Administration and Social Conditions of Laos

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Administration and Social Conditions of Laos

Government

Since its establishment in December 1975, the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) has been effectively controlled by the communist Lao People's Revolutionary Party. This party, in alliance with the Vietnamese communists, carried out the revolution that ended in its seizure of power and the abolition of the monarchy. Top government positions--beginning with the president, who is head of state, and the prime minister, who is also the party chairman--are held by high-ranking party members, who constitute a Central Committee with a Politburo at the head. A constitution adopted in 1991 provides for a National Assembly, the members of which are elected to five-year terms. The judicial system is headed by the Supreme People's Court.

The country is divided into 16 provinces--roughly from north to south, Phôngsali, Louang Namtha, Bokeo, Oudomxay, Louangphrabang, Houaphan, Xaignabouri, Vientiane, Xiangkhoang, Bolikhamxay, Khammouan, Savannakhét, Saravan, Xékong, Champasak, and Attapu--as well as Vientiane Municipality, the administrations of which are said to have considerable autonomy in economic matters. The provinces are subdivided into districts and villages. At each level of local government there are party committees and administrative committees, which often are headed by the same individuals.

Security

Laos maintains a small military force consisting almost entirely of army personnel, with smaller air and naval branches. Internal security measures have been strictly enforced, as the regime fears political opposition linked to a large exile population and sporadic armed resistance within the country.

Education

Education has been reorganized since 1975. The government has set up a number of agricultural schools, sent teachers to provincial villages to provide literacy instruction, and opened new primary, secondary, and teacher-training schools. School enrollment and literacy rates subsequently have increased significantly from levels in the mid-1970s.

Health and welfare

Medical care in general is inadequate and unevenly distributed in Laos, with most of the health care facilities located in urban areas. Infant mortality rates are high, and life expectancy is low. Respiratory diseases, influenza, malaria, and gastroenteritis are the major health problems. The departure of most of the country's physicians after 1975 created a serious problem for the new government. It began to build village infirmaries and dispensaries in most of the provinces and to train medical workers. These village medical workers, often using only traditional medicinal herbs, now provide most of the country's primary health care.