Xaisomboun province

Province of Laos Province in Laos Xaisomboun (Lao: ໄຊສົມບູນ, pronounced [sáj.sǒm.bùːn]) is a province in central Laos, between Vientiane province and Xiangkhouang province. Xaisomboun town in Anouvong District is the economic centre. There are copper and gold mining operations at Sana Somboun. Geography Tree-cover loss year in Xaisomboun, 2001-2024, from the Global Forest Change dataset. Phou Bia mountain from Xaysomboun town To the northeast of the town of Xaisomboun in neighbouring Xiangkhouang province is Phou Bia Mountain—at 2,819 m (9,249 ft) the highest point in Laos. The principal river, the Nam Ngum, has been subject to a hydroelectric scheme with the creation of a dam and reservoir and an underground power plant. In March 2014 it was announced that the Chinese company Norinco International Cooperation, Ltd. had invested US$218 million in the development, projected to take 42 months. Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area is a protected area 40 kilometres (25 mi) northeast of Vientiane. It was established on 29 October 1993 covering an area of 2,000 km2 (770 sq mi) extending into neighboring provinces. It has a stretch of mountain ran