Check it out Laos by Clemens.
Laos also witnessed a significant political change in 1972 after the January elections brought 41 new members to the National Assembly of 59, drawn mainly from lower socio-economic groups. Voters seemed to prefer new candidates unconnected with those responsible for prolonging the war: an indication of the general dissatisfaction with a self-concerned antiquated leadership of the past prevalent in the educated and politically entrenched upper classes. Laos’ first, French-written and monarchical constitution was promulgated on May 11, 1947 and declared it to be an independent state within the French Union. The revised constitution of May 11, 1957 omitted reference to the French Union, though close educational, health and technical ties with the former colonial power persisted. Laos generally maintains a low profile in the larger international arena, although it has been playing an increasing role in activities of the Non-Aligned Movement. Laos’s weighted average tariff rate was 14 percent in 2005. There has been some progress in liberalization, but customs corruption and inefficiency, weak border control, prohibitive tariffs, import bans and restrictions, discriminatory import taxes, preauthorization and planning restrictions, import licensing requirements, and weak enforcement of intellectual property rights still add to the cost of trade. Laos, also known as the Land of a Million Elephants, is a culturally rich, land-locked country with a population of about 6 million. The Laotians are predominantly Buddhist and are very friendly and hospitable people. Laos, Asia and the world are too vast to be covered by one individual. Everyone is welcome to join the backpacking adventure and submit travel information. Laos was heavily bombed during the Viet Nam war, and people are still at risk of injury or death from unexploded ordinances. Laos has a population of about 6.5 million is a bit smaller in size than the state of Nevada. The terrain of the country is mostly mountainous tropical which makes it perfect for backpacking. Laos is a poor and land-locked country with few options for economic growth and poverty reduction. Since large-scale export of tropical hardwood has been rejected has economically and environmentally unsustainable on the long term by the World Bank, export of hydroelectric power is seen as the only alternative. Laos responded by increasing its electricity supply to Thailand and in June 1991 the two countries agreed to the repatriation some 60,000 Laotian refugees living in Thai camps by 1994. In the same month the Supreme People’s Assembly adopted a new constitution that removed all references to socialism and reinforced the position of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) as the sole legal party. Laos is welcoming private investment in the mining and hydro power sectors. Even though 100-per cent foreign direct investment was allowed in most sectors, a foreign company would have to form a joint venture with the government for projects related to natural resources. Laos half- or full-day excursions are activities offered la carte. Belly up to the buffet and you could find yourself enjoying a picnic lunch on the banks of the Nam Song River, being led by the hand through Vientiane, or kayaking Nam Ngum Lake.
Tags: Laos, by Clemens., Thai, Thailand, Asia, Laotian, Buddhist, Viet Nam, tropical, Lao People's Revolutionary Party, picnic lunch, Nam Song River
