Saravane Province occupies an area of 10,691 square kilometres and has a total population of 324,470 people (2005 census). It comprises eight districts - Muang Lakhonpheng, Muang Toumlan, Muang Taoy, Muang Wapi, Muang Khongxedon, Muang Saravane, Muang Laongam and Muang Samuoi. In addition to the majority Lao population (Tai-Kadai/Tay-Thai/South Western Tay-Thai/Lao-Lu), Austro-Thai speakers are represented here by Phu Tai (Tai-Kadai/Tay-Thai/South Western Tay-Thai/Tai); and Austro-Asiatic speakers by Loven and Talieng (Mon-Khmer/Bahnaric) and Alak, Bru, Ca Tu, Katang, Kui, Nghe, Pa Co and Ta Oi (Mon-Khmer/Katuic). The province is best known for the Bolaven Plateau, which also extends into Attapeu, Champassak and Sekong Provinces. It is home to the Phu Xieng Thong National Biodiversity Conservation Area, which occupies nearly 1,000 square metres in the western part of the province next to the Mekong river. It is thought that Asiatic black bear, banteng, clouded leopard, douc langur, elephant, gibbon, guar, Siamese crocodile and tiger inhabit this area.