LAOS, a country in S.E. Asia, extending from N. Lat. 15. to 24., and E. Long. 96. to 103., bounded N. by China, W. by the Birman Empire, E. by Cochinchina, and S. by Cochinchina and Siam. Little is known of this extensive country, or its inhabitants, by Europeans. Numerous mountain-chains traverse it from N. to S., forming an equal number of valleys, through which the rivers flow. These rivers (the principal of which are the Saluen, the Mack-haun, and the Menam), from their frequent overflows, form extensive swamps in the plains. The soil, however, in these level tracts is fertile, produces rice, cotton, tea, and other fruits, and is covered in many parts by extensive and luxuriant forests. The mountains contain gold, silver, iron, and copper, and some tin and lead have also been discovered. Of wild animals, the tiger and the rhinoceros are the most numerous. The history of the people is very obscure. About the end of the eighteenth century they were subject to the Birman. Since that time, although yielding a nominal submission to China, they have been gradually regaining their freedom, and are now under a number of small native governments. Though speaking the same language, the various tribes differ considerably in civilization and character. The divisions of Laos are three—Upper Laos, the northern; Laetbo, the middle; and Lanchang, the south-eastern part. Kemalatin is the capital of the first; Zaenmae, or Changmai, the capital of the second; and Lanchang is said to be the capital of the third. A considerable commerce is carried on by the natives with China, Burmah, and Siam. They export cattle, fruits, precious stones, gold, silver, cotton, wool, lac, rhinoceros' horns, ivory, benzoin, hides, and tiger skins, salt, and silk stuffs. The chief articles imported are iron-ware, sandal-wood, chinizes, opium, musk, and chowry tails. They have a national literature, and are Buddhists in religion. Except for the purposes of trade, they have little communication with foreigners.