The politics of Laos takes place in the framework of a single-party socialist republic.
Water purified for drinking purposes is simply called nam deum (drinking water), whether it is boiled or filtered.
One of the lowest population densities in Asia, at 19 persons per square km, and an estimated population of only 5.4 million people, belies the fact that Laos is home to 68 different ethnic groups. These fall into three groupings, based upon language, culture and traditions.