Presentation on Laos geography. About the country of Laos: geography of Laos, history, culture, weather, cuisine and entertainment. Major historical events

about country

This is the most mysterious country of the three former French colonies of Indochina. The former name of Laos - Lan Xang - translated means “Kingdom of a Million Elephants”, which is why today Laos is called the land of elephants and smiles. Stunning with its natural beauty, centuries-old history and strong spiritual traditions, Laos remains a true “pearl” of Southeast Asia.

Traveling to is a unique opportunity to discover many new, interesting and unexpected things, to get acquainted with a completely different culture and traditions, to visit unique historical sights, to see ancient architectural monuments, and to admire the untouched natural beauty.

It is landlocked, which, however, does not reduce the interest of Western tourists in this country. Until 1988, Laos was closed to foreigners; long isolation has contributed to the fact that today here you can see the traditional life of the South-East in its almost “untouched form”, as if traveling back in time many years ago. Mountain villages still maintain traditional subsistence farming, and the country's largest cities, Vientiane and Luang Prabang, amaze with their leisurely lifestyle and provincial charm. Many stunning temples, each of which is distinguished by its unique beauty, a harmonious combination of Lao architectural traditions and the French colonial style, lively and colorful markets, lines of Buddhist monks in bright clothes leisurely strolling along the streets - all this forms the unique appearance of Laotian cities. Time flows slowly in Laos; the measured and calm lifestyle of the local population sets the mood for a relaxing, spiritual and contemplative holiday.

It is considered the cleanest ecological zone in Southeast Asia and is famous for its pristine nature, beautiful landscapes, an amazing combination of rocky mountains, picturesque rivers and impenetrable jungles, magically beautiful waterfalls, tropical forests inhabited by exotic inhabitants. The country has 17 reserves and environmental protection zones, scattered throughout almost the entire country.

Fans of ecological, educational and extreme tourism will find many interesting ways to spend time in Laos: rafting and kayaking on deep rivers, trekking in the mountains and villages of numerous ethnic minorities, cycling in picturesque surroundings, rock climbing, exploring caves, riding elephants in the jungle. This country is a real find for adventure lovers.

Despite the true tradition of Laos, the attitude towards the tourism industry here is very serious, although there are indeed few tourists, which gives this country a special charm and attractiveness. In the country's tourist centers - Luang Prabang and Vientiane - hotels of various levels are happy to welcome guests - from economical to high-class luxury hotels. Restaurants serving traditional Laotian and Thai cuisine, as well as international cuisine with strong influences from French culinary traditions, open their doors to their customers every day. The service, although it seems a little leisurely, which fully reflects the mentality of the local population, is in fact amazingly responsive, attentive and helpful. The people of Laos are extremely hospitable and friendly, and there are smiles and peace all around.

Lovers of unusual shopping will find many interesting handicrafts in Laos at very reasonable prices. These are a variety of souvenirs made of wood, leather, carvings, natural silk, embroidery, wicker furniture, silver, traditional clothing and much more.

A trip to will be one of the most vivid tourist experiences; it will not disappoint and will not leave even the most experienced traveler indifferent. This is a country that you can’t help but fall in love with at first sight. It should be noted that Laos is perfect for visiting as part of a combined tour with other countries - for example, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, which will add a special twist to the trip, making it even more diverse and unforgettable.

Laos, full name Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a state in Southeast Asia with the capital Vientiane. It borders on Thailand in the west, Vietnam in the east, Cambodia in the south, Yunnan Province in China in the north, and Myanmar in the northwest.

Flag Coat of arms President Boun Nyang Vorachit Capital Vientiane Official language Laotian Largest cities Vientiane, Pakse, Savannakhet, Luang Prabang Form of government republic with a one-party system President Boun Nyang Vorachit Vice President Phankham Vibhawan Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith

Population The population of the Democratic Republic in 2013 was 6.77 million people; share of urban population 33%; The population growth rate in years will be 1.3%, life expectancy will be 66 years for men and 69 years for women. According to the average forecast, the country's population will be 11.6 million people by 2100. A significant portion of the population is concentrated along the Mekong River and in particular near the capital. The mountainous regions in the north and east of the country are sparsely populated. 95% of the country's population lives along the border with Thailand.

Administrative divisions Laos is divided into 16 provinces (Khveng), a capital prefecture and a metropolitan municipality. The provinces are divided into 140 districts consisting of communes.

Geography Laos is landlocked. The territory of Laos is covered with dense forests, the landscape consists of low hills and mountains; the point with the highest altitude is Bia (2830 m). The Mekong River flows along the border of Laos with Thailand and Myanmar; the border with Vietnam is separated by the Truong Son Mountains. Laos is predominantly a mountainous country. The climate is subequatorial monsoon, characterized by dividing the year into two seasons: the summer rainy monsoon period from May to October and the winter dry period from November to April. There are no very large cities in Laos, except for the capital Vientiane. Other relatively large cities are Luang Prabang (50 thousand), Savannakhet (since 2005 Kayson Phomvihan) (70 thousand) and Pakse (90 thousand inhabitants).

Foreign trade Laos exports ($1.4 billion in 2008) timber, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, gold. The main buyers are Thailand (35.4%), Vietnam (15.5%) and China (8.5%). Imports ($2.3 billion in 2008) industrial products, fuel, and consumer goods. The main suppliers are Thailand (68.3%), China (10.4%), Vietnam (5.8%). Opium smuggling was estimated to be worth up to $4 million a year in the 1960s.

Laos is a land of rugged mountains and fertile river valleys. Lands along the banks of rivers, suitable for irrigated agriculture, have long been inhabited and developed by humans, and residents of mountain slopes and peaks have to reclaim land plots, burning forests for crops. The mountainous nature of the relief predetermines the isolation of certain regions of Laos and complicates their connections with the outside world. The most inaccessible and underdeveloped part of the country is Northern Laos. Rocky mountains, cut by deep gorges, reach a height of 2000 m here. The mountains, which have undergone severe erosion, are composed mainly of limestone, clayey and crystalline shales. The Pu Kum ridge (2000 m) in northwestern Laos forms the natural Khammouan, interesting as an area of ​​classic karst topography. In the east, the plateau turns into the Truong Son Mountains, ancient, heavily destroyed, dissected into separate blocky massifs. Some passes, such as Ailau and Mu Gia, lie at an altitude of only about 400 m. The maximum height of the mountains in Central Laos is 2286 m. The western slopes of the plateau of Central Laos descend in gentle steps to the Mekong Valley. Here, south of the Khammuan plateau, the vast Savannakhet Valley with flooded rice fields stands out. In Southern Laos, the main breadbasket of the country, the Chuong Son Mountains transform into low but rather steep plateaus, surrounded by alluvial fertile lowlands in river valleys. The Boloven plateau, composed of sandstones and basalts, reaches its greatest height (1200 m).

Minerals of Laos Laos has significant reserves of a number of minerals. Currently, tin ore deposits have been explored (metal content up to 60%). Iron ore reserves (magnetite and hematite with metal contents up to 60–65%) in Laos are estimated to account for two-thirds of Southeast Asia's total resources. Deposits of copper ore, coal, lead, zinc, antimony, gypsum, manganese, limestone, potash, table salt, platinum, and precious stones (sapphires, rubies, etc.) have also been explored. Alluvial placers of gold and silver are numerous. The development of deposits of tin ore, gold, and precious stones is underway.

Climate of Laos The climate of Laos is tropical, monsoon. The regime and direction of the winds determine a clear change of two seasons: dry, cool from November to April, when cold northern and northeastern monsoons invade from the continent with almost no precipitation, and humid, hot from May to October, when warm air masses from the Indian Ocean bring with tropical downpours and high temperatures.

Flora of Laos More than half of the country's entire territory is occupied by forests. The slopes of the mountains of Northern Laos are covered with evergreen subtropical forests, changing at an altitude of 1500 m to mixtures of oak, pine, and chestnut. The plateaus of Central and Southern Laos are dominated by light-colored monsoon deciduous forests. Tropical rainforests are characteristic of the valleys of Southern Laos and the Chuong Son Mountains. Valuable and rare tree species have been preserved in virgin forests: pink, black, sandalwood, and ironwood. Teak forests occupy a significant area in northwestern Laos, along the Mekong; On the Xiang Khouang, Kham Mouan and Boloven plateaus, beautiful timber pine grows. In addition to valuable wood, forests also provide varnishes and resins.

Fauna of Laos The fauna of Laos is extremely diverse and unique; many species of animals that have already been exterminated in other countries are still preserved here. Laos combines animal species characteristic of tropical and temperate climates. Numerous monkeys (gibbons, macaques) and prosimians live in the jungle , as well as predators: tiger, marbled panther, Tibetan bear, palm marten in the thickets of palm trees, swamp lynx in the valleys and mountain gorges. Large ungulates include wild banteng and gayal bulls, wild boars. Cobra snakes, pythons, etc. live in the forests. parrots, peacocks, ducks. In Southern and partly Northern Laos there are significant herds of elephants. Many of these animals are of commercial importance. Hunting is prohibited only for elephants; they are tamed and used for carrying loads.

Plan:

1.General information

3.Nature

4.Population

5.Housekeeping

6.Culture

7.References

1.General information

In the very center of the Indochina Peninsula is Laos, a small state stretching 1000 km from north to south along the middle reaches of the Mekong. In terms of territory, Laos is almost equal to Great Britain - 237 thousand square meters. km, but its population is small - about 3.5 million people. It is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Asia. Laos is landlocked. Laos borders China to the north, Vietnam to the east, Kampuchea to the south, Thailand to the west and Burma to the northwest. The borders run mainly along natural boundaries - the Mekong or mountain ranges.

In December 1975, Laos was proclaimed a people's democratic republic, governed by the Supreme People's Assembly and government. The country is divided into 13 Provinces, one urban district and 1.5 thousand ban villages headed by people's revolutionary committees. The capital of the country is the city of Vientiane.

2.Major historical events

The ancestors of the modern Lao are Thai-speaking tribes, whose migration from the north to the Indochina Peninsula began in the 3rd-1st centuries. BC e. and especially intensified in the XI-XII centuries. n. e. They pushed the tribes of the Mon-Khmer group and the mountain Thais into the mountains and settled in the Mekong valley and along its tributaries. A number of peoples (Man, Meo, etc.) continued to move to Laos during the 9th-19th centuries.

At the end of the 12th century. on the territory of modern Laos there already existed several early feudal principalities, which in the XIV-XVIII centuries. were united into the strong centralized state of Lan Sang Hom Khao, which means “Land of a Million Elephants and the White Umbrella”. In the 17th century Lan Sang reached his highest ascent. He maintained cultural and economic ties with neighboring countries and India, as evidenced by the architectural and literary monuments of that time.

Historians attribute the spread of Buddhism in Laos and the flourishing of Laotian culture to this period. However, the internecine struggle that broke out in the 18th-19th centuries weakened the Laotian state, and it gradually fragmented into separate principalities, which at first were dependent on more powerful neighbors - Siam (Thailand) and Vietnam, and in 1893 were included in the Indochina union and became part of French possessions. Unlike Kampuchea and Vietnam, Laos played a strategic rather than an economic role for the colonialists. The colonial authorities almost completely preserved the socio-economic structure and hierarchical ladder that had existed in Laos for centuries since the time of Lan Sang, but established their complete control over them.

The colonialists developed only those sectors of the economy that met the interests of monopoly capital. The construction of roads was entirely subordinated to the military or economic goals of the metropolis. Only a small number of local residents were allowed to attend secondary schools, from whom a contingent of intermediaries was created between the colonial authorities and the population (for example, to collect taxes). The development of natural resources began only when they could bring huge profits and were literally lying on the surface. This primarily applied to tin ore and forest products (resins and ornamental wood). No wonder Laos was called the Cinderella of the French colonial empire. But the people of Laos did not want to put up with this situation. The entire more than half a century of French rule was accompanied by the courageous struggle of the Laotians for their liberation.

This struggle flared up with particular force during the years of Japanese occupation (1941-1945). The invaders were expelled from the country, and the stage of the struggle of the Laotian people for national independence against French imperialism began. On October 12, 1945, Laos was declared an independent state, and in 1954 it received international recognition at the Geneva Conference, but the armed struggle of patriotic forces against domestic and international reaction continued for almost 20 years. During these years, the alliance of the country's patriotic forces strengthened, which in 1956 took shape into the Patriotic Front of Laos (PFL) - Neo Lao Khaksat; by the early 60s he controlled the north and east of Laos. The leader of the struggle of the Laotian people was the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), created in 1955.

Recognition of Laos as an independent sovereign state opened up the path of independent political and economic development. However, this did not suit those imperialist circles who hoped to turn Laos into their fiefdom. The place of France, whose position in Laos had noticeably weakened by this time, was gradually taken by the United States, which created a social support for itself from the local elite, senior officials and officers. Relying on the reactionary, pro-American circles in Laos, the United States started a civil war there in 1960, and then moved on to massive bombing of the liberated areas of the country.

All truly patriotic forces of Laos united against external aggression and internal reaction. The struggle of the popular masses for an end to hostilities and for the transformation of the country into a peaceful, independent state expanded. During short periods of peaceful respite, the coalition governments of national unity that were being created tried to solve the country's socio-economic problems. In 1960, Laos established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union. The entire progressive world community advocated a peaceful solution to the Laotian problem. An important milestone in the development of the national democratic revolution in Laos was the Geneva Meeting of 1962 and the signing of the Declaration and Protocol to the Declaration of Neutrality of Laos, as well as the agreement of the leaders of the three main political groups on the formation of a government of national unity and the cessation of hostilities. However, due to the fault of right-wing forces, hostilities in the country soon resumed.

The turning point in the development of political events in Laos was the signing in Vientiane on February 21, 1973 of the Agreement on Restoring Peace and Achieving National Unity. This agreement was concluded as a result of negotiations between the leadership of the PFL and the Vientiane administration, which began in 1970 at the initiative of the PFL. By this time, the PFL was already under control % territory of the country where almost half of the Laotian population lived. In accordance with the agreement, a Provisional Government of National Unity and a National Political Coalition Council were formed in Laos, hostilities were stopped and conditions were created that would create real

foundations for the peaceful development of the country, strengthening national unity, independence, social and economic progress.

In 1974-1975 The struggle of the masses in the Vientiane zone for democratic changes in the country intensified. At the request of the people, a reorganization of the administrative apparatus was carried out, unifying the country. In August 1975, the formation of the people's revolutionary authorities was completed, and in November all local power passed into the hands of the people. The National People's Congress of Laos on December 2, 1975 abolished the monarchy and proclaimed a republic. The most important stage of the national democratic revolution in Laos has ended.

Acting in unity with the fraternal peoples of Indochina, relying on the support of the socialist countries and all the progressive forces of the world, Laos, under the leadership of the NRPL, began to build the foundations of a socialist society.

3.Nature

Laos is a land of rugged mountains and fertile river valleys. Lands along the banks of rivers, suitable for irrigated agriculture, have long been inhabited and developed by humans, and residents of mountain slopes and peaks have to reclaim land plots, burning forests for crops. The mountainous nature of the relief predetermines the isolation of certain regions of Laos and complicates their connections with the outside world.

The most inaccessible and underdeveloped part of the country is Northern Laos. Rocky mountains, cut by deep gorges, reach a height of 2000 m here. The mountains, which have undergone severe erosion, are composed mainly of limestone, clayey and crystalline shales. The Pu Kum ridge (2000 m) in northwestern Laos forms the natural Khammouan, interesting as an area of ​​classic karst topography. In the east, the plateau turns into the Truong Son Mountains, ancient, heavily destroyed, dissected into separate blocky massifs. Some passes, such as Ailau and Mu Gia, lie at an altitude of only about 400 m. The maximum height of the mountains in Central Laos is 2286 m. The western slopes of the Central Laos plateau descend in gentle steps to the Mekong Valley. Here, south of the Khammuan plateau, the vast Savannakhet Valley with flooded rice fields stands out.

In Southern Laos - the main breadbasket of the country - the Chuong Son mountains ledge into low but rather steep plateaus, surrounded by alluvial fertile lowlands in river valleys. The Boloven plateau, composed of sandstones and basalts, reaches its greatest height (1200 m).

The subsoil of the country is rich in minerals

border with Thailand. To the south of it is the rocky Xiang Khouang plateau, individual peaks of which reach 2500-3000 m. In the southeast, the plateau turns into the Chuong Son chain, which extends to the very south of Laos. The border with Vietnam runs along them. The Truong Son Mountains are composed of crystalline rocks: limestone, sandstone, and shales. Blocky massifs at 500-2500 m alternate here with depressions: for example, the Keonya Pass lies at an altitude of only 728 m. The only fertile valley of Northern Laos is the Vientiane valley of alluvial origin.

The topography of Central Laos is dominated by mid-altitude plateaus; the most extensive of them is a limestone plateau

shared. They are most exploited in mountainous Northern and Central Laos. Significant deposits of tin ore (about 70 thousand tons) are located on the Khammouan plateau. New tin deposits have recently been discovered near the city of Savannakhet. In the area of ​​the Xiangkhouang Plateau, reserves of iron ore with a high metal content (60-70%) were discovered, estimated at 1 billion tons. In Northern and Central Laos there are copper ores, coal, antimony, lead, zinc, gypsum, manganese, and limestone. Throughout the country there are deposits of gold and various precious stones, especially sapphires and rubies. Table salt is found and mined in Laos in two places - north of Vientiane and south of Phongsali. Oil-bearing layers are expected to exist near Vientiane and Savannakhet.

The climate of Laos is tropical, monsoon. The regime and direction of the winds determine a clear change of two seasons: dry, cool - from November to April, when cold northern and northeastern monsoons invade from the continent with almost no precipitation, and humid, hot - from May to October, when warm air masses from the Indian The oceans bring with them tropical downpours and high temperatures.

The large extent of the country from northwest to southeast and mountainous terrain create quite significant climatic differences between the northern and southern regions. In the lowlands of Northern Laos, the average temperature of the coldest month is January + 15°, and the hottest month - July is 4-28°. In the mountainous regions of Northern Laos, the air temperature in winter sometimes drops below 0°. In Central and Southern Laos, such sharp temperature fluctuations do not occur. The average January temperature here is +23, +25°, July +30°.

Laos receives a significant amount of rainfall, but it is distributed unevenly: in the mountainous areas and on the high plateaus of Xiang Khouang, Khammouan, Boloven up to 3500 falls mm precipitation per year, and on the plains and low plateaus of Northern Laos, as well as in the Savan Nakhet Valley - 1000-2000 mm. Uneven distribution of precipitation across

seasons, combined with the relief features in different regions of Laos, contributed to the uneven development of the territory of this country. Southern Laos is more developed.

There are few lakes and swamps in Laos, but there are a lot of rivers. They flow through plains and mountain gorges. Most of them belong to the Mekong basin, the main artery of the country and one of the largest rivers in Asia. A third of the Mekong's total length, or almost its entire middle course, coincides with the border between Laos and Thailand. The largest tributaries of the Mekong in Northern Laos are Ta, U, Dong, Lik, Ngum. In Central and Southern Laos these are Bang Phai, Bang Khiang, Don, Kong, Than. Summer floods and winter shallowing of rivers are associated with the monsoon climate regime. During the dry season, many rivers become so shallow that there is not enough water not only for irrigation, but also for the household needs of the population, and navigation in some areas stops completely. Rice harvests largely depend on the timely arrival of floods. Rivers provide the population with fish, but fishing plays a smaller role in the country's economy than in Kampuchea.

The poor development of land roads makes the rivers of Laos almost the only type of connections, both internal and external. But navigation along them is complicated not only by seasonal shallowing, but also by many rapids, waterfalls and turbulent currents. Even in the most flat areas of the Mekong, the current speed reaches 4-5 m/sec. Along the main channel of the Mekong, movement is possible in three sections, free from rapids and waterfalls. The upper section of the river, from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, is accessible only to pirogues and small motor boats. The middle one - from Vientiane to Savannakhet - has a calmer current; barges, spacious sampans and fast long pirogues ply here all year round. Near Savannakhet there are the Khemmarat rapids, which impede navigation, and the river again becomes navigable only to the south of these rapids. Here it is accessible all year round for large sampans and ships with a displacement of 200-300 tons. Near the very border with Kampuchea, the waterway is blocked by the Khong Falls. The Mekong, with its numerous rapids tributaries, contains enormous reserves of hydroelectric power.

More than half of the country's entire territory is occupied by forests. The slopes of the mountains of Northern Laos are covered with evergreen subtropical forests, changing at an altitude of 1500 m to mixed ones - oak, pine, chestnut. The plateaus of Central and Southern Laos are dominated by light-colored monsoon deciduous forests. Tropical rainforests are characteristic of the valleys of Southern Laos and the Truong Son mountains.

Valuable and rare tree species have been preserved in virgin forests: pink, black, sandalwood, and ironwood. Teak forests occupy a significant area in northwestern Laos, along the Mekong; On the Xiangkhuang, Khammuang and Bolo-ven plateaus, beautiful timber pine grows. In addition to valuable wood, forests also provide varnishes and resins.

Areas with low rainfall - the Savannakhet Valley and parts of the Xiang Khuang and Boloven plateaus - are covered with tall grass savannas, the appearance of which is partly facilitated by the burning of forests during fallow farming. The fauna of Laos is extremely diverse and unique; many species of animals that have already been exterminated in other countries are still preserved here. Laos has a mixture of animal species characteristic of tropical and temperate climates. The jungle is home to numerous monkeys (gibbons, macaques) and prosimians, as well as predators -; tiger, marbled panther, Tibetan bear, in the thickets of palm trees - palm marten, in the valleys and mountain gorges - swamp lynx. Large ungulates include wild banteng and gayal bulls and wild boars. The forests are inhabited by snakes - cobras, pythons, etc. There are many parrots, peacocks, and ducks. In Southern and partly Northern Laos there are significant herds of elephants. Many of the listed animals are of commercial importance. Hunting is prohibited only for elephants; they are tamed and used for carrying loads.

4.Population

The indigenous population of the country racially belongs to the Southern Mongoloids. The Laotians are somewhat lighter in skin color than their Burmese or Thai neighbors, taller, have a wider face and less thick lips, but the same black and straight hair. They are usually well built and well physically developed, especially the Highlanders.

More than 60 nationalities live in Laos. Many small ethnic groups living high in the mountains were previously culturally and economically poorly connected not only with the rest of the country's population, but also with each other.

Most of the population of Laos speaks Thai languages, a smaller part speaks Austroasiatic languages. The Thai-speaking peoples are the Lao, the Tai, the so-called mountain Tai (Thai Dam, Thai Kao, Thai Deng, Ly, Putai, Thai Nua, Thai Phong, Tho, Nun, Nyan, Kaolan, etc.). This group makes up 73% of the country's population (of which the Lao make up about 63%). Thai-speaking peoples live mainly in the provinces of Vientiane, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Champassak and Luang Prabang.

Peoples speaking Austroasiatic languages ​​make up approximately 25% of the population of Laos. They are divided into two groups: Mon-Khmer (more than 20%) and Meo-Man (about 5%). The first group includes the Khmers and various mountain Mon-Khmer peoples. During the colonial period, the latter were called "kha", i.e. slaves. You can still find this name in foreign literature, but the Laotians themselves no longer use this offensive name. The largest of the mountain Mon-Khmer peoples is the Khmu; it is inferior in number to Sui, So, Lamet, etc.

Ethnoculturally, the country's population is divided into three main groups: Laolum (population of the valleys), Laoteng (population of the mountain slopes) and Laosung (population of the mountain peaks).

Among the foreign national groups of the population, the most numerous are Chinese and Vietnamese. Each of them numbered approximately 30 thousand people in the early 70s. There are also about 2 thousand Indians living in the country. These three groups live mainly in cities, preserving traditional forms of life and culture and engaging primarily in trade, crafts and entrepreneurship.

After achieving independence, Lao was declared the state language of the country. It has its own syllabary, close to that of the Mons of Burma.

The most common religion in Laos is Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced by the Lao and Tai. Various tribal beliefs are widespread among the mountaineers. Remnants of traditional beliefs can also be found among local Buddhists: they revere the “phi” spirits, personifying dead and living nature.

Laos is one of the countries affected by the “demographic explosion”: the population is growing rapidly, with an increase of 2.2% per year. In the 60s, there were approximately equal numbers of men and women.

Of the economically active population (1.5 million people) over % employed in agriculture and about 5% in industry and crafts.

The distribution of the population throughout Laos was greatly influenced by natural conditions - mountainous terrain, dense river network, differences in climate. Most settlements and the bulk of the population are concentrated along the banks of rivers: if the average population density of the country is 115 people per 1 sq. km, then in the valleys, where almost % of all Lao residents live, it is 5 times higher. And in some mountainous areas per 1 sq. km there are less than 1 person.

In Laos, the process of urbanization has intensified over the past two decades, the urban population has grown 5-7 times and by the beginning of the 70s it accounted for 15% of the total population. One of the important factors in the growth of the urban population in the 60s was the long-term instability of the situation in the country, which forced peasant families to seek shelter in cities during the intensification of hostilities. The restoration of peaceful life allowed thousands of refugees to return to their homes. The bulk of the Lao urban population is Lao, as well as Tai.

The most significant cities in the country are Vientiane, Savannakhet, and Luang Pha Bang. The remaining cities are small and have 10-12 thousand inhabitants.

The largest city in Laos is its capital Vientiane(“City of the Moon”), where about 200 thousand people live. This is one of the oldest cities in the country, which has preserved, although sometimes in ruins, numerous pagodas. The city, the center of which is built up with stone buildings, stretches for several kilometers along the banks of the Mekong. Vientiane is the cultural and commercial center of the country. Here are the main educational institutions, an archaeological museum, and a state library. In the 60s, a new building of the People's Assembly, a city lyceum, and new cinemas were built in the capital. Vientiane is also the most industrially developed.

In contrast, Luang Pha Bang, which was formerly a royal residence, has retained the features of the old city, built up with numerous trading shops and adobe pile houses. There are 31 pagodas towering over the city. Like many years ago, Luang Prabang wakes up to the rhythmic beat of the drums of the Phu Xi Pagoda, erected in the city center in the 18th century. There is also the building of the former royal palace (now converted into a state museum), and in the suburbs there are sacred grottoes with statues of Buddha.

5.Housekeeping

On the eve of the transition of power into the hands of the people, Laos was one of the 25 poorest countries in the world and had one of the lowest levels of national income per capita. National industry was just emerging in it, agriculture - the basis of the entire economy - was of a natural and semi-natural nature in most areas. Commodity-money relations in the country were poorly developed: out of 10 Laotians in the early 70s, 6 people did not buy or sell anything on the market, remaining outside the sphere of monetary circulation. The backwardness of the socio-economic structure of Laos was artificially maintained by the French colonialists for half a century. And although some socio-economic changes occurred in Laos after the liquidation of the colonial regime, the country, drawn into the orbit of civil war, could not begin to seriously transform its economy for almost 30 years. Almost% of the population of Laos (up to 700 thousand people) turned into refugees without shelter and food. Huge damage was caused to agriculture during the war years: fields were abandoned and yields declined.

Prolonged hostilities in Laos prevented private entrepreneurs from investing capital in the country's economy. A constant shortage of capital forced Laos to seek economic assistance abroad. The financial resources allocated to Laos in the 50-60s by a number of capitalist countries and international organizations were quite significant - the United States alone provided it with up to $50 million annually. However, this “aid” was spent mainly not on economic and social needs, but for the maintenance of the army, various foreign missions, as well as for the construction of airfields and strategic roads. Most of the loans provided ended up in the pockets of senior Laotian officials and officers. Laos remained an underdeveloped agricultural country with a predominance of pre-capitalist forms of economy and social relations.

In the liberated zone during the same period, people's democratic transformations were successfully carried out, anti-imperialist problems were solved, the means of production were transferred into public ownership, the cooperative movement developed, the network of hospitals and schools expanded, and writing was developed for the first time for some mountain peoples. Currently, the leading industry is of a feudal nature, aimed at raising the living standards of the population. A fair distribution of arable land among peasants was carried out, and equal opportunities were provided to all national minorities in the development of their economy and culture. Basics

The country's economy and the main source of livelihood for the vast majority of the population remains agriculture. It creates up to % of the gross national product. The main occupation of Laotian peasants is agriculture. Small rice farms predominate, producing mainly for their own needs. Such farms usually had a plot of land of 1.5-2 hectares, but the strip was so large that one farm could have up to 50 plots. Such tiny parcels are difficult to irrigate and process using modern technology. In mountainous regions, where there was virtually no land ownership, plots of land cleared from the jungle were cultivated and yielded a harvest that did not exceed the needs of the family. There were few large farms, usually their size did not exceed 10 hectares, even in rice growing - the main branch of agriculture. Now the first cooperatives have appeared in the Lao PDR, and farms are being transferred to settled life. The cooperative movement is expanding throughout the country.

Rice, which is the most important food product, is grown everywhere in Laos. However, compared to the end of the 40s, the country's population has tripled, and rice production has doubled. At the same time, the consumer part of the population grew rapidly - the urban strata, the army and refugees, and the number of farmers decreased, many rice fields became the scene of military operations and fell out of crop rotation. All this, given the predominance of consumer peasant farms, aggravated the food problem. To solve this problem, the Lao PDR government monopolized the trade in rice and established control over its prices. Most of the rice fields abandoned during the war have already been reclaimed.

The yield of irrigated rice remains low - 8-10 khuga, and in slash-and-burn agriculture it is even lower, since many peasants still continue to cultivate the fields using backward methods and primitive equipment. However, the first demonstration rice growing stations and state farms (there are already about 800 of them) have appeared in Laos, where high-yielding varieties of rice are used, chemical fertilizers and progressive agricultural methods are used. The yield here has increased to 13 c/ha.

In all regions of the country, corn is grown, which becomes especially important when the rice harvest fails. Its production has more than tripled over the past 20 years - from 12 thousand to 35-37 thousand tons per year. If the main rice production areas are river valleys (slash-and-burn agriculture in mountainous areas yields approx. % of all rice), then corn is cultivated more in the mountainous regions in the north of the country.

Vegetable and horticultural crops are widespread everywhere - potatoes, soybeans, cassava, cabbage, citrus fruits and oilseeds. Cotton and tobacco are traditional crops of peasant farms. But if during the colonial period these crops were produced for the needs of the economy, now, due to the development of the local cotton and tobacco industries, they are increasingly becoming cash crops. Raw cotton is grown up to 3 thousand tons annually, tobacco - 3-4 thousand tons. Coffee is of particular importance in the economy, providing up to 5% of foreign exchange earnings. The second export crop is opium poppy (approximately 50 tons per year). Unlike many neighboring countries, Hevea and various palm trees are not of operational importance in Laos.

Livestock farming in the country is not an independent branch of agriculture, but livestock is raised on all peasant farms: for rural work - bulls and buffaloes, for transporting goods - horses, for food - pigs, small cattle and poultry. Great damage to the livestock population caused by the lack of qualified care for it; the cattle were fed all year round, often suffered from epizootics. Previously, they were not subject to selection at all. However, now the government is taking vigorous measures to develop livestock farming, in particular the breeding of pedigree livestock.

Forestry industries are of great importance. Laos supplies the world market with valuable products such as cardamom, gummilk, industrial wood, benzoic (30-50% of world production),

Industry is still poorly developed and insufficiently equipped technically. Together with crafts, it provides only 6% of the gross national product. Tin mining is the most developed. In the Fontiou mine, in Central Laos, 1-1.5 thousand tons of tin ore are mined annually. But there are no tin smelters in Laos; the ore is exported abroad. The remaining industries are represented by small enterprises producing tobacco, cigarettes, soft drinks, shoes and building materials. Such enterprises usually employ 10-25 workers and manual labor predominates.

Plants and factories of the modern type are rare; they appeared only in the 50s, for example, a cement plant in Thach Khek, a cotton gin factory in Vientiane. The population's needs for essential goods are met either through craft workshops or through imports from other countries. And in subsistence peasant farms, the family provides itself with tools, clothing, and food. The only industry that developed at a relatively fast pace during the period of independence was energy; b The largest power plants are run by the state. Over the past two decades, electricity production has increased 20 times thanks to the construction of new and improvement of old power plants. But, as before, most of the energy, with the exception of that generated at the Ngum hydroelectric station, is still used for domestic needs. Electricity production per capita is only 8 kW per year.

The mountainous terrain and rapidity of the rivers of Laos prevent the creation of a well-developed transport network. Many roads were heavily damaged by military operations. Therefore, remote areas of the country are poorly connected. The north of the country is least provided with roads. Laos is one of the few countries in the world that does not yet have railways. The main routes of communication within the country and with the outside world are navigable sections of rivers, country and forest roads and mountain paths, while the directions of most land roads follow the contours of the river network. Highways connect the largest cities, their length is about six thousand km, only % of which can be used all year round. In recent years, the automobile fleet of Laos has grown significantly: from 300 cars in 1948 to 18 thousand in 1975. Air transport serving domestic and external airlines is becoming increasingly important in the country; there are 20 airfields and several runways. The airports in Vientiane and Luang Prabang receive planes all year round. The structure of Laos' foreign trade reflects not only the agrarian nature of the economy, but also the general disorganization of the country's economy as a result of prolonged military operations. The aggravation of the food problem has led to the need to import large quantities of food, and the limited export resources have led to the close dependence of foreign trade on market conditions and price levels on the world market. For 1965-1975 covering import costs through exports decreased by 2 times. The bulk of imports were finished industrial products (up to 60% by value) and food (about 30%), but among industrial products, consumer goods, not industrial ones, came first. which indicated the low level of economic development of the country. Rice, fuel, and clothing were imported. Before the proclamation of the republic, Laos imported such a quantity of luxury goods for the wealthy part of the urban population that the authorities were forced to pass special regulations to limit their import; at the same time, the import of chemical fertilizers, agricultural implements, and industrial equipment was very small. The foreign trade balance has been in acute deficit in recent years. The main foreign trade partners of Laos until 1975 were capitalist countries - the USA. France, Japan. England, Germany and some of the developing countries of Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia.

Great changes in the life of the country occurred after the proclamation of Laos as a people's democratic republic. The new republican government is carrying out a broad program of socio-economic measures aimed primarily at eradicating the harmful consequences of the colonial-feudal regime. This program includes agrarian reforms and leads to the rise of the main branches of agriculture, creating the preconditions for subsequent industrialization. Abandoned arable lands have already been developed, new industrial enterprises have been restored and are being built, cooperatives in agriculture, crafts and trade are being created, as well as new state and mixed public-private companies; The lands of former large landowners are distributed among the peasants. The healthcare and public education systems are expanding. Medical care and education became free. Ties with socialist countries are being strengthened. In 1976-1977 Agreements were signed on the Soviet Union providing economic assistance to the Lao PDR, on cultural and scientific cooperation, on trade turnover and payments, which are being successfully carried out.

6.Culture:

tradition and modernity

The material culture of Laos in former times was based on a traditional peasant economy, the rhythm of life of which is closely related to the onset of dry and wet seasons and the state of river waters. Differences in natural conditions and the level of socio-economic development of individual peoples determined the existence of two types of agriculture; in the valleys on permanent fields, irrigated - “na”; in mountainous areas, fallow - high. But often valley residents resort to clearing forests on the nearest mountain slopes in order to get an additional harvest.

Agricultural work everywhere begins in April - May. In the valleys, fields irrigated by flood waters are loosened using a wooden plow with a rounded spade-shaped ploughshare; one or two buffaloes are harnessed to the plow. Rice seedlings are then manually planted onto the flooded field. This is where the processing and care of the fields ends until the harvest. In mountainous areas, trees on a selected slope are cut down and set on fire just before the rains begin. These fields are not plowed; holes are made in them using sharpened sticks, into which 2-3 grains are placed. To protect against animals, the field is surrounded by a fence. The yield of such fields falls already in the third year.

The main ethnic groups of Laos differ from each other primarily in their way of life. For example, a village engaged in irrigated rice cultivation is usually a Lao or Tai village; They actively trade with both valley and mountain residents, buying forest products and game from them in exchange for fabric and salt. The villages of most mountain peoples change their location once every 3-4 years after the soil in the burned areas is depleted and harvests fall. Among the Meo, villages move less frequently. sometimes staying in one place for more than 10 years. Unlike all other peoples, the main occupation of the Meo is the cultivation and sale of opium poppy. This people is distinguished by exceptional endurance and adaptability to high-mountain living conditions. Mountain peoples living in inaccessible areas, to a greater extent than valley peoples, retained a backward, patriarchal way of life until recently.

The main economic unit for all Laotians is the family, within which there is a division of labor. The main occupation of men is working in the fields, hunting and fishing. Women do most of the housework. The Laotian family is usually large. Very often their children and their families and even the grooms of unmarried daughters live with their parents in order to increase the number of workers. Typically, a village consists of one extended family or a group of related families who, by tradition, work together to cultivate all the fields during planting or harvesting of rice. Usually there are from 50 to 350 people living in a village. It is not difficult to distinguish the different Laotian peoples by their clothing, especially the clothing of women. Thus, women wear a silk or cotton multi-colored skirt with gold or silver patterns, often homespun. It is sewn flared or straight and holds up against river floods or heavy rains. The dwelling is framed from woven bamboo, with an open veranda, a gable roof covered with bamboo or palm leaves. In the mountains, houses are placed directly on the ground, the walls are made of planks, and several families can live in one house. The interior furnishings of peasant houses are very simple, the furniture and utensils are homemade. Typically, Laotians place their homes next to termite mounds, which they consider sacred and bring happiness, as they are shaped like a pagoda. Modern civilization (electricity, newspapers) previously had little penetration into the Laotian village. The majority of the population remained illiterate. Village residents were mainly engaged in agricultural work or household crafts. “Even a bicycle was rare here, and the travel of peasants was usually limited to the provinces.

hard belt. An indigo-colored skirt with a motley pattern is worn by women of the Ly tribe. There are even people who got their name thanks to the custom of wearing a black blouse - these are the black tai, or tai-dam. Married women in thai-dams can be recognized by their high hairstyle, while unmarried women are distinguished by the pink turban on their heads. Among the Meo, both men and women wear loose black trousers and silver neck rings; the clothing of one of the Meo-Lai groups has appliques on the sleeves. Among the most backward mountain peoples, men wear only a loincloth, and women wear a skirt. leaving the upper body of the postcards. Lao men also wear wide, short (calf-length) trousers and a straight-fastening jacket with a small stand-up collar.

Housing also has its differences. The valley residents - Lao and Tai - usually put their houses on stilts, in case

The food of Laotian peasants is typical of the inhabitants of Southeast Asia. First of all, this is rice - the “bread of Asia”. A variety of dishes and drinks are prepared from it and used as a side dish. But for residents of the northern regions, the main food is corn and sometimes millet. The village dweller does not know dairy products; they eat only vegetable oil. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables are eaten in the north,

for example, sauerkraut - Unlike neighboring countries, Laos consumes more protein animal food: each family raises chickens, pigs, goats; in the valleys, all residents eat fish - boiled, dried, pickled and even ground. City residents are already accustomed to natural and canned meat and dairy products imported from abroad. Drinks include tea, various fruit juices and infusions. Alcoholic drinks are usually not strong.

The Buddhist religion has left a significant imprint on the spiritual culture and life of the country. In the center of each village stands a pagoda-temple, usually the largest and most beautiful building, built in contrast to residential buildings of brick.

The Buddhist calendar is closely related to the changing seasons of the year and is used in Laos along with the Gregorian calendar. The Laotian year is divided into 12 months, starting from December. Each year is named after one of 12 animals, and these names are repeated every 12 years.

The art of the peoples of Laos is similar in spirit to Thai and Khmer. Near Savannakhet, monuments of primitive culture have been preserved - sanctuaries similar to the prasats of Kampuchea, and in the Valley of the Jars - stone oval vessels three meters high, dating back to the 1st-5th centuries. Apparently they were used as funeral urns.

In Laos, almost no stone architectural ensembles were built that could be compared with the majestic architectural monuments of neighboring countries. But the types of buildings that have developed in Laos occupy an important place in the history of art. Here, in particular, magnificent examples of wooden architecture - vata (pagodas) - have been preserved. Each wat has a Buddha statue, a chapel, a library and sanctuaries - thats - similar to Indian stupas. Sometimes thatats were built as independent architectural complexes. This is that Luang near Vientiane (XVI century), restored in 1938. Unlike pagodas, thats were always built of brick or stone.

One of the oldest wats surviving in the country is Xeng Thong in Luan Gphabang (1561). It most clearly expresses the main features of medieval architecture in Laos. The building, rectangular in plan, is topped with a high, steep roof, made up of several overlapping parts. The upper corner ends of the roof are completed with a curved, pointed ridge - a stylized image of a naga snake. Other pagodas in northern Laos vary a similar type of wat,

In the south of the country, the wat has a slightly different appearance. There is a great affinity here with Thai architecture. The southern vats are larger in size and splendor, but they have less of the originality and nobility of proportions characteristic of the northern vats. An example of southern architecture is Wat Phra Kaew in Vientiane (XVI-XVII centuries).

In the art of Laos, sculpture has not received such development as in neighboring countries. The main sculptural motif is the image of Buddha, often made of varnished wood or bronze, less often of stone or baked clay; Buddha's face always has clearly expressed ethnic features.

Decorative art does not have a religious connotation. Birds, animals, and human figures are skillfully woven into the carved frame of doors, shutters and lamps of temples or decorate caskets for manuscripts.

The most developed types of folk applied art are artistic weaving, processing of precious stones and metal, and production of enamels. In fine jewelry and colorful lacquerware, along with religious and mythological subjects, there are realistic scenes from folk life, landscapes, portraits and still lifes.

Laotian literature is based on written secular and religious works, but has also absorbed the spirit of oral folk art - songs, fairy tales, myths, the main characters of which are a folk hero - a cheerful street boy, as well as a stupid and greedy rich man, a sorcerer and a deceiver - The First written monuments (13th century) tell about the most important events and customs of the country, its political and social structure. Modern literature is represented mainly by short stories and poems.

Musical culture is based on a five-step scale without halftones. Lao people love melodious, melodious songs and mischievous holiday ditties; The holidays are accompanied by a circular collective dance - the lam-wong, performed to the accompaniment of the folk musical instrument khena, whose sound resembles an organ.

The art of Laos has absorbed many features of the culture of other peoples, developed them in its own way and brought them to our time.

7. References:

1.Countries and peoples. Foreign Asia 1979

2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia. Volume 16 1984

Laos

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Area: 236.8 thousand km2. Wat Sisaket Vientiane Laos

Population: 4 million 966 thousand people (1998).

Official language: Lao.

Capital: Vientiane (290 thousand inhabitants, 1996).

Currency: kip.

Member of the UN since 1955, ASEAN since 1997. and etc.

The state is located in Southeast Asia, in the center of the Indochina Peninsula. It borders on the south with Cambodia, on the northwest with Burma, on the west with Thailand, on the north with China and on the east with Vietnam. The territory stretches for more than 1000 km from north to south, and its width from west to east is 140 - 500 km.

The country is multinational. About 70 nationalities live in Laos. According to ethnocultural, linguistic and geo-economic characteristics, three groups are distinguished: Lao-Lums, lowland Laotians (Lao-Thai language) - 60% of the inhabitants; Lao-Teng, Upper Laotians (Monkhmer languages) - over 30%; Lao-Sung, peak Laotians (Miao-Yao languages) and others - 10%. They have their own customs, beliefs, languages ​​and way of life. By the features and color of clothing, headdress, hairstyle, even by the name of a Laotian, you can find out about his belonging to a certain nationality, place of birth, and marital status. The Lao-Lums build houses on stilts, while the mountaineers place them directly on the ground. Farmers live in large families (usually a village of several houses).

Religious beliefs are reflected in literature, art, folk medicine, and calendar holidays. This is evidenced by many archaeological finds and ancient manuscripts on palm leaves preserved in monasteries. Folk holidays are celebrated with dancing and singing. Theatrical performances with masks depicting animals, good and evil spirits, are accompanied by colorful fireworks. National antagonism is practically absent. The state Lao language has not yet become an interethnic means of communication. Natural average annual population growth is 2.5% (1998), life expectancy is 51 years, infant mortality is 104 (per 1000 births). A literacy campaign is underway.

Vientiane (“City of the Moon”) was founded in the 10th century. The modern city stretches for several kilometers along the left bank of the Mekong River, the largest river on the Indochina Peninsula: buildings of modern architecture and many buildings of the colonial period, stupas, Transport of Laos, pagodas. The most famous pagoda - That Luang - is depicted on the country's coat of arms. Vientiane is a commercial, industrial, financial, cultural center, the most important hub of land, river and air transport routes. There is a ferry crossing and a highway bridge across the Mekong and Wattay International Airport.

The second most important city of Luang Prabang (over 50 thousand inhabitants) is the center of the province of the same name. Here is the former residence of the kings, which has become a national museum. It is famous for dozens of ancient pagodas, the suburbs are famous for their sacred phots with Buddha statues, as well as handicrafts made of silk, silver, and wood. There is an airport. Other cities are Pakse, Savannakhet, Khammouan, Siang Khouang with a population of 10-15 thousand. These are the administrative centers of the most developed regions of the country, trade and transport points with access abroad.

Tourism is a young developing sector of the economy. Tourists are attracted by the ethnographic originality, amazing natural beauty and original cultural monuments of antiquity. The year 2000 was declared the “Year of Visit to Laos”.

The mountainous terrain predominates (peak Bia - 2820 m). In the south and extreme west there are lowlands and low plateaus. There are many mountain and lowland rivers subject to summer floods. The largest river is the Mekong. The climate is subequatorial, monsoon. There are two clearly defined seasons: rainy hot (from May to October) and Valley of the Jars, cool dry Laos (from November to April). Even in the “cold” months, the temperature rarely drops below +18° C. Forests occupy more than half of the territory, but slash-and-burn agriculture causes enormous damage to them. The fauna is typical of the Indo-Malayan zoogeographic zone. Elephants are protected; hunting them is prohibited.

From the middle of the XIV - XVII centuries. (four “golden” centuries) on the site of Laos there was a powerful state of Lan Xang - the “Kingdom of a Million Elephants”. This City of Golden Temples Laos was a period of independence, flourishing economy and culture, and the adoption of Buddhism (which became the dominant religion of the country). The next 200 years (from the end of the 17th century) were a period of disunity in Laos and the almost complete loss of its sovereignty. Since 1893, Laos has been a protectorate of France (French Indochina). In 1945, Laos was proclaimed an independent state of Pathet Lao (Country of Lao). In 1960, a civil war began, which ended with the proclamation of the Lao PDR on December 2, 1975.

Laos is a presidential type republic. The highest legislative body is the unicameral Supreme People's Assembly. According to the constitution, the leading role in the political system belongs to the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (the only party in the country).

The state religion is Hinayana Buddhism (Sanskrit lit. - small vehicle) - one of the two main directions of Buddhism (personal improvement). Buddhism is practiced by 70% of residents; animism (Latin ashta, attiz - soul, spirit; belief in the existence of souls and spirits) - 28%; Christianity - 2%.