Modern-day Laos traces its roots back to the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang. From the late 18th century until the late 19th century, Laos was under the control of Siam (present-day Thailand) before becoming part of French Indochina. In 1975, the communist Pathet Lao movement took control of the government. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988. CIA’s World Factbook is a public resource providing basic information on 258 w

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830. The country prospered as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. The capital city of Brussels is home to numerous international organizations, including the EU and NATO. CIA’s World Factbook is a public resource providing basic information on 258 world entities, including country profiles and one-page factsheets. Learn more. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belgium/ | Central Intelli

Many empires have controlled Tunisia, including the Phoenicians (as early as the 12th century B.C.), Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, various Arab and Berber kingdoms, and Ottomans. In 1818, France established a protectorate over Tunisia, which the French later recognized as an independent state in 1956. CIA’s World Factbook is a public resource providing basic information on 258 world entities, including country profiles and one-page factsheets. Learn more. https://www.cia.gov/the-wo

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The Maya civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year guerrilla war that finally ended in 1996. CIA’s World Factbook is a public resource providing basic information on 258 world entities, including country profiles and one-page fact