PEOPLE

Laos has a total population of 4.6 million, 13% of whom live in Vientiane province. People share a rich ethnic diversity, comprising such groups as Hmong, Khmu, Yao, A'kha, Ikoh, Lu etc. Most of them have kept their own customs, dialects and  traditional dress. In total 47 different groups are accounted for in Laos. These can be classified into three broad groups:

• The Lao Lum (lowlanders) who make up 70% of the population and predominantly live along the Mekong river.

• The Lao Theung (uplanders) who comprise 20% the population and live on the lopes and hills with an elevation of less than 1,000 metres.

• The Lao Soung (hill tribes) who constitute 10% of the population and live in the mountainous areas. 

The population density of Laos amounts to 19 people per square kilometre, a small number compared to the country's neighbours: 120 people per square kilometre in Thailand; and 200 people per square kilometre in China.