Laos Internet Culture Project Presentation Lang 5324 By James Teague

Location Laos is a country in Southeast Asia. It is about 91,430 square miles, which is slightly bigger than the state of Utah. About 6.8 million people live in Laos.

The Laos Flag

Laos Capital The capital city of Laos is Vientiane. The Golden Stupa in Vientiane is a national symbol of Laos. Geography Laos is known for its mountains and rivers.

History Some of the land that is now Laos was owned by the Siamese, the Japanese, and the French. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Laos was involved in the second Indochina war and there was heaving bombing in the country. The country’s government and people have gone through many changes since then.

Government It is a Communist State. The Executive Branch includes: – A President – A Chairman – A Council for Ministers – An 11 member Politburo – A 55 member Central Committee There is only one legal political party. It is called Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, or LPRP. President Choummaly Sayasone

Religion The main religion is Buddhism. Animism is common in the mountain tribes.

Trade Main Exports Gold and copper Electricity Wood Clothes Coffee Agriculture Main Imports Fuel Food Machinery Cars

Language The official language is Lao. They teach English and French in schools. Currency Use kip for money. About 8,500 kip is the same as one dollar. The biggest bill in Laos is kip, which is worth about $6.

Food Sticky rice is eaten with hands. A very popular meal is called Larb. It is a mixture of meat, greens, and spices. Salads are common too.

Weather Laos has a tropical monsoon climate. The rainy season is from May to October. The dry season is from November to April. March, April, and May are usually hot.

Natives of Laos Laos is very poor country. More people work in the country than in the city. They are known for being open, friendly, and respectful people. The life expectancy is only 56 years there.