Vientiane (Lao: ວຽງຈັນ, Viang Chan) is the capital and largest city of Laos, on the banks of the Mekong River near the border with Thailand. Vientiane became the capital in 1563 due to fears of a Burmese invasion. Vientiane was the administrative capital during French rule and, due to economic growth in recent times, is now the economic center of Laos.
The estimated population of the city is 783,000 (2015). The city hosted the 25th Southeast Asian Games in December 2009 celebrating the 50 years of Southeast Asian Games.
Geography[]
Vientiane is on a bend of the Mekong River, at which point it forms the border with Thailand.
Climate[]
Vientiane features a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) with a distinct wet season and a dry season. Vientiane’s dry season spans from November through March. April marks the onset of the wet season which in Vientiane lasts about seven months. Vientiane tends to be hot and humid throughout the course of the year, though temperatures in the city tend to be somewhat cooler during the dry season than the wet season.
Economy[]
Vientiane is the driving force behind economic change in Laos. In recent years, the city has experienced rapid economic growth from foreign investment. In 2011, the stock exchange opened with two listed company stocks, with the cooperation of Korea.
Twin Cities[]
Chittagong, British Empire
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cirebon, Indonesia
Bangkok, Thailand- Saigon, Vietnam
