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Mrs. Champney
Where in the world is Laos?
• Laos is on the continent of Asia.
Information about Laos
• Laos’ official name is Lao People's Democratic Republic, in the Laos
language it is called, “Meuang Lao.”
• It is 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.
• The capital of Laos
is Vientiane.
More Information about Laos
• Laos' population is estimated at 6.8 million people.
• The official language of Laos is called Lao or
Hmong.
Hmong language
http://www.visualgeography.com/countries/laos.html
Flag of Laos
The Red stripes represent the blood shed in the country's fight for
independence. The blue stands for Laos' wealth and prosperity and
the white symbolizes unity and justice.
Another interpretation of the Laotian flag states the white circle
symbolizes the full moon over the blue Mekong River, which runs
through and alongside the majority of Laos.
The official motto of Laos is:
“Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity, and Prosperity."
Landforms of Laos
• Laos has many plains and plateaus.
• There are rugged mountains, the highest of which is Phou Bia at 9,242
feet.
• The mountains of the Annamite Chain form most of the eastern border
with Vietnam.
• The Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with
Thailand.
Mekong River
Annamite Mountains
Phou Bia Mountains
More Landforms of Laos
Pak Ou Caves
Kuang Si Falls
Landmarks of Laos
In Luang Prabang, the largest city, there are many landmarks to see.
Pha That Luang
Phou Si
Haw Kham
Traditions of Laos
Traditional dress of Laos
The Alms ceremony (Buddhist)
Night Market
Traditional Food of Laos
Traditional food of Laos
is rice, fish,
and soup
Laotian Sticky Rice
Traditional dessert is
custard pumpkin and
Khao Nieow Ma Muang
(mango and sticky rice).
National Anthem of Laos
Laotian National Anthem
http://www.kbears.com/laos/anthem.mp3
For all time the Lao people have glorified their Fatherland,
United in heart, spirit and vigor 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.
Sample of Laotian Writing
Laotian Money is called
Laotian Kip
Laos is a Communist Country
Government Leaders of Laos
The Chief of State of Laos is
President Lt. Gen. Choummali
Saignason.
•The Head of State is Prime
Minister Bouasone
Bouphavanh.
Religions of Laos
Buddhism is by far the
most prominent
organized religion in the
country.
Buddhism
Other Religions of Laos
Animism
Animist believe in spirits and nature.
Christianity
Bahá'í Faith
Holidays in Laos
Boun Pimai
Boun Pimai celebrates the Lao New Year. The first month of the Lao
New Year is actually December but festivities are delayed until April when
days are longer than nights. By April it’s also hotter, so having hoses
leveled at you and buckets of water are dumped on you is more
pleasurable. The festival also serves to invite the rains. Pimai is one of the
most important annual festivals. Statues of the Buddha (in the "calling for
rain" posture) are ceremonially doused in water. This is usually a 3-day
holiday.
Boun Bang Fai (rocket festival)
The rocket festival is a Buddhist rain-making festival. It is
held in May. Large bamboo rockets are built and decorated by
monks and carried in procession before being blasted
skywards. The higher a rocket goes, the bigger its builder’s ego
gets. Designers of failed rockets are thrown in the mud. The
festival lasts 2 days.
Lao National Day
This is a public holiday celebrated on Dec 2nd. It celebrates the
1975 victory of the proletariat over the monarchy with parades,
speeches, etc. Lao national and communist hammer-and-sickle
flags are flown all over the country. Celebration is mandatory.
Popular sports in Laos
Sepak Takraw is a popular
Sport In Laos
Rugby is the national sport of Laos
The martial arts
of Muay Lao and
Muay Thai,
also called
kickboxing,
are also
practiced in Laos
Good bye!
La gohn!