Savannakhet is a province of Laos, covering an area of 21,774 square kilometres (8,407 sq mi). The name derives from Savanh Nakhone (“heavenly district” or “land of fertility suitable for agriculture”) the province’s original name.

The province is located in the southern part of the country and is the largest province in Laos. It borders Khammouane Province to the north, Quảng Trị and Thừa Thiên–Huế provinces of Vietnam to the east, Salavan Province to the south, and Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan provinces of Thailand to the west. The Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge over  the Mekong connects Mukdahan Province in Thailand with Savannakhet in Laos.

Along with Bolikhamsai and Khammouane, Savannakhét Province is one of the main tobacco  main tobacco producing areas of Laos. It has numerous natural resources. 

Areas under protection in the province include Xe Bang Nouan National Biodiversity Conservation Area to the south, Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Area to the southeast, and Phou Xang He National Protected Area to the north. Phou Xang He has rocky mountain ranges, and is known for local Puthai culture. The Dong Phou Vieng is known for its ancient forest with tall vegetation, a sacred lake.

Sepon mine, situated about 250 miles (400 km) southeast of Vientiane, is the largest mine in Laos, with reserves of copper and gold. Early exploration occurred in 1990 by Australian mining company CRA, which was subsequently awarded a contract. It is now operated, and 90% owned by MMG Limited. Other mining companies operating in the province (2008) include: Wanrong Cement III, Lane Xang Minerals LTD (Vilabuly District), Lane Xang Minerals Ltd (Vilabuly District), Lao State Gypsum Mining Co Ltd (Champhone District), and Savan Gypsum Mining Co. (Champhone District). 

The Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge – opened in 2007 – make up a large part of the East-West Economic Corridor, a sub-regional socio-economic development project that links Danang Port in South China Sea through central of Laos and north and northeastern of Thailand to Mawlamyine Port of Myanmar.

Savan-Seno Special Economic Zone was established in 2003 and it is the first SEZ established in Laos, covering 954 ha. Companies operating in the special zone receive special tax rates and other incentives.

References:

1. Wikipedia ‘Savanakhet Province’: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savannakhet_Province
2. IPD ‘Savannakhet Province’: http://www.investlaos.gov.la/index.php/where-to-invest/provinces/savanhnakhet