.L, Tutiempo Network. "Climate Vientiane - Climate data (489400)". www.tutiempo.net. Retrieved 2023-03-26. Cite error: The named reference "RID" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  10. ^ a b "Vientiane Climate Normals 1961–1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 29 November 2013. Cite error: The named reference "NOAA" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  11. ^ The Yearbook of Indochina (1932-1933)
  12. ^ Savada 1995, p. 162.
  13. ^ Savada 1995, p. 153.
  14. ^ Savada 1995, p. 156.
  15. ^ "Laos - Crops". countrystudies.us. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  16. ^ a b Savada 1995, pp. 86–87.
  17. ^ 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.)
  18. ^ "Laos Environmental problems & Policy". United Nations Encyclopedia of the Nations. Retrieved 20 April 2011.
  19. ^ Savada 1995, p. 163.
  20. ^ "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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