Λάος, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It shares borders with China to the north, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the southeast, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar to the northwest. The capital city is Vientiane, and the official language is Lao. The country is known for its mountainous terrain and the scenic Mekong River, which forms a natural border with Thailand. Buddhism is the predominant religion, influencing the culture and traditions of the Lao people. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with rice being the main crop.