Vientiane - The Capital of Laos
- Population
- 948,477
- Language
- Lao
- Continent
- Asia
- Since
- 1563
- Eco Ranking
- 178/195
Source: Environmental Performance Index 2024.
About Vientiane
Vientiane became the capital of the Lan Xang kingdom in 1563 under King Setthathirath, who moved the seat of power from Luang Prabang to better defend against Burmese incursions. The city was almost entirely destroyed by Siamese (Thai) forces in 1828 following a failed rebellion, and remained largely abandoned for decades before French colonial administration rebuilt it as the capital of French Laos in the late 19th century. Following independence from France in 1953, Laos descended into civil war between the Royal Lao Government and the Pathet Lao communist movement, which was backed by North Vietnam. During this period, the United States conducted a covert bombing campaign over Laos that dropped more ordnance per capita than any country in history, an estimated 270 million cluster bombs, roughly a third of which failed to detonate and continue to kill civilians. The Pathet Lao seized power in 1975, abolished the 600-year-old monarchy, and declared the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Vientiane became the capital of one of the world's few remaining single-party communist states. The government remains under the exclusive authority of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
About Laos
Laos is a single-party communist state governed by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, which has held power since 1975. The country is landlocked, bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. The National Assembly meets in Vientiane and formally endorses party leadership decisions. Laos maintains close political and economic ties with China and Vietnam. The country's constitution nominally guarantees rights but concentrates power entirely within the party structure.
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Flight time from Vientiane to other capitals
| City | Distance (km) | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 1900 | 2h 14m |
| Tokyo | 4100 | 4h 49m |
| Abu Dhabi | 5000 | 5h 53m |
| Canberra | 7700 | 9h 4m |
| Rome | 8700 | 10h 14m |
| Paris | 9200 | 10h 49m |
| London | 9300 | 10h 56m |
| Cape Town | 10600 | 12h 28m |
| Washington, D.C. | 13700 | 16h 7m |
| Buenos Aires | 17400 | 20h 28m |
Capitals with similar population to Vientiane
Capitals with similar eco ranking to Vientiane
Source: Environmental Performance Index 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Vientiane become the capital of Laos?
Vientiane first became a royal capital in 1563, when King Setthathirath relocated the seat of the Lan Xang kingdom there. It was established as the modern administrative capital during French colonial rule and retained this role when Laos became independent in 1953.
Why is Laos significant in terms of US bombing history?
During the Vietnam War era (1964-1973), the United States conducted a secret bombing campaign in Laos, dropping approximately 2 million tons of ordnance. This makes Laos the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. An estimated 80 million unexploded cluster munitions remain in the country, continuing to cause casualties decades later.
What type of government does Laos have?
Laos is a one-party communist state governed exclusively by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. There are no opposition parties, and the party controls all branches of government. Laos is one of only five remaining single-party communist states in the world.
Is Vientiane the largest city in Laos?
Yes, Vientiane is the largest city in Laos by population, with around 950,000 people in the capital prefecture. It is also the country's primary economic and administrative center, though Laos remains one of Southeast Asia's least urbanised countries.
What happened to the Lao monarchy in 1975?
When the Pathet Lao took power in December 1975, King Savang Vatthana abdicated, ending the monarchy that traced its roots to the 14th-century Lan Xang kingdom. The royal family was subsequently sent to a re-education camp, where the king and crown prince are believed to have died in the early 1980s.
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