Andy SeelapasayKathy ChhimJoseph Trias

Laos France

Location

Laos - Southeast Asia, bordering Vietnam, China, Thailand, Burma and CambodiaPopulation – 6.4 MillionRanked 103rd in world population France – Western Europe, bordering

Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and BelgiumPopulation – 64.7 millionRanked 20th in world population

People

Nationality – LaoLanguages – Lao, English, FrenchLife Expectancy – 60.1 M. 63.9 FAnnual Pop. Growth – 1.7

Nationality – FrenchLanguage – French, CatalanLife Expectancy – 77.9 M, 84.4 FAnnual Pop. Growth – 0.5%

Population PyramidLaosPopulation Density – 70/mi2

Birth Rate - 26.5/1,000 popDeath Rate – 8.2/1,000 pop

FrancePopulation Density – 295/mi2

Birth Rate - 12.4/1,000 popDeath Rate – 8.6/1,000 pop

Laos Currency: Kip

Economy

France Currency: Euro

Less Developed Communist StateRemains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure, mostly in rural areasSubsistence agriculture, rice cultivationBelow Poverty Line – 26% in 2009GDP Per Capita - $2,300 USD

More Developed Republic StatePartially/Fully privatized many servicesMost visited country in world & maintains the third largest income from tourism. Below Poverty Line – 6.2% (2004)GDP Per Capita – $32,500 USD

Religion

Buddhism – 65%Animism – 32.9%Christianity – 1.3%Other unspecified – 0.8%

Roman Catholic– 83-88%Protestant – 2%Jewish – 1%Muslim – 5-10%Unaffiliated – 4%

Culture of LaosLaos has its own distinct culture. From Theravada Buddhism, it has influences from India and also China. The influences are reflected throughout Laos in language, literature, art, and performing arts. Life in Laos is greatly influenced by Buddhism and can be seen through the way Lao people live and behave. They are taught to be patient and accept people.

Culture of Laos

Bpee Mai (Lao New Year) is the most widely celebrated festival in Laos. It is also celebrated by Laotians in the United States, Canada, France, and Australia. When the first Lao people emigrated from southern China, Bpee Mai was celebrated with accordance to the Chinese Lunar New Year calendar. Since the settlement in Southeast Asia, settlers adopted traditions of the Khmer and Mon-Burmese people, based on the calendar and traditions of India. Lao New Year takes place in April, which is the start of the monsoon season.

Laotian CuisineLaotian cuisine is distinct from other Southeast Asian cuisines. Most Lao dishes are served with sticky rice, eaten by hand. Lao cuisine has many regional variations, depending on fresh foods local to each region.

Laotian Architecture

Wat That Luang, Vientiane, Laos

Garden of the Buddhas

Culture of FranceFrance’s culture has been shaped by historical events, foreign/internal forces, and groups.France plays an important role as the center of high culture and decorative arts. French culture is derived from an ancient civilization composed of a mix of Celtic, Greco-Roman, and Germanic elements.

Culture of France

French Cuisine