Description: Laos: A unique country and travel destination. Site includes Buddhism, history, people, animals, culture, transport, hotels and food
asia (2497) buddhism (758) buddha (663) laos (283) jars (118) theravada (82) mekong (45) vientiane (28) luang prabang (25) theravada buddhism (8)
There are some 6 million people living in a country about the size of Britain. The mix is wide and colourful with an official tally of 68 different ethnic groups. They range from sophisticated city dwellers to isolated hilltribe people living high in the remote hills.
About 60% of the population are Theravada Buddhists and this is recognised as the state religion. Spirit worship is widely practised, not only by most of the other 40% but by many Buddhists too.
The Mekong valley has been fought over for thousands of years. But modern Laos started coming into shape with the arrival of Buddhism in 1356. French colony 1893–1953; Japanese occupation 1941–45; the secret war linked to the Vietnam war 1964–73; communist Lao People's Democratic Republic born 1975 and closed period of repression and killings began; softening political regime and move towards capitalist economy in recent years.