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ປະເທດລາວ / Laos

officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and People's Republic of China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west. Laos traces its history to the Kingdom of Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants, which existed from the 14th to the 18th century.

After a period as a French protectorate, it gained independence in 1949. A long civil war ended officially when the Communist Pathet Lao movement came to power in 1975, but the protesting between factions continued for several years. Forty-four percent of the population lived below the international poverty line of the equivalent of US$1.25 a day according to data from 2006, though the CIA World Factbook currently places this figure at 26%.

 

History

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Laos

 

Geography

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Laos

 

Other info

Oficial Name:

ສາທາລະນະລັດປະຊາທິປະໄຕປະຊາຊົນລາວ

Shathalanat Paxathipatai Paxaxôn Lao

Lao People's Democratic Republic

 

Independence:

19 July 1949

 

Area:

236.800km2

 

Inhabitants:

5.789.000

 

Language:

Aheu [thm] 1,770 in Laos (2000). Pak Sane Province, Khamkeut District, near Lak Sao. Alternate names: Kha Tong Luang, Thavung, Phon Soung, Phonsung, So. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Thavung

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Akha [ahk] 58,000 in Laos (1995 Nguyen Duy Thieu). Luang Namtha, Phongsali provinces. Alternate names: Kaw, Ekaw, Ko, Aka, Ikaw, Ak'a, Ahka, Khako, Hka Ko, Khao Kha Ko, Ikor, Aini, Yani. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Hani, Ha-Ya

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Alak [alk] 4,000 (2000 Bradley). Southern Laos, mainly in Saravan and Sekong provinces. Alternate names: Hrlak. Dialects: Included under Bahnaric as closest to Bahnar, Tampuan, Lamam. Also included under Katuic. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, Central Bahnaric

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Arem [aem] 20 in Laos. Ethnic population: 500 (1995). West central, both sides of the Viet Nam-Laos border, west of Phuc Trach. Alternate names: Chomrau, Chombrau, Umo. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Chut Nearly extinct.

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Bit [bgk] 1,530 in Laos (1985 Proschan). Population total all countries: 2,030. Near the northern border with China, northeast of Namtha, Luang Namtha Province, and south of Boun Neua; Phongsali Province, Boun-Tai, Samphan, and Khoa districts, 8 villages. Also spoken in China. Alternate names: Khabit, Khbit, Phsing, Phsin. Dialects: Not Khmuic, but Palaungic (J-O Svantesson 1990). Related to Khao in Viet Nam. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Khao

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Bo [bgl] 2,950 (2000). Central Laos inland from the bend of the Mekong, Nhang River, around Nape, Kammouan Province and Lak Sao, Bolikhamxay Province, Hinboun District. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Muong

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Bru, Eastern [bru] 69,000 in Laos (1999). Population total all countries: 129,559. Eastern Savannehkhet Province, Sepone District. Also spoken in Thailand, Viet Nam. Dialects: Tri (So Tri, So Trii, Chali). It is partially intelligible with Western Bru of Thailand. Related to Khua. Mangkong in Viet Nam and eastern Laos is a dialect of Eastern Bru, different linguistically from the Mangkong that are the same as So of Thailand. Mangkong is an ethnic group. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Brou-So

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Chut [scb] 450 in Laos (1995 census). Khammouan Province, Bouarapha District, near the Viet Nam border at about the latitude of the Mu Gia Pass. Alternate names: May, Ruc, Sach, Salang. Dialects: May, Ruc. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Chut

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Con [cno] 1,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Luang Namtha Province, southwest of Vieng Pou Kha. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Lametic

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Halang Doan [hld] 2,346 in Laos (2000). Attopeu Province, Kasseng Plateau, Sanxai District, on the left banks of the Kamane and Dak Robay rivers, near the Viet Nam border. Alternate names: Halang Duan, Duan, Doan. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, North Bahnaric, West, Duan

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Hani [hni] 1,122 in Laos (1995). Phongsali Province, along the Yunnan border. None in Thailand. Alternate names: Hanhi, Haw. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Hani, Ha-Ya

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Hmong Daw [mww] 169,800 in Laos (1995 census). Northern Laos. Alternate names: White Meo, White Miao, Meo Kao, White Lum, Bai Miao. Dialects: Hmong Gu Mba (Hmong Qua Mba, Striped Hmong), Mong Leng. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian

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Hmong Njua [blu] 145,600 in Laos (1995). Northern Laos. Alternate names: Blue Meo, Blue Miao, Tak Meo, Hmong Njwa, Hmong Leng, Miao, Meo. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian

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Hung [hnu] 2,000 in Laos (1996 Ferlus). Population total all countries: 2,700 to 3,700. Bolikhamsay, Khammouan provinces. The Toum live northeast of Nape and south of the Phong. Also spoken in Viet Nam. Dialects: Toum (Tum), Phong (Pong, Poong, Pong 1, Pong 2). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Cuoi

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Ir [irr] 4,420 (2000). Saravan Province, east of Saravan town. Alternate names: In, Yir. Dialects: Closest to Ong. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, Central Katuic, Ta'oih

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Iu Mien [ium] 20,250 in Laos (2000). Alternate names: Mien, Man, Yao, Myen, Highland Yao. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Mienic, Mian-Jin

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Jeh [jeh] 8,013 in Laos (1995 census). Southern Laos, Xekong Province, Dakchung District; Attopeu Province, Sanxai District, basin of Poko, Kamane, and Dak Main rivers. Alternate names: Die, Yeh, Gie. Dialects: Jeh Bri La, Jeh Mang Ram. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, North Bahnaric, West, Jeh-Halang

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Jeng [jeg] 7,320 (2000). Attopeu Province, Samakkhixai and Sanamxai districts, 6 villages north of Attopeu town. Alternate names: Cheng, Chiengceng. Dialects: Related to Oy, Sapuan, Sok. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Oi-The

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Kado [kdv] 225 in Laos (2000). Phongsali Province. Alternate names: Kadu, Katu, Asak, Sak, Gadu, Thet. Dialects: Kadu, Ganaan (Ganan), Andro, Sengmai, Chakpa, Phayeng. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Jingpho-Luish, Luish

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Kaduo [ktp] 5,000 in Laos (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Population total all countries: 10,292. North central on the China border, north of Mong Ou Tay. Also spoken in China. Alternate names: Gazhuo. Dialects: No information on intelligibility of other Lolo languages. No significant dialect differences. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Hani, Bi-Ka

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Kang [kyp] 47,636 in Laos (1995 census). Population total all countries: 81,701. Houaphan Province, Xam-Tai District; Xiangkhoang Province, Nonghet District. Also spoken in China. Alternate names: Tai Khang. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui

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Kasseng [kgc] 1,200 (2000 D. Bradley). Ethnic population: 6,000 (2000). Southern Laos near Viet Nam border, Boloven Plateau area north of Attopeu, and between the Jeh, Alak, Laven, and Tareng peoples. Alternate names: Koseng, Kaseng, Kraseng. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Kaseng

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Kataang [kgd] 107,350 (2000). Southern Laos near the Ta'oih and Bru people, around Muong Nong, in Saravan, Savannakhet, Sekong, and Champassak provinces, around Toumlahn District, 2 villages in Khong Chiem, Ubon Ratachatani District, Thailand. Alternate names: Katang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, Central Katuic, Ta'oih

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Katu, Western [kuf] 14,700 (1998). Upper Xe Kong River, high basin of Song Boung River watershed along the Vietnamese border, Sekong, Saravan, and Champassak provinces. Dialects: A different language variety and orthography from Viet Nam. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Katu-Pacoh

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Khlor [llo] 6,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Saravan Province, Laongam District, south of Ir and Ong. Alternate names: Klor, Lor. Dialects: Closest to Ngeq. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Ngeq-Nkriang

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Khmu [kjg] 389,694 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan). Population total all countries: 479,739. Scattered through northern Laos. Also spoken in China, France, Myanmar, Thailand, USA, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Kmhmu, Khmu', Khamu, Kamu, Kammu, Khamuk, Kamhmu, Khomu, Mou, Pouteng, Pu Thenh, Tenh, Theng, Lao Terng. Dialects: Yuan, Khroong (Krong), Luang Prabang, Sayabury, Lyy, Rok, U, Hat. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Khmu'

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Khua [xhv] 2,000 in Laos (1981). Khammouan Province, Bouarapha District, northwest of Boualapha. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Brou-So

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Khuen [khf] 8,000 in Laos (1995 Chazee). Population total all countries: 9,000. Luang Namtha Province, Nale, Sing, and Viangphoukha districts. Near the Lamet people. Also spoken in China, USA. Alternate names: Kween, Khween, Khouen. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Khmu'

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Kim Mun [mji] 4,500 in Laos (1995 Chazee). Northwestern Laos, Luang Namtha Province, Long, Namtha districts; Huay Sai Province; Nam Moh District, Udom Sai Province, Nam Moh District; Bokeo Province. Alternate names: Mun, Lan Tin, Lanten, Man Lan-Tien, Lowland Yao, Jim Mun. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Mienic, Mian-Jin

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Kiorr [xko] 2,359 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan). Louang Nam Tha and Bokeo provinces, 6 villages. Also spoken in Myanmar. Alternate names: Saamtaav, Samtao, Samtao 2, Con, Col. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Angkuic

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Kuan [uan] 2,500 (1995 census). Bolikhamxay Province, Viangthong District, near the Mouan River. Dialects: Some classification problems, possibly because of migration. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Unclassified

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Kuy [kdt] 51,180 in Laos (2000). 80% monolingual. Savannakhet, Saravan, Sedone provinces. A large group on both sides of the Mekong in southern Laos. Alternate names: Sui, Suai, Suay, Suoi, Soai, Suei, Aouei, Kuoy, Kui, Dui, Khamen-Boran, Old Khmer, Cuoi. Dialects: Antra, Na Nhyang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Kuay-Nheu

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Lahu [lhu] 8,702 in Laos (1995 census). Bokeo Province, Peung, Tonpheung, Houayxay districts. Alternate names: Museu, Mussuh, Muhso, Musso. Dialects: Na (Black Lahu, Musser Dam, Northern Lahu, Loheirn), Nyi (Red Lahu, Southern Lahu, Musseh Daeng, Luhishi, Luhushi), Shehleh. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Lahu

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Lahu Shi [kds] 3,240 in Laos (2000). Population total all countries: 40,240. Bokeo Province, Kentung District. Also spoken in China, Myanmar, Thailand, USA, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Kutsung, Kucong, Yellow Lahu, Shi, Kui, Kwi. Dialects: Difficult intelligibility of Black Lahu. A distinct language from Nyi (Red Lahu). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Lahu

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Lamet [lbn] 16,740 in Laos (1995 census). Population total all countries: 16,864. Northwestern Laos, Luang Namtha, Bokeo provinces. Also spoken in Thailand, USA. Alternate names: Lemet, Kha Lamet, Khamet, Khamed, Rmeet. Dialects: Upper Lamet, Lower Lamet. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Lametic

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Lao [lao] 3,000,000 in Laos (1991 UBS). Population total all countries: 3,188,577. Mekong River Valley from Luang Prabang south to the Cambodian border. The Lao Kao went to Thailand and are in Nan, Loei, Saraburi, and elsewhere; the Lao-Khrang are in the Nakhonsawan and Nakhon Pathom area. May also be in Viet Nam. Also spoken in Australia, Cambodia, Canada, France, Thailand, USA. Alternate names: Laotian Tai, Laotian, Phou Lao, Eastern Thai, Lum Lao, Lao Wiang, Lao Kao, Rong Kong, Tai Lao, Lao-Tai, LÃ o, Lao-Lum, Lao-Noi. Dialects: Luang Prabang, Vientiane (Wiang Jan), Savannakhet (Suwannakhet), Pakse, Lao-Kao, Lao-Khrang. Dialect cluster with Northeastern Tai of Thailand. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Lao-Phutai

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Laos Sign Language [lso] Dialects: Related to sign languages in Viet Nam and earlier ones in Thailand. Classification: Deaf sign language

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Lave [brb] 12,750 in Laos (1984). Population total all countries: 18,444. Attopeu Province, Laos-Cambodian border. Also spoken in Cambodia, France, USA, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Brao, Braou, Brau, Proue, Brou, Love, Laveh, Rawe. Dialects: Palau. Close to Krung 2, Kravet, Sou. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Brao-Kravet

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Laven [lbo] 40,519 in Laos (1995 census). Southwestern Laos, Champassak, Attopeu provinces, Boloven Plateau, near the Alak. Also spoken in USA. Alternate names: Loven, Boloven, Boriwen, Laweenjru, Jaru, Jru', Jruq. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Laven

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Lü [khb] 134,100 in Laos (2000). Western Phongsali, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Udomxay, Xanyabouli, Luang Prabang provinces. Alternate names: Lue, Lu, Pai-I, Shui-Pai-I. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Northwest

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Mal [mlf] 23,193 in Laos (1995 census). Population total all countries: 26,193. Xaignabouli Province, Phiang District, west of the Mekong River. Also spoken in Thailand, USA. Alternate names: Khatin, T'in, Htin, Thin, Tin. Dialects: Not intelligible with Lua, Phai, or Pray 3. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Mal-Phrai

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Maleng [pkt] 800 in Laos (1996 Ferlus). Population total all countries: 1,000. Khammouan Province, Nakay District, Nam Theun Valley, near the banks of the Theun River. Also spoken in Viet Nam. Alternate names: Malieng, Malang. Dialects: Maleng, Pakatan (Kha Pakatan), Malang, Hareme. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Chut

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Mlabri [mra] 24 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan). Xaignabouli Province, Phiang District, near Thailand border. Alternate names: Mla, Mla-Bri, Mabri, Mrabri, Yumbri, Ma Ku, Yellow Leaf. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mlabri

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Ngeq [ngt] 12,189 (1995 census). 70% monolingual. Southern Laos, Sekong, Saravan, Champassak provinces, 25 villages. Alternate names: Ngeh, Nge', Ngae, Kriang, Nkriang. Dialects: Closest to Khlor. Related to Alak 2. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Ngeq-Nkriang

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Nung [nut] A few in Laos. Alternate names: Nong. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Central

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Nyaheun [nev] 5,152 (1995 census). Eastern part of Boloven Plateau near Sekong and Paksong. Alternate names: Nha Heun, Nyah Heuny, Hoen, Nia Hoen, Hun, Hin, Niahon, Nyahön, Yaheun. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Nyaheun

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O'du [tyh] 194 in Laos (1996 F. Proschan). Xiang Khoang Province, Nonghet District. Alternate names: O Du, Iduh, 'Iduh, "Tay Hat", "Hat", "Haat". Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Khmu'

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Ong [oog] 10,300 (2000). Saravan Province, north of Saravan town. Alternate names: Tong, Hantong. Dialects: Closest to Ir. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, Central Katuic, Ta'oih

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Oy [oyb] 14,947 (1995 census). 80% monolingual. Attopeu Province, at the foot of the Bolaven Plateau near Pakse. Alternate names: Huei, Oi. Dialects: Riyao, Tamal Euy, Inn Tea, Kranyeu. Related to Jeng, Sapuan, Sok, The. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Oi-The

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Pacoh [pac] 13,224 in Laos (1995 census). 70% monolingual. Saravan Province, Samouay District; Savannakhet Province, Nong District. Alternate names: Bo River Van Kieu, Pokoh. Dialects: Pahi. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Katu-Pacoh

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Phai [prt] 15,000 in Laos (1995 census). Phongsali Province, Boun-Tai, Boun-Nua, Phongsali, Samphan districts; Xaignabouli Province, Hongsa, Xaignabouli, Phiang districts. Alternate names: Thung Chan Pray, Phay, Kha Pray, Pray 1, Prai. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Mal-Phrai

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Phana' [phq] 350 (1995 census). Luang Namtha Province, Luang Namtha District, Bopiet and Namtoung villages; Bokeo Province, Houayxay District, one village. Alternate names: Pana', Bana'. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha

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Phong-Kniang [pnx] 1,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Southern Houaphan Province, Viangthong and Houamuang districts, near the Neun River; northern Xieng Khouang Province. Alternate names: Pong 3, Khaniang, Kenieng, Keneng, Lao Phong. Dialects: Related to Puoc and Khang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Xinh Mul

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Phu Thai [pht] 154,400 in Laos (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). Khammouan, Savannakhet, Saravan, Champassak provinces; some found in Oudomxai and Luang Prabang provinces. Alternate names: Putai, Phutai, Puthay. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Lao-Phutai

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Phuan [phu] 106,099 in Laos (2000 WCD). Bolikhamxai, Vientiane, Xiangkhoang, and Houaphan. Alternate names: Lao Phuan, Phu Un. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng

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Phunoi [pho] 35,635 in Laos (1995 census). North central, around Phony Saly. Also spoken in Thailand. Alternate names: Phounoy, Phu Noi, Punoi. Dialects: Black Khoany, White Khoany, Mung, Hwethom, Khaskhong. Close to Bisu, Pyen, and Mpi. Those listed as dialects may be separate languages. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Phunoi

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Pu Ko [puk] 2 villages. Alternate names: Poko. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern

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Puoc [puo] 2,164 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan). Northeast, Houaphan Province, Xiangkho District; Xieng Khouang Province, Het River, along the Viet Nam border. Alternate names: Kha Puhoc, Puhoc, Puok, Pou Hok, Xinh Mul, Xin Mul, Xing Mun, Ksing Mul, Lao Muh, Kha Niang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Xinh Mul

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Rien [rie] 5,279 (2000 WCD). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai

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Saek [skb] 14,000 in Laos (1990 Diller). Population total all countries: 25,000. Central Laos near the Viet Nam border. Upper Nam Noy and Nam Pheo areas in Khammouan Province and the village of Na Kadok in Khamkeut District, Borikhamxay Province. Also spoken in Thailand. Alternate names: Sek, Tai Sek, Set. Dialects: Na Kadok, Khammouan. Close to Tai Mène. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Sek

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Salang [hal] 4,000 in Laos. Southern Laos, Attopeu Province. Alternate names: Halang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, North Bahnaric, West, Jeh-Halang

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Sapuan [spu] 2,400 (1981). Southern Laos, Attopeu Province, banks of the Se Kong and Se Kamane rivers. Alternate names: Sapouan. Dialects: Related to Oy, Sok, Jeng. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Oi-The

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Sila [slt] 1,772 in Laos (1995 census). Population total all countries: 2,612. North central, north of Muong Hai. Also spoken in Viet Nam. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Hani

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Sô [sss] 102,000 in Laos (1993). Population total all countries: 160,000. Khammouan, Thakhek, Savannakhet provinces, both sides of the Mekong River. Also spoken in Thailand. Alternate names: Mangkong, Mang-Koong, Makong, So Makon, Mankoong, Mang Cong, Bru, Kah So, Thro. Dialects: So Trong, So Slouy, So Phong. Close to Bru. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Brou-So

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Sok [skk] 1,600 (1981). Attopeu Province. Alternate names: Sork, Sawk. Dialects: Related to Oy, Sapuan, Jeng. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Oi-The

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Sou [sqq] 2,360 (2000). Southern Laos, Attopeu Province, Phouvong and Sanamxai districts. Alternate names: Suq, Souk, Su, Su', Sawk. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Brao-Kravet

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Tai Daeng [tyr] 25,000 in Laos (1991). Northeastern Laos, near the Viet Nam border. Alternate names: Red Thai, Thai Do, Thai Dang, Tai Deng, Daeng. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng

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Tai Dam [blt] 50,000 in Laos (1995). Khammouan Province. Alternate names: Black Tai, Tai Noir, Thai Den. Dialects: Tai Muoi (Tai Muei, Tay Mueai, Meuay). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng

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Tai Dón [twh] 200,000 in Laos (1995 census). Northeastern Laos. Alternate names: Tai Blanc, Thái Tráng, Tai Lai, Tai Kao, White Tai. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng

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Tai Loi [tlq] 500 in Laos (1995 census). Luang Namtha Province, Long District. Tai Loi is across the border in Myanmar. Tai Loi may also be in China. Alternate names: Loi, Tailoi, Wakut, Monglwe. Dialects: Tai Loi, Doi. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Angkuic

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Tai Long [thi] 4,800 (2004). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern

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Tai Mène [tmp] 7,200 (1995 census). Borikhamxay Province, Vieng Thong District, several villages; Khamkeut District, many villages: Lak Xao, Khamkeut, Na Heuang, Nam Sak, Sop Chat, Ka'ane, Phon Thoen, Sop Pone, and Tha Veng. Alternate names: Tai Maen, Tai-Maen, Tay Mènè, Tai Mene, Tai Man, Tai Men. Dialects: Close to Saek. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern

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Tai Nüa [tdd] 35,000 in Laos (1995 Chazee). Northwestern Laos. Also possibly in north Viet Nam. Alternate names: Chinese Shan, Tai Neua, Tai Nuea. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Northwest

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Tai Pao [tpo] 3,300 (1995 census). Bolikhamxay Province, Viangthong, Khamkeut, Pakkading districts. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai

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Talieng [tdf] 23,091 (1995 census). Muong Phine-Bung Sai area, Savannakhet Province. Alternate names: Taliang, Tariang. Dialects: Related to Trieng or Hre in Viet Nam; may be the same as Trieng. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, North Bahnaric, West

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Ta'oih, Lower [tto] 15,836 (2000 WCD). Saravan Province, northwest of Saravan town. Alternate names: Tong. Dialects: Tong, Hantong'. Not intelligible with Upper Ta'oih. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, Central Katuic, Ta'oih

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Ta'oih, Upper [tth] 30,876 in Laos (1995 census). 70% monolingual. Population total all countries: 49,876. Saravan Province, mainly in Ta-Oy District. Also spoken in USA, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Ta-Oy, Ta-Oi, Tau Oi, Ta Hoi, Kantua. Dialects: Pasoom, Kamuan', Palee'n, Leem, Ha'aang (Sa'ang). Not intelligible with Lower Ta'oih until speakers have had at least 2 weeks' contact. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, Central Katuic, Ta'oih

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Tareng [tgr] 5,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Just west of Viet Nam border, east of Kayong, north of Chavane and Thia. Alternate names: Tariang. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, East Katuic, Katu-Pacoh

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Tay Khang [tnu] 200. Khammouan Province. Possibly also in Viet Nam. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai

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Thai, Northern [nod] 9,396 in Laos (2000 WCD). Haut Mekong and Sayaboury provinces, Laos. Alternate names: Lanna, Lan Na, Lanatai, Lannatai, "Yuan", "Youon", "Youanne", Myang, Muang. Dialects: Nan. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng

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The [thx] 2,920 (2000). Attopeu Province. Alternate names: Thae. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Bahnaric, West Bahnaric, Oi-The

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Yoy [yoy] 1,000 in Laos (1995 census). Alternate names: Yoi, Yooi, Yooy, Dioi, Jui. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern

 

Capital city:

Vientiene

 

Meaning country name:

Name coined under French rule, derived from Lao lao meaning "a Laotian" or "Laotian", possibly originally from an ancient Indian word lava. Lava names one of the twin sons of the god Rama. Might also be from "Ai-Lao" the old Chinese name for the Tai ethnic groups of which the Lao people belong to.[9] Formerly known as "Lan Xang" or "land of a million elephants".

 

Description Flag:

The flag of Laos was adopted on December 2, 1975. The flag had previously been used by the short-lived Lao nationalist government of 1945.

The flag consists of three horizontal strips, middle blue strip is twice the height of the top and bottom red stripes. In the middle is a white disc, the diameter of the disc is 0.8 times the height of the blue stripe. The flag ratio is 2:3.

The red color in the flag represents the blood shed in the struggle for independence, the blue color symbolizes the wealth of the country. The white disc represents the moon over the river Mekong, as well as the unity of the country under the communist government.

From 1952 until the fall of the royal government in 1975 the country had a red flag, with a white three-headed elephant (the god Erawan) in the middle. On top of the elephant is a nine-folded umbrella, while the elephant itself stands on a five level pedestal. The white elephant is a common royal symbol in south-east asia, the three heads referred to the three former kingdoms Vientiane, Luangprabang, and Xiengkhoung which made up the country. The nine-folded umbrella is also a royal symbol, originating from Mt. Meru in the Buddhist cosmology. The pedestal represented the law on which the country rested.

 

Coat of arms:

The coat of arms of Laos shows the national shrine Pha That Luang. Furthermore the dam appears as a symbol of power generation at the reservoir Nam Ngun, an asphalt street appears, and a stylized watered field is represented. In the lower part a section of a gear wheel is to be seen. The two inscriptions left and right read "Peace, Independence, Democracy" (lao script: ສັນຕິພາບ ເຬàºàº°àº¥àº²àº” ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ) and announce on the right "Unity and Prosperity" (lao script: ເຬàºàº°àºžàº²àºš ວັດຖະນາຖາວຬນ.)

The coat of arms was modified in 1991. The existing Communist symbols red star as well as the hammer and sickle were replaced with the national shrine at Pha That Luang. The coat of arms is specified in the Laotian constitution:

The National Emblem of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is a circle depicting in the bottom part one-half of a cog wheel and red ribbon with inscriptions [of the words] "Lao People's Democratic Republic", and [flanked by] crescent-shaped stalks of fully-ripened rice at both sides and red ribbons bearing the inscription "Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity, Prosperity". A picture of That Luang Pagoda is located between the tips of the stalks of rice. A road, a paddy field, a forest and a hydroelectric dam are depicted in the middle of the circle.

 

Motto:

ສັນຕິພາບ ເອກະລາດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ເອກະພາບ ວັດທະນາຖາວອນ

"Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity and Prosperity"

 

National Anthem: "Pheng Xat Lao"

 

Lao lyrics

ຊາດລາວຕັ້ງແຕ່ໃດມາ ລາວທຸກຖ້ວນຫນ້າເຊີດຊູສຸດໃຈ

ຮ່ວມແຮງຮ່ວມຈິດຮ່ວມໃຈ ສາມັກຄີກັນເປັນກຳລັງດຽວ

ເດັດດ່ຽວພ້ອມກັນກ້າວຫນ້າ ບູຊາຊູກຽດຂອງລາວ

ສົ່ງເສີມໃຊ້ສິດເປັນເຈົ້າ ລາວທຸກຊົນເຜົ່າສະເໝີພາບກັນ

ບໍ່ໃຫ້ຝູງຈັກກະພັດ ແລະພວກຂາຍຊາດ

ເຂົ້າມາລົບກວນ ລາວທັງມວນຊູເອກະລາດ

ອິດສະລະພາບ ຂອງຊາດລາວໄວ້

ຕັດສິນໃຈສູ້ຊິງເອົາໄຊ ພາຊາດກ້າວໄປສູ່ຄວາມວັດທະນາ

 

Transliteration of Lao lyrics

 

Xatlao tangtae dayma lao thookthuan na xeutxoo sootchay,

Huamhaeng huamchit huamchay samakkhikan pen kamlang diao.

Detdiao phomkan kaona booxa xukiat khong lao,

Songseum xaysit pen chao laothook xonphao sameu pabkan.

Bo hay Fung chackkaphat lae phuak khayxat khaomalob kuan,

Lao thangmuan xoo ekkalat itsalaphab khong xatlao vai,

Tatsin chay soo xing ao xay Pa Sad kaopay soo khuam vatthana.

 

English translation

 

For all time the Lao people have glorified their Fatherland,

United in heart, spirit and vigour as one.

Resolutely moving forwards,

Respecting and increasing the dignity of the Lao people

And proclaiming the right to be their own masters.

The Lao people of all origins are equal

And will no longer allow imperialists and traitors to harm them.

The entire people will safeguard the independence

And the freedom of the Lao nation.

They are resolved to struggle for victory

In order to lead the nation to prosperity.

 

Internet Page: www.undplao.org

www.na.gov.la

www.visit-laos.com

 

Laos in diferent languages

 

eng | afr | arg | ast | bre | cat | ces | cym | dan | dsb | est | eus | fao | fin | fra | frp | fry | fur | glg | hat | hau | hrv | hsb | ina | isl | ita | jav | jnf | lim | lin | lld | mlt | nld | nor | oci | pol | roh | ron | rup | scn | slk | slv | sme | spa | srd | swa | swe | szl | tet | tgl | tur | vor | zza: Laos

aze | bos | crh | gag | kaa | mol | tuk | uzb: Laos / Лаос

deu | ltz | nds: Laos / Laos

ind | msa: Laos / لأوس

kin | run: Lawose

lav | mlg: Laosa

bam: Lawo

cor: Pow Lao

csb: Laòs

epo: Laoso

gla: Làthos; Laos

gle: Laos / Laos

glv: Yn Laos

hun: Laosz

ibo: Laus

kmr: Laos / Лаос / لائۆس

kur: Laos / لائۆس

lat: Laosium; Laotia; Laotium; Laonia; Laosia

lit: Laosas

nrm: Lâos

por: Laus; Laos

que: Laws

rmy: Laos / लाओस

slo: Laozem / Лаозем

smg: Lauosos

smo: Lao

sqi: Laosi

vie: Lào

vol: Laoän

wln: Lawosse

wol: Laawos

alt | bul | che | chm | chv | kbd | kir | kjh | kom | krc | kum | mkd | mon | oss | rus | tyv | udm | ukr: Лаос (Laos)

bak | srp | tat: Лаос / Laos

abq: Лаос (Łaos)

bel: Лаос / Łaos

kaz: Лаос / Laos / لاوس

tgk: Лаос / لئاس / Laos

ara: لاوس (Lāwus); لاووس (Lāwūs); اللاوس (al-Lāwus); اللاووس (al-Lāwūs); لاو (Lāw)

fas: لائوس / Lâos

prs: لاوس (Lāōs)

pus: لاوس (Lāos)

uig: لائوس / Laos / Лаос

urd: لیوس (Leos); لاؤس / لائوس (Lāʾos)

div: ލާއޯސް (Lā'ōs)

heb: לאוס (Laʾôs)

lad: לאוס / Laos

yid: לאַאָס (Laos)

amh: ላኦስ (La'os); ላዎስ (Lawos)

ell: Λάος (Láos)

hye: Լաոս (Laos)

kat: ლაოსი (Laosi)

hin: लाओस (Lāos)

ben: লাওস (Lāos)

pan: ਲਾਓਸ (Lāos)

kan: ಲಾಒಸ್ (Lāos)

mal: ലാവോസ് (Lāvōs)

tam: லாவோஸ் (Lāvōs)

tel: లావోస్ (Lāvōs)

zho: 寮國/寮国 (Liáoguó); 老挝 (Lǎowō)

yue: 寮國/寮国 (Louhgwok)

jpn: ラオス (Raosu)

kor: 라오스 (Laoseu)

bod: ལ་འོ་གོ་ (La.'o.go.); ལའོ་གོ་ (La'o.go.)

dzo: ལ་འོསུ་ (La.'osu.)

mya: လာအုိ (La'o)

tha: ลาว (Lāw)

lao: ລາວ (Lāw); ເມືອງລາວ (Mʉ̄aṅ Lāw); ປະເທດລາວ (Patʰēt Lāw)

khm: ឡាវ (Ḷāv); លាវ (Lāv)

 

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