History of Laos
Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang . Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century, when it became part of French Indochina. In 1975, the communist Pathet Lao took control of the government. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988.
Laos is part of Southeast Asia (SEA). And is landlocked.
Border countries (5): Burma, Cambodia, China, Thailand and Vietnam
Climate is tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)
Natural resources are timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones
Major river: Mekong (shared with Burma, China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam)
Population the most densely populated area is in and around the capital city of Vientiane; large communities are primarily found along the Mekong River along the southwestern border; overall density is considered one of the lowest in Southeast Asia
Ethnic groups
Lao 53.2%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 9.2%, Phouthay 3.4%, Tai 3.1%, Makong 2.5%, Katong 2.2%, Lue 2%, Akha 1.8%, other 11.6% (2015 est.)
note: the Laos Government officially recognizes 49 ethnic groups, but the total number of ethnic groups is estimated to be well over 200
Languages
Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages
Religions
Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.)
Population distribution
most densely populated area is in and around the capital city of Vientiane; large communities are primarily found along the Mekong River along the southwestern border; overall density is considered one of the lowest in Southeast Asia
Environment - current issues
unexploded ordnance (UXO); deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; water pollution, most of the population does not have access to potable water
Major infectious diseases
degree of risk: very high (2020)
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vector borne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Laos]
[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/laos/]
Major Cities
Capital of Laos is Vientiane
Savannakhet
Pakse
Luang Probang
Xam Neua
Lima Sites - Landing Sites in Laos
Major Sites
PDJ - Plaine des Jarres (French) for Plain of Jars
[https://www.memoriesofnakedfanny.com/HCMTrailRide/placestogothepdj/]
Tribes
Laos has historically been a country of emigration and internal displacement due to conflict and a weak economy. The Laos civil war (1953 – 1975) mainly caused internal displacement (numbering in the hundreds of thousands). Following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, indigenous people in remote, war-struck areas were resettled and more than 300,000 people fled to Thailand to escape the communist regime that took power. The majority of those who sought refuge in Thailand ultimately were resettled in the US (mainly Hmong who fought with US forces), and lesser numbers went to France, Canada, and Australia.
Summary
After the end of the Vietnam War, Laos became communist.
Laos has been in turmoil since almost forever. The colonial French added the “s” on the end of Lao (to make Lao plural) when they combined three “kingdoms” in 1893. It never worked out. Fast forward to 1954 when Vietnam defeated the French at Dien Bien Phu. The Geneva Accords that followed set the stage separating Vietnam into two different countries.
From <https://www.memoriesofnakedfanny.com/HCMTrailRide/placestogolimasites/>
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)