_#_Literacy: 84% (male 92%, female 76%) age 15 to 45 can read and write (1985 est.)
_#_Labor force: 1-1.5 million; 85-90% in agriculture (est.)
_#_Organized labor: Lao Federation of Trade Unions is subordinate to the Communist party
_*Government #_Long-form name: Lao People's Democratic Republic
_#_Type: Communist state
_#_Capital: Vientiane
_#_Administrative divisions: 16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 municipality* (kampheng nakhon, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamsai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louang Namtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Saravan, Savannakhet, Sekong, Vientiane, Vientiane*, Xaignabouri, Xiangkhoang
_#_Independence: 19 July 1949 (from France)
_#_Constitution: draft constitution under discussion since 1976
_#_Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction