The Culture of Lao People's Democratic Republic

The culture of Laos has been highly influenced by its religion, the Theravada Buddhism, and its neighboring countries such as Cambodia. This influence is reflected throughout Laos in its language as well as in art, literature and the performing arts.

The literature of Lao is predominantly religious and linked to the Buddhist tradition. There is also a secular literacy tradition based on themes of the Hindu epic poems, which have been transmuted into popular language. Laotians also has a variety of folk arts, including weaving, basket making, wood and ivory carving, and silverwork and gold work. Professional dance troupes draw upon themes from the Indian epics. The country has also has 4 major ethno-linguistic groups. The groups are the Lao-Lum or valley Lao, the Lao-Theung (Mon-Khmer), the Lao-Soung group, and Lao-Tai or the tribal Tai.

About three-fifths of the population of Laos practices the Theravada Buddhism while animism is practiced among the Lao-Theung and a small percentage of the population is Christian. Mahayana Buddhism and Confucianism are observed by Chinese and Vietnamese minorities. The official language of the country is Lao while English, Vietnamese, and French are spoken by the elite in the cities. Lao Festivals are usually linked to agricultural seasons or historical Buddhist holidays. Half of the Laotian populations are living in the lowland where they are engaged in cultivating the rice fields. Laotian living in the urban areas is only one-fifth of the country’s population. Rice is the basic item for all Lao meals, and almost all dishes are cooked with fresh ingredients such as vegetables, freshwater fish, poultry, duck, pork, beef or water buffalo.