Early Chinese records used the term Yue to describe the non-Chinese people south of the Yangtze. The Lao Lum are the most numerous ethnic group in Laos numbering around 3.5 million (53% of the total population). Visit the Overview of Ethnic Groups in the World page to learn more. Demographic profile. study note: the Laos Government officially recognizes 49 ethnic groups, but the total number of ethnic groups is estimated to be well over 200. Some of the prejudices from this system still exist. whereas the Lao Front for Na­tional Con­struc­tion(LFNC) re­cently re­vised the list to in­clude 49 eth­nic­i­ties con­sist­ing of over 160 eth­nic groups. About 11 percent are Khmou, 8 percent Hmong, and the rest are other ethnic groups including Akha, Singsil, Lue, Lamed, Tai, Katu, Triang and Harak, Oy and Brao (Laos population census 2005, … Laos is a landlocked nation of Southeast Asia which has been noted for its unique demographics. Anyone can earn At the same time, many researchers have claimed that Laos is home to well over 200 distinct ethnic groups. Almost nine-tenths of Vietnam’s people are ethnic Vietnamese. So, despite potentially having over 200 distinct ethnic groups, the Laos government prefers to only recognize four broad categories, based on ethnic and linguistic similarities. note: the Laos Government officially recognizes 49 ethnic groups, but the total number of ethnic groups is estimated to be well over 200 Definition: This entry provides an ordered listing of ethnic groups starting with the largest and normally includes the percent of total population. imaginable degree, area of Alak is another ethnic group coming from the Laos Seung Group. The Hmong people are the third largest ethnic group in Laos. The lowland people (Lao Loum) account for about 60% of the country's population and are ethnic Lao. Did you know… We have over 220 college All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Other prominent Lao Loum communities include the Phuan of the northeast, the Lue of the northwest, and the Phu Tai of the south. Teaching Financial Literacy & Personal Finance, Overview of Blood & the Cardiovascular System, Electrolyte, Water & pH Balance in the Body, Sexual Reproduction & the Reproductive System, How Teachers Can Improve a Student's Hybrid Learning Experience. The special feature which makes it different from other minorities in the same group is housing. Well, there are several practical challenges that come along with formally recognizing 240 ethnic groups, but really the government is mostly worried about national unity. Right now, the Mien people are one of the largest hill tribe groups in Laos, after Hmong and Alak. You can test out of the Yet, many people within Laos dispute this. Lao Sung groups live mainly in the mountainous regions of Laos and mainly though not exclusively belong to the Sino-Tibetan and Hmong-Mien language families, and include the Hmong (Miao), … Why is the Laos government so insistent on reducing the ethnic categories? The Mons … The other three ethno-linguistic groups are compilations of mostly mountain-dwelling ethnic minorities. ethnic groups (approxi-mately 25% of the population). Just the same as other ethnic groups in Laos Seung, they share the same religion: Animism as their predominant belief and also pay their great respect to their ancestors. The term eth­nic minorities is used by some to clas­sify the non-Lao eth­nic groups, while the term in­dige­nous peoples is not used by the Lao PDR.Thes… Ethnic Groups Akha General Ethnic Studies Maps of the ethnic distribution in Laos show that UXO contamination significantly affects areas where ethnic groups live. These 240 subgroups, however, were lumped into 49 ethnic groups. A true mosaic of ethnic groups, Laos has 130 different ethnic tribes divided into four language groups. This ethnic group also set their feet in Vietnam and Thailand. - Definition & Architecture, Quiz & Worksheet - Religion in the Stone Age and Bronze Age, Quiz & Worksheet - The History of Money and Rise of Complex Economies, Quiz & Worksheet - How Writing Was Invented, The Fall of the Roman Empire: Help and Review, The Medieval Warm Period: Help and Review, Biology 202L: Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab, Biology 201L: Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Supervisors, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Employees. In this system, people were either Laos Thais (lowlands), Laos Theung (middle-altitude lands), Laos Soung (upper-mountains), or other Asians. The upper-mountain groups were called the Laos Soung. Some people might even assume that these two traits are inherently linked. Traditionally, the Laos people and government organized ethnicity by geography, resulting in four broadly defined categories. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. Moreover, metal is not their favorite material in daily tools, instead, they prefer using grass or bamboo in order to create basket and houseware in different forms and shapes. During those years, the influence of Vietnamese forces res… Htin is the second biggest group in Laos Theung Group, after Khamu. Top 5 The Specialist Characteristics of Lao People, Laos People – Characteristics & Personalities of Laotian People, Lao Ethnic Groups – Diverse & Distinct of Lao People, Laos Travel News: COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Lao PDR, Travel with Confidence with Go Laos Tours, Vang Vieng Welcome the Appearance of “The Academy Training Hotel & Restaurant”, Coronavirus – COVID-19 News & Update in Laos, Feedback of Mr. Jayden on 9 days Laos Vacation, Hidden Treasure in Northern Laos - 10 days, Water Festival in Laos – Laos New Year in April (Boun Pi Mai), Blue Lagoon in Vang Vieng, Laos – The Picturesque Natural Lake, Cost of Traveling in Laos & How Much to Bring on a Laos Trip. {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | It's hard to pin down an exact reason, but we can't ignore one other statistical distinction held by this country. note: the Laos Government officially recognizes 49 ethnic groups, but the total number of ethnic groups is estimated to be well over 200. Whenever you have a chance to visit the Lao ethnic group, often on a Laos Tour to visit, they will definitely take you to the higher area of Laos Theung and Laos Seung, but not the low land where Laos Loum lives. The Lao Lum are the most numerous ethnic group in Laos numbering around 3.5 million (53% of the total population). Meet some of Laos least visited ethnic groups in Phongsaly. The most numerous group of people in Laos are the ‘Lao’ people, sometimes referred to as the Lao Lum (lowland Lao). Ethnic Lao, the principal lowland inhabitants and politically and culturally dominant group, make up the bulk … Its progress on health and development issues has been uneven geographically, among ethnic groups, and socioeconomically. Well, let's take a look at ethnicity within Laos, and see what this means in a nation of 6 million people. History of Ethnic Groups in Laos The earliest peoples among the present-day ethnic groups in Laos are Aus-tro-Asiatic groups who have inhabited the peninsula for several thousand years.4 These include the Khmu in northern Laos, who are the most nu-merous of the midland groups, and the Lamet, Loven, So (MaKang), and Sociology 110: Cultural Studies & Diversity in the U.S. They have emigrated from Southern China to Northern and Central of Laos many years ago. This page was last edited on 30 June 2020, at 11:28. The second group were the Laos Theung, who lived in the middle-altitude lands. Ethnic groups. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons The Lao Loum constitute roughly two-thirds of the population, with the ethnic Lao by far the largest component. Hmong is the best representative of Laos Seung, comprised of about two-thirds of Laos Seung’s population. Akin to the ethnic Lao are the Tai Leu, Phuan and Phu Tai, found in the northwest, the northeast and mid-south respectively. When we mention about Hmong ethnic group, we will definitely remember Laos Seung. The Tai Leu of Laos are originally from China’s Xishuangbanna region in southern Yunnan, where nowadays they are known as the “Dai minority”. For example, rotational farming with proper management systems, without encroaching on new forestlands, can be environmentally sustainable and even carbon neutral. Because none of these ethnic groups are indigenous to Laos. The people of Laos are usually considered by their location as this relates to ethnicity. Chris has a master's degree in history and teaches at the University of Northern Colorado. Alak – Ethnic Group in Laos. There are officially 68 ethnic groups in Laos. Nowadays, the Mon are a major ethnic group in Myanmar and a minor ethnic group in Thailand. Historically, many cities in Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos today, including Yangon, Bangkok, and Vientiane were founded either by the Mon people or Mon rulers. As of the 2005 national census, the Laos government recognized 240 subgroups of people. However, they only wear the traditional clothes on special occasions, like wedding ceremonies or Hmong New Year Festival. LAOS ETHNIC MINORITIES. Therefore, Laos unintentionally became involved in a two-headed conflict, which lasted until 1975. 70, 31st Street, Yangon, Union of Myanmar, Copyright © 2021 Laos Tours. Based on specific detail on Hmong clothes, they are divided into four subgroups: White Hmong, Striped Hmong, Red Hmong, and Black Hmong. • „Highland Lao‟ (Sino-Tibetan and Hmong-Iewmien), groups dwelling in the highland areas practic-ing swidden agriculture and include the Sino-Tibetan and Hmong- Iewmien ethnic groups. Lao 53.2%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 9.2%, Phouthay 3.4%, Tai 3.1%, Makong 2.5%, Katong 2.2%, Lue 2%, Akha 1.8%, other 11.6% (2015 est.) The special feature which makes it different from other minorities in the same group is housing. Now that's a record you don't want to hold, and perhaps Laotian leaders are hoping national unity can also mean national security. Kaw (population of approximately 58,000 in Laos) Hani (population of 1,122 in Phongsaly Province) Kaduo (population of 5,000 on Laos-China border) Lahu (population of 8,702 in Laos, also referred to as Museu) Lahu Shi (population of 3,240 in Laos) Phana. Despite that small population, Laos people have already had over 49 ethnic groups all over the country with 4 main categories (4 general groups or 4 main types of Laotian): Lao Loum, Laos Theung, Laos Soung and others. 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For the most part, they have attempted to encourage this through voluntary measures, although there has been sporadic violence between the government and ethnic minorities that have risen up in military rebellions across the 20th century. Together they make up a group of peoples composed of several ethnic groups (Hmong, Mien/ Yao, Akha etc). Alak is another ethnic group coming from the Laos Seung Group. To meet the ethnic groups in Laos… courses that prepare you to earn In this lesson we'll look at ethnic division within a nation working towards national unity. Princeton Joins Open Education Movement, But How Many Students Will Benefit? Spe­cial­ists are largely in agree­ment as to the eth­no­lin­guis­tic clas­si­fi­ca­tion of the eth­nic groups of Laos. Though some communities are Buddhists, most remain animists. The Tibeto-Burmese family has seven ethnic groups: Ahka or Ekor, Singsali, Lahou, Sila, Hayi, Lolo, and Hor, and the Hmong-Ioumien has two main tribes: Hmong-Ioumien and Yao. Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school. Laos Demographics. Lan Ten Black Tai The focus will be on Lao Soung and Lao Theung, who represent the communities that are The Lao Tai, formally Laos Thais in the old system, are the vast majority at around 55% of the total population, and are mostly descended from the ancient Lao Kingdom that ruled over the region. This group is descended from migrants who came south from China during the first millennium. If you are interested in Laos, take a look at Laos Tour Package. Therefore, if they want to get married to someone, they have to find their partner from other villages. Known as a mountainous country, Laos is an amazing destination for those who want to be amazed at diverse ethnic groups. How Long is the School Day in Homeschool Programs? system with 49 main ethnic groups and over 100 sub-groups. THE MOSAIC OF ETHNIC MINORITIES One of South East Asia’s most ethnically diverse countries, Laos has long defied the best efforts of anthropologists and linguists to classify its complex array of ethnicities and sub-ethnicities, many of which utilise several different names and synonyms given to them by the government or by other ethnic groups. House of Alak people is often built on stilts which is one meter higher above the ground. The lowland Lao ( Lao Loum) account for 68%, upland Lao ( Lao Theung) for 22%, and the highland Lao ( Lao Soung, including the Hmong and the Yao) for 9%. Mien (Yao), Akha, Lahu, and other related groups are considerably smaller in numbers and tend to be located in rather limited areas of the north. The College Completion Agenda: The College Board Releases a National Progress Report, National Academic Standards Program Has Launched, Many States Award Merit Aid to Students Who Are Under-Prepared for College, National PTA Lends Support to Common Standards, Despite Stimulus Money, Many Colleges Across the Nation Face Troubled Times, Explore 2010's National Book Award Finalists, It's National Book Month: Join the Celebration, Many Latino Students Find American Dream Out of Reach. Ethnic Groups in Laos | All about 5 Major Lao Ethnic Groups. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. More recent estimates suggest that out of a total population of 5.6 million (2005) there are currently over 3 million ethnic Lao (54 per cent of the total) and around 2.6 million other cultural distinct ethnic people, including other Tay-Tai speakers (46 per cent of the total). The most numerous group of people in Laos are the ‘Lao’ people, sometimes referred to as the Lao Lum (lowland Lao). The Hmong people are the third largest ethnic group in Laos. There is still much more that we can’t mention them all here. In terms of Lao people, there are still many ethnic groups existing with diverse cultures and customs. They made up the majority of the population, and recognized 23 different ethnic groups within this greater category. Major ethnic groups within the Lao Theung category include the Khmu (Kammu) and Lamet in the north, the Katang and Makong in the center, and the Jru’ (Loven) and Brao (Lave) in the far south. Lao Sung groups live mainly in the mountainous regions of Laos and mainly though not exclusively belong to the Sino-Tibetan and Hmong-Mien language families, and include the Hmong (Miao), … Moreover, the facial taboo is their very traditional custom for women in the past and right now is discouraged by the Laotian government. Tibeto-Burman. Here is the list of some typical ethnic groups of these two Laotian groups which will help you get the insight about Laos’ culture. Mien people have many different names; you can call them as Lu Mien, Yao, or Man. A listing, photos, maps and graphs of the ethnic people groups of Laos including language, progress scale, percent Evangelical and Professing Christian, and primary religion for each people group. Subsequently, the term “Hundred Yue” was applied generically to the subjugated people's in the south, with modifiers to denote groups in different locations or with some other distinguishing characteristics (Phomphan 1988)… Today, the Laos ethnic groups map still very much reflects the physical landscape of the country. Ethnic groups: Lao 53.2%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 9.2%, Phouthay 3.4%, Tai 3.1%, Makong 2.5%, Katong 2.2%, Lue 2%, Akha 1.8%, other 11.6% (2015 est.) Together they make up a group of peoples composed of several ethnic groups (Hmong, Mien/ Yao, Akha etc). The Lao is the largest ethnic group in the country which had over 3,427,665 members in 2015. Most Laotians categorize ethnic groups in terms of these three broad categories, and villagers themselves, when asked their ethnicity by outsiders, are likely to respond Lao Loum, Lao Theung, or Lao Sung, rather than their specific ethnicity. They are primarily farmers and hunters in the forest. Myanmar: No. Study.com has thousands of articles about every This page has been viewed 850 times (108 via redirect) 's' : ''}}. The population of the Lao people has increased from 1,804,101 in 1985 to 3,427,665 in 2015. Many of these … The entire nation is only composed of around 6 million people, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in Asia. That's what the government would like to see. Laos’s ethnic groups other than the majority Lao ethnic peoples generally live in more remote and rural areas. An outstanding tour is not only made up of fascinating destinations but also the customers’ contentment along the trip, and your tour guides are the ones who deliver this kind of satisfaction. Create your account, Already registered? Like many nations in Southeast Asia, Laos has a diverse population. Because Laos' overall population is very low. Whenever you have a chance to visit Laotian ethnic group, often on a Laos Tour to visit, they will definitely take you to the higher area of Laos Theung and Laos Seung, but not the low land where Laos Loum lives. Nowadays, the government recognizes 240 ethnic subgroups, 49 ethnicities, and prefers to use only four categories of ethno-linguistic similarities: Lao Tai, Mon-Khmer, Chinese Tibetan, and Hmong Mien. The implication is that all people within Laos should think of themselves as Lao, as citizens of the nation, first and foremost. We are a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our experiences of Laos with those looking for a more authentic travel experience. The team at Muang-La Resort has written an interesting review on minority tribes in Laos that we are pleased to share here. The Akha migrated from the Tibetan Plateau several hundred years ago, and live in the mountains of Phongsaly. Highways, economic zones, railway construction and new agricultural plantations in Laos have all been marred by accusations of land grabs and rights violations, both against ethnic minorities and ethnic Lao. Sainyabuli Province is where you can easily encounter them. We expect to maximize your traveling experience and become the lovely host that leaves a wonderful impression on you at the end of every trip. That would make it by far one of the most diverse nations in the world. The Hmong are the most numerous Lao Sung group, with villages spread across the uplands of all the northern provinces. It has an extremely sparse population, but an incredibly high amount of diversity. Living so high in the mountains, they were traditionally pretty isolated from mainstream Laotian society. Our team is carefully put together and we can proudly say that we are among the best. All rights reserved. Following the end of the French dominance over the country, Laos became immersed in a civil- war that confronted partisans of the traditional royal family and the supporters of a republican and neutralist Laos. See more ideas about laos, traditional dresses, people of the world. The Mons … Despite only having around 6 million people, up to 240 ethnic groups have been recognized. From there, the 49 ethnic groups were categorized into one of four ethno-linguistic groups. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Another issue of international concern is the involuntary repatriation of over 4,000 ethnic Hmong to Laos from camps in Thailand, which took place at the end of December 2009. The first group are the Laos Thais, some of which preferred the name Laos Loum, who lived in the lowlands, generally around the fertile river deltas. Although Laos‘ ethnic groups are nowadays linguistically grouped, this report will use the old geographical classification of Lao Loum (lowland Lao), Lao Theung (Upland Lao) and Lao Soung (Highland Lao). Because all of these ethnic groups are really the same people. ethnic groups. However, this has meant something different in Laos. Many Asian nations are characterized by both the presence of incredibly dense populations and a high amount of ethnic diversity. It is, frankly, unique. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. Khamu is the most important ethnic group in Mon-Khmer linguistic and itself is divided into many smaller brands such as Mon-Khmer, Ou, Lu, Rok, Me, Keun, Kheng, Khouene, Khongsat. Phunoi. The ethno-linguistic groups that make up Laos' current system are the Lao Tai, Mon-Khmer, Chinese Tibetan, and Hmong Mien. Some of the tribes may only have a few hundred members and are only found in Laos. There are four main ethno- linguistic categories in the country: Lao-Tai, Mone-Khmer, Sino-Tibetan and Hmong- The landlocked nation of Laos is unique amongst Asian nations. In Oudomxay Province, they are the second-largest ethnic group, only after Khamu. Lolo ethnicity. When looking at the continual attempts by the Laos government to decrease its official diversity, the obvious question is: why? Located mainly in Oudomxay Province, Khamu or Khmu is the dominant group in Laos Theung society. You can count on us for any piece of information you need to know about the local, history, culture, and insiders’ travel tips as we are extremely passionate about what we do, and we make sure to do it in the most pleasant way possible. Laos is a predominantly rural country with a youthful population – almost 55% of the population is under the age of 25. There are about 68 different ethnic groups in Laos with the largest of the groups being Lao. Moreover, they are known as a skillful group in crafting and silversmith. This hasn't been easy for the people of Laos to always deal with. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. In fact, in 2008 the government formally declared that while they would recognize 49 ethnicities, there was only one nationality: Lao. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. Home / Travel Guide / Lao People / Ethnic Groups in Laos | All about 5 Major Lao Ethnic Groups. They can’t marry within their clan or even a person of their own family name. Today, the Laos ethnic groups map still very much reflects the physical landscape of the country. The Ethnic Museum in Phongsaly Town provides detailed information about the province’s 28 different tribes. The People, Tribes, and Ethnical Groups of Laos. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. The Laotians or Lao people are a Tai ethnic-group indigenous to the southeastern parts of Asia. The communal house will be the center of a village and other normal houses are built around it in a circular pattern. The Lao Theung constitute about one-fourth of the population. The government has also expressed a concern that ethnic identification undermines national unity, and ideally prefers to identify all people as belonging to the shared Lao nationality rather than ethnicities. ×  4  =  four .hide-if-no-js{display:none!important}, Indonesia tour packages Asia tour Hanoi Vietnam tour package Sri Lanka vacation Bhutan vacation Nepal vacation tour operator in vietnam schooltrip school trips to laos, Laos: Hom07, Ban Nasamphan, 13th North Road, Luang Prabang, Laos Vietnam: 31 A Van Mieu Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam Cambodia: Borey Angkor Shopping Arcade B18, Road No6, Krous Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia. We will guide you through the journey of your dream with our in-depth knowledge and a friendly attitude. The Laos Theung (Middle Altitude Lands) : also called proto-Chinese, include 58 different ethnical … They were traditionally discriminated against by other members of Laos society, and prejudice against people of this region exists to this day. credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. As for the fourth group, it's simply a category of people with ancestry from other Asian nations. So, what system does Laos use now? and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you. Properly practiced, this method of farming endorses the sustainable use of forestlands. They mostly migrated down to Laos, forced to flee the many violent revolts happening in Southern China between 1850 and 1870. The Identity of Toum Ethnic Group, 2015 Download (2.13 MB, Lao) 47: The Identity of Ngouan Ethnic Group, 2015 Download (1.92 MB, Lao) 48: The Identity of Moy Ethnic Group, 2015 Download (1.61 MB, Lao) 49: The Identity of Kree Ethnic Group, 2015 Download (1.88 MB, Lao) 50: Brou: Getting to know "Brou", the 50th ethnic group of Laos, 2018 More (Lao) 10% belong to other lowland groups. Their population is located Northern Provinces in Laos such as Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, northern Sayabury, southern Phongsali, eastern Luang Namtha, the center, and the west of Houaphan and Xieng Khouang, and northern Vientiane. For the pur­poses of the 1995 cen­sus, the gov­ern­ment of Laos rec­og­nized 149 eth­nic groups within 47 main ethnicities. Traditionally, these ethnicities were categorized by geography. The Lao government’s land policy discoura… They believe in the existence of spirit, which will contribute to people’s health and wealth, and only a very small part of them are Christian under the French colonial period. About 68% of all Laotians are Lao-Loum, or lowland Lao, a people related to the people of Thailand; thought to have migrated to Laos from southwestern China in the 8th century, the Lao-Loum are concentrated in the lowlands along the Mekong. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. They are linguistically and culturally related to the Thais and their religion along with Cambodia is Buddhism. Why is national unity so important to the government? flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? As a result of Cold War conflicts between Communist and Capitalist armies, Laos holds the title of the most heavily-bombed nation per capita in human history. For Hmong people, they are always proud of being their ethnic group, maintaining their distinctive culture and traditions. Though some communities are Buddhists, most remain animists. It's been difficult at times, but Laos really has no other examples of nations with similar demographics to turn to. Lao Loum, Laos Theung, Laos Soung represent for three mainstreams in linguistic group: Tai Dakai language, Mon Khmer Language, Chinese-Tibetan and Hmong-Mien … Obviously, we can't talk about all of the ethnic groups in Laos today, but instead we can talk about what this diversity has meant to the people of Laos. Oct 28, 2015 - Explore Kamu Lodge, Luang Prabang's board "Lao Ethnic Groups" on Pinterest. But then again, maybe not. 2003 Ethnic Groups: General Ethnic Groups Cursory history of Laos with an emphasis on ethnicity. Log in here for access. Ethnic Groups of Laos, Volume #1: Introduction and Overview Schliesinger, J. House of Alak people is often built on stilts which is one meter higher above the ground. Laos is the most ethnically diverse country in continental Southeast Asia, and its government recognizes 160 ethnic subgroups within 49 ethnic groups. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}}, Han Chinese: Definition, Culture & People. They mostly migrated down to Laos, forced to flee the many violent revolts happening in Southern China between 1850 and 1870. The best way to discover the Laotian ethnic group is on your own on Laos Tours.