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People
 The
population of Lao PDR has reached 5,218,000, and
is growing at an annual 2.4%. The average population
density is 21 per square kilometre, giving Lao
the lowest population density in Asia. The highest
population in Lao is in Vientiane municipality,
with 149 per square kilometre, while the lowest
population density is in Saysomboun Special Zone,
at 8 per square kilometre.
The estimate populations of the major provinces
are:
598,000 in Vientiane prefecture:
766,000 in Savannakhet;
572,000 in Champassak;
416,000 in Luang Prabang; 333,000 in Sayaboury
 About
85% of the population are rural dwellers, and
the 1999 census revealed that there were 60,000
more women then men.
Over 70% (2,220,547) are engaged in productive
work, and 936,870 are unemployed, a classification
which includes students (69.4%), domestic workers
(12.6%), the aged (14.6%).
There are 576,758 people at work in towns, and
2,580,659 work in the countryside.An age-group
breakdown gives: 0-14 years - 2,251,600; 15,59
years -2,548,800; 60 years and above - 290,700
people.
The population consists of 94 ethnic groups, in
four main linguistic families, according to preliminary
figures given to a symposium on the name of ethnic
groups on August 13-14,2000 The Mone-Khmer family
has 32 ethnic groups which include Khmu, Pray,
Singmou, Khom, Thene, Idou, Bid, Lamad, Samtao,
Katang, Makong, Try, Trieng, Ta-oi, Yeh, Brao,
Harak, Katou, Oi, Krieng, Yrou, Souai, Gnaheune,
Lavy, Kabkae, Khmer, Toum, Ngouane, Meuang, and
Kri.The Lao-Tai family includes eight groups:
Lao, Prouthai, Tai, Lue, Gnouane, Young, Saek,
and Thai Neua.
The Tibeto-Burnese family includes seven ethnic
groups: Ahka, Singsali, Lahou, Sila, hayi, Lolo
and Hor.
The Hmong-Ioumien category has two main tribes:
Hmong and Ioumien.
These multi-ethnic people of Lao are generally
scattered across the country, while each has its
own unique tradition, culture and language.Lao
people are frank, open and friendly, and they
possess a strongly developed sense of courtesy
and respect. Everyone who adheres to the latter
will receive warm welcome.
The generally accepted from the greeting among
Lao people is the Nop. It is perform by placing
one palm together in a position of praying at
chest level, but not touching the body. The higher
the hands, the greater the sign of respect to
persons of higher status and age.
 It
is also used as and expression of thanks, regret
or saying good-bye. But with western people it
is acceptable to shake hands. When entering a
Wat or a private home it is customary to remove
one's shoes. In Lao homes raised off the ground,
the shoes are left at the stairs. In traditional
homes one sits on low seats or cushions on the
floor.
Men usually sit with their legs crossed or folded
to one side, women prefer solely the latter. Upon
entering guests may be served fruit or tea. These
gestures of hospitality should not be refused.
Language
Lao language is the national language.
Other languages used are French, English, Chinese,
Thai and Vietnamese.Buddhism first appeared in
Laos during the eighth century A.D. as shown by
both the Buddha image and the stone inscription
found at Ban Talat near Vientiane, now exhibited
at the Museum of Hoprakao After the foundation
of the unified Kingdom of Lane Xang, King Fan
gum (14th century) declared.
Religion
 Buddhism
first appeared in Laos during the eighth century
A.D. as shown by both the Buddha image and the
stone inscription found at Ban Talat near Vientiane,
now exhibited at the Museum of Hoprakao After
the foundation of the unified Kingdom of Lane
Xang, King Fan gum (14th century) declared. Buddhism
as the state religion and urged the people to
the abandon animism or other beliefs such as the
cult of spirits. His policy meant to develop the
Laos culture based on a common faith: the Theravada
Buddhism.Today Theravada Buddhism is the professed
religion of about 90% of Lao people. Buddhism
is an inherent feature of daily life and casts
a strong influence on Lao society.
 Lao
woman can be seen each morning giving alms to
monks, earring merit to lessen the number of their
rebirth. Lao men are expected to be come a monk
for at least a short time in their lives. Traditionally
they spent three months during the rainy season
in a Wat. A Buddhist temple. But nowadays most
men curtail their stay to one or two weeks.Laos
has a total population of 4.6 million, 13% of
whom live in Vientiane province. People share
a rich ethnic diversity, comprising such groups
Hmong, Khmu, Yao, Akha, Lu etc. Most of them have
kept their own customs; dialects and traditional
dress in total 47 different groups are accounted
for in Laos. These can be classified into three
broad groups
- The Lao Lum (lowlanders) who make up 70% of
the population and predominantly live Mekong River.
- The Lao Theung (uplands) who comprise 20% of
the population and on the lope and with an elevation
of less than 1,000metres.
The Lao Song (hill tribes) who constitute 10%
of the population and live in the mountainous
areas.The population density of Laos amounts to
19 people per square kilometer, a small number
compared to the country's neighbors: 120 people
per square kilometer in Thailand; and 200 people
per square kilometer in China |
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