In the early 20th century, Laos became a protectorate state of France.
After briefly coming under Japanese rule during World War II, France regained control and continued ruling after 1945.
In 1949, Laos gained autonomy.
However, in the 1950s, conflict erupted between the left-wing political faction and the right-wing and centrist political faction, resulting in a civil war.
In 1975, the civil war ended, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, or Lao PDR, was established.
The first general election was held in 1989, and a new constitution was drafted based on socialist doctrine.