The flag of Laos (Lao: ທຸງຊາດລາວ; French: Le drapeau du Laos), a tricolor design featuring horizontal red, blue, and red stripes with a central white disc, bears a rich tapestry of symbolism. The white disc in the center serves as a powerful representation of the unity of the Lao people, emphasizing their collective identity and aspirations for solidarity, including the envisioned reunification of the two Laotian regions divided by the Mekong River. Additionally, the white disc's resemblance to a full moon against the backdrop of the Mekong River adds a cultural and natural dimension to its symbolism. The red stripes on either side symbolize the sacrifices and struggles of the Lao people and the Isan people of northeastern Thailand, highlighting their shared history of resilience and determination for independence from colonial powers. The blue stripe represents the Mekong River, not only as a geographical feature but also as a symbol of the nation's prosperity, reflecting the vital role of the river in Laos' cultural and economic landscape. The flag of Laos, with its colors and imagery, encapsulates the profound history, unity, and shared aspirations of the people of Laos and Northeastern Thailand.
| Proportion: | 2:3 |
|---|---|
| Adopted: | October 12, 1945, December 2, 1975 (re-adopted) |
| Designed by: | Maha Sila Viravong |
| Flag image: | Animated GIF (25 frames looped) |
| Flag emoji code: | 🇱🇦 |
The emblem of Laos is a vivid depiction of the nation's identity and aspirations. Framed by spikes of rice, the emblem prominently showcases the revered Pha That Luang, a national shrine and symbol of the nation's rich cultural heritage and Buddhist tradition. Accompanying it are symbols representing the country's progress, including a dam signifying electricity generation, a cogwheel denoting industrial development, a road symbolizing the nation's advancement and connectivity, a paddy field reflecting the significance of agriculture, and a forest representing the country's abundant natural resources. The accompanying inscriptions, with "Peace, Independence, and Democracy" on the left, "Unity and Prosperity" on the right, and "Lao People's Democratic Republic" at the center, underscore Laos' commitment to peace, democracy, unity, and socio-economic progress, encapsulating the country's core values and developmental objectives.
Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Its capital is Vientiane, and its population is about 7.379 million (2021). According to its land borders, it borders with Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
| Capital and largest city: | Vientiane |
|---|---|
| Other major cities: | Pakxe, Savannakhet |
| Official languages: | Lao, French |
| Region: | South-eastern Asia |
| Ethnic groups: | 53.2% Lao, 11% Khmu, 9.2% Hmong, 3.4% Phouthai, 3.1% Tai, 2.5% Makong, 2.2% Katang, 2.0% Lue, 1.8% Akha, 11.6% others |
| Religions: | 64.7% Buddhism, 31.4% Tai folk religion, 1.7% Christianity, 0.8% Islam, 1.3% Other |
| Nationality name: | Lao, Laotian |
| Area: | 237,955 km² (91,875 sq mi) |
| Population: | 7.379 million (2021) |
| Country codes: | LA, LAO (ISO 3166) |
| Internet Top-Level Domain: | .la |
| Calling code: | +856 |
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