Laos

Laos is ethnically diverse, with the lowland Lao majority and many upland minority groups. Lao is the official language; the population is small and largely rural.

Theravada Buddhism is the dominant faith, woven into Lao culture, alongside animist traditions among highland groups.

Society

Laos has improved literacy and health but remains poor and rural, with development concentrated along the Mekong and around Chinese-funded projects.