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Shaped by an ancient and rich history and culture the Laos society stands on several pillars. Laos society constitute a diverse ethnic composition, a dominant rural life, an urban set up, religions, education and public health and welfare. With so many aspects to the society Laos still continues to retain its native and traditional flavor that colors the social construct.
Lao has a number of ethnic races distributed all over the country in an uneven way. The majority of the population inhabits the Mekong river valley. The capital city has the largest population of approximately 633,000. Almost 50 % of the population comprises of the Lao people. They live mostly in the lowlands and form the dominant group of the Laos society. Northern Laos is the home of mountain tribes like Miao-Yao, Austro-Asiatic, Hmong, and Akha etc. Together they are called Lao Sung or highland Lao. Vietnamese and Chinese form the minority groups.
The major religion followed by Laos's society is Theravada Buddhism. From the beginning of the existence of Laos, Buddhism has a strong impact on Laos's society. This impact is reflected in art and architecture and also literature of Laos. Animism is followed by the mountain tribes. Buddhism and spirit worship are seen to exist together in the society of Laos. Christians and Muslims are few but are present in Laos's society.
Lao is the official language of Laos and is spoken and used widely in Laos. The highland people speak a number of tribal languages. The people of Laos once used a lot of French especially in the government. But with time the society in Laos witnessed a fall of French language and the rise of English language.
Urbanization of Lao society began with the increase of trade and commerce and international relations.
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