Official name

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Form of state

One-party rule by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP)

The executive

The Council of Ministers is the highest executive body; the vice-chairmen of the council (deputy prime ministers) oversee the work of ministers; all members of the council are appointed by the chairman of the Council of Ministers (the prime minister)

Head of state

The president, Choummaly Sayasone

National legislature

A unicameral National Assembly, which was expanded to 132 seats at the last election

National elections

The last National Assembly election took place in April 2011; the next is due in April 2016

National government

The LPRP dominates the government and the bureaucracy

Main political organisations

Lao Front for National Reconstruction (LFNR), a mass organisation of pro-LPRP groups

Main members of Council of Ministers

Prime minister: Thongsing Thammavong

Deputy prime ministers:

;Somsavat Lengsavad

;Thongloun Sisoulith

;Asang Laoly

Douangchay Phichith

Key ministers

Agriculture & forestry: Sitaheng Rasaphone

Defence: Douangchay Phichith

Education: Phankham Viphavanh

Energy & mining: Soulivong Daravong

Finance: Somdy Douangdy

Foreign affairs: Thongloun Sisoulith

Industry & commerce: Nam Viyaketh

Information & culture: Mounkeo Oraboun

Justice: Chaleuan Yiapaoheu

Labour & social welfare: Onechanh Thammavong

National post & telecommunications: Khamlouat Sidlakone

Planning & investment: Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune

Public health: Ponmek Dalaloy

Public security: Thongbanh Sengaphone

Public works & transport: Sommat Pholsena

Water resources & environment: Khempheng Pholsena

Central bank governor

Phouphet Khamphounvong