Transcript Slide 1
Mrs. Champney Where in the world is Laos? • Laos is on the continent of Asia. Information about Laos • Laos’ official name is Lao People's Democratic Republic, in the Laos language it is called, “Meuang Lao.” • It is bordered by Burma and People's Republic of China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west. • The capital of Laos is Vientiane. More Information about Laos • Laos' population is estimated at 6.8 million people. • The official language of Laos is called Lao or Hmong. Hmong language http://www.visualgeography.com/countries/laos.html Flag of Laos The Red stripes represent the blood shed in the country's fight for independence. The blue stands for Laos' wealth and prosperity and the white symbolizes unity and justice. Another interpretation of the Laotian flag states the white circle symbolizes the full moon over the blue Mekong River, which runs through and alongside the majority of Laos. The official motto of Laos is: “Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity, and Prosperity." Landforms of Laos • Laos has many plains and plateaus. • There are rugged mountains, the highest of which is Phou Bia at 9,242 feet. • The mountains of the Annamite Chain form most of the eastern border with Vietnam. • The Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand. Mekong River Annamite Mountains Phou Bia Mountains More Landforms of Laos Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Falls Landmarks of Laos In Luang Prabang, the largest city, there are many landmarks to see. Pha That Luang Phou Si Haw Kham Traditions of Laos Traditional dress of Laos The Alms ceremony (Buddhist) Night Market Traditional Food of Laos Traditional food of Laos is rice, fish, and soup Laotian Sticky Rice Traditional dessert is custard pumpkin and Khao Nieow Ma Muang (mango and sticky rice). National Anthem of Laos Laotian National Anthem http://www.kbears.com/laos/anthem.mp3 For all time the Lao people have glorified their Fatherland, United in heart, spirit and vigor as one. Resolutely moving forwards, Respecting and increasing the dignity of the Lao people And proclaiming the right to be their own masters. The Lao people of all origins are equal And will no longer allow imperialists and traitors to harm them. The entire people will safeguard the independence And the freedom of the Lao nation. They are resolved to struggle for victory In order to lead the nation to prosperity. Sample of Laotian Writing Laotian Money is called Laotian Kip Laos is a Communist Country Government Leaders of Laos The Chief of State of Laos is President Lt. Gen. Choummali Saignason. •The Head of State is Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh. Religions of Laos Buddhism is by far the most prominent organized religion in the country. Buddhism Other Religions of Laos Animism Animist believe in spirits and nature. Christianity Bahá'í Faith Holidays in Laos Boun Pimai Boun Pimai celebrates the Lao New Year. The first month of the Lao New Year is actually December but festivities are delayed until April when days are longer than nights. By April it’s also hotter, so having hoses leveled at you and buckets of water are dumped on you is more pleasurable. The festival also serves to invite the rains. Pimai is one of the most important annual festivals. Statues of the Buddha (in the "calling for rain" posture) are ceremonially doused in water. This is usually a 3-day holiday. Boun Bang Fai (rocket festival) The rocket festival is a Buddhist rain-making festival. It is held in May. Large bamboo rockets are built and decorated by monks and carried in procession before being blasted skywards. The higher a rocket goes, the bigger its builder’s ego gets. Designers of failed rockets are thrown in the mud. The festival lasts 2 days. Lao National Day This is a public holiday celebrated on Dec 2nd. It celebrates the 1975 victory of the proletariat over the monarchy with parades, speeches, etc. Lao national and communist hammer-and-sickle flags are flown all over the country. Celebration is mandatory. Popular sports in Laos Sepak Takraw is a popular Sport In Laos Rugby is the national sport of Laos The martial arts of Muay Lao and Muay Thai, also called kickboxing, are also practiced in Laos Good bye! La gohn!