Disputes - international parts of the border with Thailand are indefinite

Illicit drugs world's third largest opium producer (cultivation in 1997 - 28,150 hectares, an 11% increase over 1996; potential production - 210 metric tons, a 5% increase over 1996); heroin producer; transshipment point for heroin and amphetamines produced in Burma; illicit producer of cannabis

NOTE: The information regarding Laos on this page is re-published from the 1998 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Laos Transnational Issues 1998 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Laos Transnational Issues 1998 should be addressed to the CIA.