Lao People's Democratic Republic

Landlocked in South East Asia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (often known as Laos) borders China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. The post-independence monarchy was overthrown by the Communist party in 1975 and the State is still governed along single party socialist principles with a strong executive dominating a weak elected parliament. In addition to restrictions on political opposition and freedom of expression, Laos has ongoing issues relating to its treatment of the ethnic Hmong population both in the country and those returning from living as refugees outside of Laos.