Vientiane Prefecture
Vientiane
ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ | |
|---|---|
| Viengchan Prefecture | |
Map of Vientiane Prefecture | |
Location of Vientiane Prefecture in Laos | |
| Coordinates: 18°06′N 102°36′E / 18.1°N 102.6°E | |
| Country | Laos |
| Established | 1989 |
| Capital | Vientiane |
| Area | |
• Total | 3,920 km2 (1,510 sq mi) |
| Population (2015 census) | |
• Total | 820,924 |
| • Density | 210/km2 (540/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
| ISO 3166 code | LA-VT |
| HDI (2017) | 0.795 high · 1st |
Vientiane Prefecture (Lao: ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ, Nakhônlouang ViangChan, pronounced [nā(ʔ).kʰɔ́ːn lǔaŋ wíaŋ tɕàn], RTGS: Nakhon Luang Wiang Chan) is a prefecture of Laos, in northwest Laos. The national capital, Vientiane, is in the prefecture. The prefecture was created in 1989, when it was split off from Vientiane province.
On a curve of the Mekong River, and bordering Thailand, the prefecture covers an area of 3,920 km2 (1,510 sq mi). Vientiane city was built in the 16th century in the reign of King Saysethathirath. The older part of the city has temples, museums, monuments and parks.
Protected areas in the prefecture include Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area, Phou Phanang National Protected Area, and Houay Ngang Forest Reserve.