i, Phongsali, Salavan,
Savannakhet, Viangchan*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xekong, Xiangkhoang
Independence: 19 July 1949 (from France)
National holiday: National Day, 2 December (1975) (proclamation of
the Lao People's Democratic Republic)
Constitution: promulgated 14 August 1991
Legal system: based on traditional customs, French legal norms and
procedures, and Socialist practice
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President NOUHAK PHOUMSAVAN (since 25 November 1992)
was elected for a five-year term by the National Assembly
head of government: Prime Minister Gen. KHAMTAI SIPHANDON (since 15
August 1991) was appointed for a five-year term by the president
with the approval of the National Assembly; Deputy Prime Minister
KHAMPHOUI KEOBOUALAPHA (since NA)
cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president,
approved by the National Assembly
Legislative branch: unicameral
National Assembly: members elected for five-year terms; elections
last held 20 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results -
percent of vote NA; seats - (85 total) LPRP 85
Judicial 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
Political parties and leaders: Lao People's Revolutionary Party
(LPRP), KHAMTAI Siphandon, party president; other parties proscribed
Other political or pressure groups: noncommunist political groups
proscribed; most opposition leaders fled the country in 1975
International organization participation: ACCT, AsDB, ASEAN
(observer), CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU,
Mekong Group, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador HIEM PHOMMACHANH
chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416, 6417
FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Victor L. TOMSETH
embassy: Rue Bartholonie, B.P. 114, Vientiane
mailing address: American Embassy, Box V, APO AP 96546
telephone: [856] (21) 212581, 2125
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