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Laos

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Socialist civil lawSocialist one-party republicReviewed· 2026-08-03
Capital
Vientiane
Population
7,600,000
Languages
Lao
Currency
LAK

Laos · Constitution

Constitution of the Lao People's Democratic Republic

The first written constitution of the LPDR, adopted in 1991 sixteen years after the monarchy was abolished, and amended in 2003 and 2015. It declares a people's democratic state led by the Party, provides for a unicameral National Assembly, and since 2015 has recognised elected Provincial People's Assemblies. Chapter IV lists citizens' rights and duties, and the 2015 amendment strengthened provisions on state audit and local representation.

The constitutional text

The first written constitution of the LPDR, adopted in 1991 sixteen years after the monarchy was abolished, and amended in 2003 and 2015. It declares a people's democratic state led by the Party, provides for a unicameral National Assembly, and since 2015 has recognised elected Provincial People's Assemblies. Chapter IV lists citizens' rights and duties, and the 2015 amendment strengthened provisions on state audit and local representation.

Separation of powers

Unitary, with 17 provinces and the Vientiane capital. The 2015 constitutional amendment introduced Provincial People's Assemblies with limited local legislative and supervisory functions, but appointment of governors and fiscal control remain central.

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