Louangphabang Province
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| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Capital: | Louangphabang |
| Area: | 16,875 km² |
| Inhabitants: | 408,800 (2004 est) |
| Pop. density: | 24 inh./km² |
| ISO 3166-2: | LA-LP |
| Geocode: | 600 |
| Map | |
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Louangphabang (also Luang Prabang, Lao ຫລວງພະບາງ) is a province of Laos, located in the north of the country.
[edit] History
Luang Prabang became the first capital of Laos in the 14th century when King Fa Ngum returned from Cambodia where he and his father were exiled by the previous king, Fa Ngum's grandfather. Fa Ngum had the support of the Kingdom in Siem Reap and brought with him thousands of soldiers and so established his kingsom. Luang Prabang was previously known as Muang Sawa, but changed name after Cambodia sent the precious gold Buddha the Prabang as a gift. The Prabang is today the symbol of the town and a copy is at display at the museum. The real one was sent off to the Soviet Union in the 1970s to settle debt.
Loungphabang was known as Xieng Dong Xieng Thong before it was renamed Loungphabang, after the Buddha image of the same named was sent to Laos.
The Phabang was returned to Laos, during the invasion of Vientiane by Taksins forces, the Phabang as well as the Pra Keow were taken to Bangkok, the Phabang was returned to Laos, but the Pra Keow was never returned.
[edit] Administrative divisions
The province is made up of the following districts:
- Chomphet (6-09)
- Louangphrabang (6-01)
- Nambak (6-05)
- Nan (6-03)
- Ngoi (6-06)
- Pak Xeng (6-07)
- Park Ou (6-04)
- Phonxay (6-08)
- Phoukhoune (6-11)
- Viengkham (6-10)
- Xieng Ngeun (6-02)
Attapu - Bokeo - Bolikhamxai - Champasak - Houaphan - Khammouan - Louang Namtha - Louangphabang - Oudomxai - Phongsali - Salavan - Savannakhet - Vientiane - Xaignabouli - Xekong - Xiangkhoang
Special zone: Xaisomboun
Municipality: Vientiane
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