Laos

SHORT INFORMATION

Overview of Laos

Officially name: The Lao People's Democratic Republic

Capital: Vientiane

Largest city: Vientiane

Official language: Lao

Government: Socialist republic, Communist single-party state

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

Laos Holidays

Despite the Communist takeover in the mid-1970s, Laos remains a Buddhist country in everything but name. Patriotic holidays are still celebrated in this landlocked country, but only on Buddhist holidays do the Lao people let their hair down and celebrate.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Alcoholic Drinks in Laos

Beer Lao Brewery Co (LBC), located on the outskirts of Vientiane, produces the very drinkable Bia Lao, the Romanized name for which is 'Beerlao' (sometimes , spelt 'Beer Lao'). A draught version (bia sot: fresh beer) is so far available only in bars in Vientiane, and like all Beerlao contains 5% alcohol.