Laos borders the western Yunnan Plateau in China's Yunnan province. Due to the relatively close distance, many tourists visit Laos, and visiting Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is also easy. But Vientiane is located on the border, which makes many find it strange, after all, few countries have capitals on the border. So why did Laos build its own national capital on the border? Today, I will take you to find out.
Why was the "capital" of Laos built on the border, and for what purpose? After reading it, it is considered to increase knowledge
1. Geographical environment
As the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Vientiane, the capital of Laos, seems to be another kind of capital in the world. Other countries will leave some buffer zone on capital settlement, whether they are in danger or in a corner of peace. However, Laos has set up its capital Vientiane directly on the border. From a certain point of view, this move is undoubtedly aimed at directly including its own weaknesses in the eyes of other countries, in short, it is suicide.
Laos borders China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Thailand. Laos seems to be surrounded by southeast and northwest in all directions. Although Laos has an area of only 236,800 square kilometers, its strength cannot be underestimated. Therefore, whether in terms of land area or surrounding pattern, the best location of the capital of Laos is naturally in the central region, because it can also play a certain buffer role in the event of war. Of course, these are only idealized and do not take into account the topography and environment on the territory of Laos.
The country's land slopes decline from east to west. The main rivers here are all tributaries of the Mekong, including the U Ngum River, the Tahe Ben River, etc., which flows through western Laos and forms most of the border between Myanmar and Thailand.
Affected by the monsoon, the main climate of Laos is savannah. There is a very pronounced rainy season from May to October, followed by a pronounced dry season from November to April. Lao locals do not believe that there are four seasons in the year. They believe that Laos has three seasons, which are hot, rainy and cool, and the two months after the dry season are hotter than the dry season.
Second, the reason
The reason why Laos built its capital on the border lies in its unique geographical location. 80% of the country is mountainous and plateau, which is a relatively rare plain area in Laos. In order to better develop the country's economy, Laos chose to build a capital here.
The first reason is that the city's border is the Mekong River, which is jointly owned by Thailand. The economy on this river has brought great convenience to the local people. Many people depend on this river to live. So far, the city is also the only large-scale industrial city in Laos with a rapid economic development, so many people choose to visit Laos when they come to Laos.
The second reason is the history of Laos. At that time, Laos was still the Lancang Kingdom. Under the reign of the king at that time, Laos was the most prosperous representative of Southeast Asian countries and the most glorious moment in the history of Laos. The first capital was not the current MixC City, but it was later moved to MixC City. The city bears witness to the entire history of Laos. For the people of the whole country, the city is a symbol of their struggle for their lives.
Third, the border crisis
Although Vientiane City has brought some compensation to Laos' domestic economy, which is booming in tourism, placing the capital at the border is a dangerous move. After all, the capital of a country is a hundred meters away from the river, which makes some countries across the country scrambling. "After all, where is the reason for letting the fat sheep go?"
At the beginning of the 20th century, the countries of the world were constantly fighting other countries and wanted to expand their territory, so Laos, with its capital on the border, became a target for major neighbors. The city of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has been occupied many times throughout history, and even the symbol of Laos, Thalen, has been damaged many times, but fortunately, it has been restored by the working people of Laos. But even so, the local government did not change the location of the capital, because they did not have the place to change it.
However, it is worth learning from other countries that although Laos was in the most difficult and embarrassing times, it could still protect the country and develop steadily under its own disadvantages. The concerted efforts between the Government and the people can also be seen here. After all, the dilemma they face doesn't change overnight. The forces of nature are always irresistible for all of us, because vicissitudes can only be achieved with time and manpower.
However, Laos still finds a glimmer of life in this gap. I have to say that this is their tenacity, and it is worth learning. This is something that every country must learn in the process of development, because in this world, survival of the fittest is the biggest rule.
Conclusion: Today, with improved relations between Thailand and Laos, Vientiane is still close to the border, but the risks have been greatly reduced. In particular, in 1994, with the construction of the Mekong Friendship Bridge between Vientiane and Luang Khai Province in Thailand, with the assistance of Australia, Vientiane became a transit point for foreign trade. Today, Thailand and Laos have also put aside their hatred and joined hands to develop and progress together.