Laos covers and area of 236.800 sq. km and is about as big as Ecuador or Great Britain.
The country consists of mountains and plateaux. The Mekong river flows along the western and southern borders of the country providing a natural boundary to Myanmar and Thailand. On its banks nestle most of Laos` important cities, the capital of Vientiane and the former Royal Capital, Luang Prabang.
Rugged mountains cover more than 75% of the country. The vegetation is diverse and rich: tropical and sub-tropical species, from mango and palms to the mountain hardwoods. About half the country is still covered with primary forests
