Mrs. Champney

Where in the world is Laos?

• Laos is on the continent of Asia.

• Laos’ official name is Lao People's Democratic Republic, in the Laos language it is called, “Meuang Lao.”

• The capital of Laos is Vientiane.

Information about Laos

• 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.

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 LaosThe 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."

• 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.

Landforms of Laos

Phou Bia MountainsAnnamite Mountains

Mekong River

More Landforms of Laos

Kuang Si Falls

Pak Ou Caves

Landmarks of LaosIn Luang Prabang, the largest city, there are many landmarks to see.

Pha That Luang

Haw Kham

Phou Si

The Alms ceremony (Buddhist)

Night Market

Traditions of Laos Traditional dress of Laos

Traditional Food of LaosTraditional food of Laos

is rice, fish,

and soup

Traditional dessert is

custard pumpkin and

Khao Nieow Ma Muang

(mango and sticky rice).

Laotian Sticky Rice

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 peopleAnd proclaiming the right to be their own masters.The Lao people of all origins are equalAnd will no longer allow imperialists and traitors to harm them.The entire people will safeguard the independenceAnd the freedom of the Lao nation.They are resolved to struggle for victoryIn order to lead the nation to prosperity.

National Anthem of LaosLaotian National Anthem

http://www.kbears.com/laos/anthem.mp3

Sample of Laotian Writing

Laotian Money is called Laotian Kip

Laos is a Communist Country Government Leaders of Laos

•The Head of State is Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh.

The Chief of State of Laos is President Lt. Gen. Choummali Saignason.

Religions of Laos

Buddhism Buddhism is by far the most prominent organized religion in the country.

Christianity

Bahá'í Faith

Other Religions of LaosAnimism

Animist believe in spirits and nature.

Holidays in LaosBoun 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 LaosRugby is the national sport of Laos

Sepak Takraw is a popular Sport In Laos

The martial arts of Muay Lao and Muay Thai, also called kickboxing, are also practiced in Laos

Good bye! La gohn!