POPULATION OF LAOS
Laos currently hosts about 7 million people, 56% of whom live in rural areas. The Laotian population is divided into 4 major categories: Lao Loum (50%), Lao Thai (15%), Lao Theung (25%) and Lao Sung (10%). Each ethnic group comes from a region that is distinct from the others. For example, Lao Loum, meaning "Bas Lao" come from the lower part of Laos, the Mekong Valley. Lao Theung means "Lao from the top" and Lao Sung come from Upper Laos. Subdivisions then exist in the ethnic groups, especially in the mountainous regions of the country.
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Religion and faith are part of daily life in Laos- Please adopt a respectful attitude in places of worship
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Do not wear shoes in the temples
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Keep your head below the level of Buddha and monks
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Do not touch the statues of Buddha and do not turn your back on it
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Women are not supposed to touch a monk ... if this happens, the monk will have to spend several days washing his hands to forget this incident.
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Etiquette and know how to live
As in most South-East Asian countries, there are a number of rules that should be observed in order not to shock the local population. Once in Laos, for example, be careful not to touch or tap someone on the head, be careful not to lose your cool and be careful not to wear too provocative or extravagant outfits. Laotians are extremely friendly and hospitable people, observing their code of conduct will not only help you not to shock them, but also to make a great trip and spend unforgettable moments with them.
Please wear proper dresses during your trip so as not to offend the local population. Laotians are not used to wearing light, low-cut clothing. You are asked not to wear shorts, short skirts and tank tops for visiting pagodas and temples / vats.
Sabbai Dee:
Kisses and hugs are considered insulting and even humiliating. The Laotians greet each other with a slight inclination, hands clasped in front of them. At a professional meeting, a handshake exchange will be completely accepted and sufficient. Sabbai Dee means "Hello" in Lao.
In societies of Buddhist tradition the head is often considered as a pure part of the body bearing the soul. The feet, meanwhile, serve to touch the ground and everything that is placed on the ground. Turn the soles of the feet towards the sky, highlight them; showing them or just pointing something with his feet is considered a deliberate insult or a sign of barbarism. If you want to avoid trouble or not to offend someone, do not venture to touch someone's head or show your feet.
Laotians attach great importance to personal hygiene and cleanliness and they will expect this same attention from you. Lack of hygiene will otherwise be a source of mockery to you.