Laos
A stunning country by-Ethan W 6th Period
An overview of Laos
Flag of Laos
The red stands for the blood shed that the Laotian people shed for their independence. The blue stands for their wealth and prosperity. The white disc represents the full moon over the Mekong river which is the main water source of Laos.
People of Laos
Over 60% of people in Laos are from the Lao ethnic group. This is the main ethnic group of Laos. Two other minor ethnic groups include Khmu , and Hmong.
Capital Building of Laos
This is the capital building of Laos. It's temple like design is really descriptive of Laos' culture. Many temples are found in rural areas of Laos
Laos, "Simply Beautiful"
Geography and Climate of Laos
Mekong River
The Mekong river is located on the western side of Laos. It is a main travel route for many people because it travels along the side of Laos.
Phou Bia
Phou Bia is the largest mountain in Laos. It is located in a remote jungle. In 1970 a airplane crashed into the side of the mountain.
Many Mountains
Laos has 7 main mountains and many other mountain ranges. Their geography is very similar to Phoenix because of how many mountains and height of mountains.
Laos' People and Culture
The population of Laos in 2011 was 6,288,037 a big increase from 1995 when the population was only 4,795,000. Part of this change has been the amount of babies born. In UN estimates the lives births per year have almost doubled while deaths per year have only increased by 2,000.
Laos is full of many different ethnic groups. In 1995 Laos recognized 149 different ethnic groups. 55% of people in Laos are from the Lao ethnic group. Khmu is the second largest ethnic group at 11%. Hmong is third at 8% and Vietnamese is fourth at 2%.
Larb
Larb is a traditional food of Laos. It is very similar to a chicken salad but the meat is usually seasoned and raw. The meat is normally surrounded by herbs and greens.
Stickey Rice & Rice
Rice is a commonly grown crop during the wet seasons were rain is abundant. Overall rice production increased during 1980. Laos is the worlds largest producer of sticky rice, something most normal people take for granite. Last year Laos at the most rice in the world!
Livestock
Livestock is a more minor part of Laos' agriculture. Even though it is a minor supply it is very important in many of their dishes such as Larb were raw meat is used.
Babies
In the latest census it showed that live births in Laos have almost doubled while deaths have only increased by 2,000. This is one of the reasons Laos' population has greatly increased since the 1980's, The early stages of their communist government.
Khmu
Khmu is one of the largest ethnic groups in northern Laos.There are more than 500,000 Khmu around the world.
Vietnamese
When Laos was occupied by the french the brought many people from Vietnam with them. The Vietnamese ethnic group accounts for only 2% of Laos' ethnic group.
Government
Capital Building
This is the capital building of Laos. It is located in Veintiane.
Location of Veintiane
Vientiane is located in the western half of Laos. Vientiane is located on the Mekong river which runs through Laos.
Communist government
Laos is a communist country. Much of this was influenced by Vietnam. Like many other countries Laos is finally accepting capitalism as part of its economy.
Economy of Laos
Laos Stock Exchange
This is Laos' first and only stock exchange. It was created in 2011. Laos was communist and this is a step forward to an open economy.
Laos poverty
Most rural places in Laos have major poverty. With a growing economy this could soon change and most poverty would be gone in Laos.
Statues
With many statues like this one to see Laos' economy could greatly increase because of all the tourism. This statue is Haw Phra Kaew.