[127] In 2019, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights conducted an official visit to Laos and found that the country's top-down approach to economic growth and poverty alleviation "is all too often counterproductive, leading to impoverishment and jeopardizing the rights of the poor and marginalised. There are two plateaux, the Xiangkhoang in the north and the Bolaven Plateau at the southern end. ", Barclay, Adam and Shrestha, Samjhana (April–June 2006), Department of Statistics, Ministry of Planning and Investment, 2009. [151] Government expenditure on health is about four percent of GDP,[151] about US$18 (PPP) in 2006. [108][109], Human rights advocates including Vang Pobzeb, Kerry and Kay Danes, and others have also raised concerns about human rights violations, torture, the arrest and detention of political prisoners as well as the detention of foreign prisoners in Laos including at the infamous Phonthong Prison in Vientiane. With one-party state status of Laos, the General Secretary (party leader) holds ultimate power and authority over state and government and serves as the supreme leader. Recognised asylum seekers were given resettlement opportunities, while the remaining refugees were to be repatriated under guarantee of safety. [129], The tourism sector has grown rapidly, from 80,000 international visitors in 1990, to 1.876 million in 2010,[130] when tourism had been expected to rise to US$1.5857 billion by 2020. Setthathirath became king in 1548, after his father was killed, and ordered the construction of what became the symbol of Laos, That Luang. The proto-historic period is characterised by contact with Chinese and Indian civilisations. [120] Rice dominates agriculture, with about 80% of the arable land area used for growing rice. Moreover, 130,000 deaths can be attributed to the civil war. You'll be very glad to see the light at the other end of the tunnel. Very few of the Lao refugees, however, were willing to return voluntarily. He encouraged a renaissance of Lao fine arts and literature and improved relations with Luang Phrabang. It is a hand-woven silk skirt that can identify the woman who wears it in a variety of ways. Bordered by the Mekong River and the Nam Khan (Khan River), this timeless city of temples is the stuff of travel legends: rich in royal history, saffron-clad monks, stunning river views, world-class cuisine and some of the best boutique accommodation in the region. France remained in de facto control until 22 October 1953, when Laos gained full independence as a constitutional monarchy. [157], Australian filmmaker Kim Mordount's first feature film was made in Laos and features a Laotian cast speaking their native language. The close ties between Laos and Vietnam were formalised via a treaty signed in 1977, which has since provided direction for Lao foreign policy, and provides the basis for Vietnamese involvement at all levels of Lao political and economic life. [67] Trade relations with the United States were normalised in November 2004 through Congress approved legislation. Between tubing and cycling through paddy fields, grab a kayak, spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins, and then round off your day with a sunset boat trip. Laos was then dependent on military and economic aid from the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991. Laos's first French-written and monarchical constitution was promulgated on 11 May 1947, and declared Laos an independent state within the French Union. Thailand (invested US$4.489 billion) and Vietnam (invested US$3.108 billion) are the second and third largest investors respectively. Mother River: a journey along the Mekong in Laos. [78] Following the Vue Mai incident, debate over the Hmong's planned repatriation to Laos intensified greatly, especially in the United States, where it drew strong opposition from many American conservatives and some human rights advocates. Compare millions of flights, as well as car hire and hotels worldwide - for free! It may not have Luang Prabang’s looks, but Vientiane has a certain charm all of its own. [45], The official and majority language is Lao, a language of the Tai-Kadai language family. A second Provisional Government of National Unity formed by Prince Souvanna Phouma in 1962 was unsuccessful, and the situation steadily deteriorated into large scale civil war between the Royal Laotian government and the Pathet Lao. [145], Hill people and minority cultures of Laos such as the Hmong, Yao (Mien) (Hmong-Mien), Dao, Shan, and several Tibeto-Burman speaking peoples have lived in isolated regions of Laos for many years. [143] Ten percent belong to other "lowland" groups, which together with the Lao people make up the Lao Loum (lowland people). Laos' strategies for development are based on generating electricity from rivers and selling the power to its neighbours, namely Thailand, China, and Vietnam, as well as its initiative to become a "land-linked" nation, as evidenced by the construction of four new railways connecting Laos and neighbours. [77], In 1993, Vue Mai, a former Hmong soldier and leader of the largest Hmong refugee camp in Thailand, who had been recruited by the US Embassy in Bangkok to return to Laos as proof of the repatriation programme's success, disappeared in Vientiane. [140], The people of Laos are often categorised by their distribution by elevation: (lowlands, midlands and upper high lands) as this somewhat correlates with ethnic groupings. [137] Laos's predominantly rural[138] population makes investing in sanitation difficult. It's a long, hard journey to this remote corner of the country, but well worth the effort. [148], Sixty-six percent of Laotians were Theravada Buddhist, 1.5 percent Christian, 0.1 percent Muslim, 0.1 percent Jewish, and 32.3 percent were other or traditional (mostly practitioners of Satsana Phi) in 2010. [139], The term "Laotian" does not necessarily refer to the Lao language, ethnic Lao people, language or customs. While these tropical islands bounded by the waters of the Mekong are best known as a happy haven for catatonic sun worshippers, more active souls are spoilt for choice. This includes decreasing the environmental and cultural impact of tourism; increasing awareness in the importance of ethnic groups and biological diversity; providing a source of income to conserve, sustain and manage the Lao protected area network and cultural heritage sites; and emphasizing the need for tourism zoning and management plans for sites that will be developed as ecotourism destinations.[133]. [60], The climate is mostly tropical savanna and influenced by the monsoon pattern. Present Laos traces its historic and cultural identity to Lan Xang, which existed from the 14th century to the 18th century as one of the largest kingdoms in Southeast Asia. [45], French is occasionally used in government and commerce. The scheme was aborted in the 1930s. [136], Laos has made particularly noteworthy progress increasing access to sanitation. [126] According to the Global Hunger Index (2018), Laos ranks as the 36th hungriest nation in the world out of the list of the 52 nations with the worst hunger situation(s). The original zipline adventure is the Gibbon Experience which spans the forest valleys of the lush Nam Kan NPA. Feedback Opens in a new window. Skyscanner is the travel search site for savvy travelers. Flights. Although some accusations of forced repatriation were denied,[80] thousands of Hmong people refused to return to Laos. [141] The Lao belong to the Tai linguistic group[142] who began migrating south from China in the first millennium CE. Entitled The Rocket, the film appeared at the 2013 Melbourne International Film Festival and won three awards at the Berlin International Film Festival. [42] As a result, 53% of the population of Vientiane, 85% of Thakhek, and 62% of Pakse were Vietnamese, with only the exception of Luang Prabang where the population was predominantly Lao. Many elements of Lao culture predate Buddhism. Mobile. [42] Otherwise, according to Martin Stuart-Fox, the Lao might well have lost control over their own country. [citation needed], The Lao government controls all media channels to prevent critique of its actions. Ngum was descended from a long line of Lao kings that traced back to Khoun Boulom. [48] Because of the particularly heavy impact of cluster bombs during this war, Laos was a strong advocate of the Convention on Cluster Munitions to ban the weapons and was host to the First Meeting of States Parties to the convention in November 2010.[49]. The politically and culturally dominant Lao people make up 53.2% of the population, mostly in the lowlands. [12] After a period of internal conflict, Lan Xang broke into three separate kingdoms—Luang Phrabang, Vientiane, and Champasak. 1893 - Laos becomes a French protectorate until 1945, when it is briefly occupied by the Japanese towards the end of the Second World War. Travelbag specialise in creating tailor-made holidays to a range of worldwide destinations. There are some public holidays, festivities and ceremonies in Laos. Voluntourism tips: is it ethical to visit orphanages. Bomb Tonnages Dropped on Laos and Cambodia, and Weighing Their Implications", "Fifty years of violent war deaths from Vietnam to Bosnia: analysis of data from the world health survey programme", Politics in Contemporary Southeast Asia: Authority, Democracy and Political Change, Renovation in Vietnam since 1988 a study in political, economic and social change, "Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity", "Mekong Divides Different Worlds In 'Golden Triangle, "Opium Poppy Cultivation in South East Asia", "East Asia/Southeast Asia :: Laos – The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency", "East Asia/Southeast Asia :: Laos — The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency", "Laos promotes PM Thongloun as leader of communist party", http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-7857.html, "OEC – Laos (LAO) Exports, Imports, and Trade Partners", "Q+A – What is the East Asia Summit all about? A post-independence civil war began, which saw the communist resistance, supported by the Soviet Union, fight against the monarchy that later came under influence of military regimes supported by the United States. Lan Xang became an important trade centre during Samsenthai's reign, but after his death in 1421 it collapsed into warring factions for nearly a century. [68] Laos was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July 1997 and acceded to the World Trade Organization in 2016. Announced in 2015, a 414 kilometer high-speed rail line linking Kunming, in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan, with the Laotian capital of Vientiane is about 90% completed as of November 2020; the track is being laid, and the line is expected to be operational sometime in 2022.[134]. Cars. [135]:39–40, In 2004 the net primary enrollment rate was 84%. It has been closed since the 1940s. "Lao Refugees Return Home Under European Union Repatriation Program", Associated Press Worldstream, 22 11, 1994. [41] By 1943, the Vietnamese population stood at nearly 40,000, forming the majority in the largest cities of Laos and enjoying the right to elect its own leaders. [112][113][114], The Lao economy depends on investment and trade with its neighbors, Thailand, Vietnam, and, especially in the north, China. It is evident throughout the country, expressed in language, temples and the arts and literature. [29] He made Theravada Buddhism the state religion, and Lan Xang prospered. There is limited external and internal telecommunication, but mobile phones have become widespread. The village of Ban Kong Lor is now the most convenient base for visiting the cave, after an explosion of guesthouses and small resorts in the last few years. Theravada Buddhism is a dominant influence in Lao culture. [66] Laos also maintained a "special relationship" with Vietnam and formalised a 1977 treaty of friendship and cooperation that created tensions with China. Luang Namtha is the most accessible base for ecotreks in the Nam Ha NPA, one of the best-known trekking spots in the Mekong region, and there are lots of local homestays available in Lanten, Khmu and Tai Daeng communities. [149][150] Buddhism has long been one of the most important social forces in Laos. Five of them were arrested and subsequently sentenced to up to 10 years imprisonment on charges of treason. [137] Laos's progress is notable in comparison to similar developing countries. For example, Laotian music is dominated by its national musical instrument, the khaen, a type of bamboo mouth organ that has prehistoric origins. [25] Archaeological evidence suggests an agriculturist society developed during the 4th millennium BC. [citation needed], Laos's emergence from international isolation has been marked through improved and expanded relations with other nations such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, Australia, France, Japan, and Sweden. The national basketball team competed at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games where it beat Myanmar in the eighth place game. The major roads connecting the major urban centres, in particular Route 13, have been significantly upgraded in recent years, but villages far from major roads can be reached only through unpaved roads that may not be accessible year-round. For example, Article 8 makes it clear that Laos is a multinational state and is committed to equality between ethnic groups. ... Is an alleged drug kingpin from China investing millions in a port in Laos? [122] Laos may have the greatest number of rice varieties in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Once part of an important city, it now sits forlorn on the side of Phu Pasak. [32], In 1637, when Sourigna Vongsa ascended the throne, Lan Xang further expanded its frontiers. All rights reserved. [135]:8 Songthaews are used in the country for long-distance and local public transport. [53][54], The conflict between Hmong rebels and Laos continued in key areas of Laos, including in Saysaboune Closed Military Zone, Xaisamboune Closed Military Zone near Vientiane Province and Xiangkhouang Province. The mining industry of Laos has received prominent attention with foreign direct investments. Cambodia uses Types A, C, or G plugs with two flat pins, two rounded pins, or three flat pins, respectively. Major festivals include Lao New Year celebrated around 13–15 April and involves a water festival similar but more subdued than that of Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Vientiane prefecture, the capital and largest city, had about 683,000 residents in 2020. He later died under suspicious circumstances in a re-education camp. Only 4% of the country is arable land and a mere 0.3% used as permanent crop land,[118] the lowest percentage in the Greater Mekong Subregion. [74], In 1989, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with the support of the US government, instituted the Comprehensive Plan of Action, a programme to stem the tide of Indochinese refugees from Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. [citation needed]. There are many traditions and rituals associated with rice production in different environments and among many ethnic groups. Laos is a member of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement, the ASEAN, East Asia Summit, and La Francophonie. More than half of the nation's population is ethnic Lao—the principal lowland inhabitants, and the politically and culturally dominant people of Laos. The wide streets are bordered by tamarind trees and the narrow alleys conceal French villas, Chinese shophouses and glittering wats. Mon-Khmer groups, the Hmong, and other indigenous hill tribes live in the foothills and mountains. [16][17], The English word Laos was coined by the French, who united the three Lao kingdoms in French Indochina in 1893 and named the country as the plural of the dominant and most common ethnic group, the Lao people. In 2016, China was the biggest foreign investor in Laos's economy, having invested in US$5.395 billion since 1989, according to Laos Ministry of Planning and Investment's 1989–2014 report. "[79] Republicans called several Congressional hearings on alleged persecution of the Hmong in Laos in an apparent attempt to generate further support for their opposition to the Hmong's repatriation to Laos. However, the latter is considered pejorative, meaning 'slave'. The national carrier is Lao Airlines. This Southeast Asian country also attracts … The Lao alphabet, which evolved sometime between the 13th and 14th centuries, was derived from the ancient Khmer script and is very similar to Thai script. [107], Laos and Vietnamese (SRV) troops were reported to have raped and killed four Christian Hmong women in Xiangkhouang Province in 2011, according to the US-based non-governmental public policy research organization The Centre for Public Policy Analysis, which also said other Christian and independent Buddhist and animist believers were being persecuted.