Government of Laos
Long Conventional Name
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Short Conventional Name
Laos
Long Local Name
Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao
Short Local Name
None
Government Type
Communist State
Capital City
Vientiane
Administrative Divisions
15 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural), 1 municipality* (kampheng nakhon, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xekong, Xiangkhoang.
Independence Day
Tuesday, 19th July 1949
Constitutional History
Promulgated 14 August 1991
Legal System
Based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and socialist practice; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive Branch
Chief of State
President Lt. Gen. Choummali Saignason (since 8 June 2006); Vice President Boun-Gnang Volachit (since 8 June 2006)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Bouason E Bouphavanh (since 8 June 2006)
Cabinet
Ministers appointed by president, approved by National Assembly.
Elections
President and Vice President elected by National Assembly for five-year terms; election last held 8 June 2006 (next to be held in 2011); Prime Minister nominated by President and elected by National Assembly for five-year term.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly (115 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) .
Judical Branch
People's Supreme Court (the President of the People's Supreme Court is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee; the Vice President of the People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee) .
Flag Description
Three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band.
