Laos
Ryan 1st Period
Introduction
This is the flag of Laos.
The national flag of Laos was officially adopted on December 2, 1975. The red color signify bloodshed and sacrifice in the freedom struggle. Blue represents resources of the country and the white moon is the moon over Mekong river.
Patuxay, Vientiane, Laos
The Mekong River
Slogan-Laos "Come enjoy and experience the nature."
Geography/Climate of Laos
The Mekong River.
Map of the South East Asia
The Mekong River
People and Culture
The small country of Laos has at least 49 ethnic groups and each of them preserves their own dialect, customs, culture, and tradition. However, because over half of the popuation are ethnic Lao (previously called Lao Loum) this is obviously the most dominate group in Laos and the one that most people encounter as the Laos culture. The rich culture of Laos is rooted in immense spirituality, as the predominent religion of Theravada Buddhism has influences extending from lifestyle to art and architecture. This is encountered in ceremonies like the baci or Sou Khoun (a ceremony to enrich the spirit) and the common practice of alms giving every morning at sunrise.
Most villages have at least one temple. These temples are not only for monks to eat and pray, they are also the main centre for social and recreational activities such as village meetings, religious ceremonies and festivals. In urban areas, temples sometimes serve as shelters for homeless and disadvantaged people. Sometimes when someone dies in an accident or outside their houses the body will be taken to the temple and kept there for a few days for religious ceremonies before it is cremated.
One of Laos' festivals is called Tet (Laos' New Year). Lao’s New Year is traditional Bunpimai or Water Festival that takes place from April 13th to 16th every year. People splash water to pray for luck and peace for the whole year. Water is used for washing homes, Buddha statues, monks, and soaking friends and passer-byes. People first pour water on their elders, then monks for blessing of a long life and peace, and last of all they throw water on each other. During these days, people also build sand towers, set animals free such as tortoises, fish, crabs, birds, eels, and other small animals, eat traditional Lap dish, and pick flowers. With the Laotians, the customs of the Bunpimai festival means bringing the prosperity and happy life, a chance to protect and promote traditional arts. One of the other activities they do is the beauty pageant in Luang Prabang to crown Miss Pbeemai Lao (Miss Lao New Year). There are many beauty pageants in Laos, but Luang Prabang - the old capital - is widely known for its Nangsoukhane pageant. There are seven contestants, each one symbolizing one of King Kabinlaphom's seven daughters.
Laos Clothing
Laos Monks
Buddha Statue
Miss New Year
Happy Laos New Year!
Water Gun Attack
Top 10 Historical Events
1. 1954-Laos gains full independence from France. Civil war starts between royalists and communists.
2. 1975-Communists take control of the government. Socialist transformation of the economy is launched.
3. 1979-Government changed approach due to food shortages and hundreds of thousands of people flee to Thailand. Agricultural private enterprise was permitted.
4. 1989-First elections held since 1975. Communists retained power. Laos open to foreign tourism for the first time since 1975.
5. 1992-U.S. restored diplomatic ties with Laos.
6. 1994-Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River linked Thailand and Laos. Laos and Vietnam signed bilateral Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.
7. 2000-Government began decentralizing with more autonomy and budgetary responsibilities given to provinces.
8. 2001-International Monetary Fund approved $40 million loan to strengthen economy and reduce poverty.
9. 2005-U.S. establishes Normal Trade Relations with Laos that ends long period of import taxes.
10. 2011-Laos opens its first stock exchange.
Government and Citizenship
Laos Leader
Economy
Company List
Peabody Coal company
Walmart
Best Western
McDonalds
I believe that McDonalds restaurants would attract more tourists to Laos since the name is well known so they would make more profit. McDonalds would benefit from the inexpensive labor Laos would provide. Also more tourism means more profit for them. Laos benefits from more tourism from people coming to McDonalds which means that other businesses in Laos would benefit which may help Laos's economy.