Tag: Laos

Population There are four major ethnic groups, each with its own language. Lao-tai can be found throughout the Laotian territory, especially in the highlands, which is divided into black tai and red tai (predominant colors in women's clothing). The Lao-theng tribe, who are supposed to be descendants of the primitive residents of the region, are also spread throughout the country and in neighboring countries. In contrast, in the lowlands, cities and near the Mekong River, live the Lao-Lu, who speak Laotian Tai. Lastly, the lao-soung group. In religious matters, there are 57.8% Buddhists, 33.6% animists (especially from the lao-theng group), 3.8% non-religious, 1.5% Christians and 1% Muslims. The vast majority of the population practice Theravada Buddhism. The Chinese and Vietnamese minorities especially practice Mahayana Buddhism and Confucianism. According to internetsailors.com,…

History In the 8th century, the migrations of the Lao people began from southern China, displacing the hill tribes. In 1353, the kingdom of Lan Xang was established by Fa Ngum. During the 18th century it was divided into three kingdoms: Luang Prabang, Vieng Chang, and Champassak. Burmese, Siamese, Vietnamese and Chinese invasions followed. In 1893, France established the protectorate over Vieng Chang, and then over the other two kingdoms. Laos proclaimed its independence in 1945, during the Japanese occupation. When Japan surrendered, the return to the French protectorate was announced by the King of Laos, Sisavang Vong. In 1953, Laos achieved its independence. Prince Souphanou Vong, with the help of the Viet Minh, declared war on the Luang Prabang regime and established the Pathet Lao government. A year later, in 1954, the Geneva Conference ratified the country's independence, with the exception…

According to ezinereligion, in 2007, the population of Laos was estimated to be around 6.3 million people, with the Lao ethnic majority making up approximately 68% of the population and other ethnic minorities making up the remaining 32%. The economy in 2007 was largely based on subsistence agriculture and forestry, although there had been a steady increase in foreign direct investment in recent years due to its strategic location between South East Asian countries. In terms of foreign relations, Laos had strong ties with its Southeast Asian neighbors, as well as with China and Russia. Politically, Laos was a single-party socialist republic led by the Communist Party of Laos; the National Assembly served as the legislature and elections were held every five years for both offices. In 2007, President Khamtay…