| Capital | : Vientiane |
| National Population | : 4.8 million |
| Language | : Lao |
Lao peole boast a plethora of distinctive monuments and architectural styles. One of the most notable structures is That Luang, the Great Sacred stupa, in Vientiane. Its dome like stupa and four-cornered superstructure is the model for similar monuments throughout Laos. Stupas serve to commemorate the life of the Buddha and many stupas are said to house sacred relics (parts of Buddha's body).
Generally, Hinayana Buddhists cremate the dead body then collect the bone and put in the stupa which up around the temple. Different styles of architecture are evident in the numerous buddhist vats. Three architectural styles can be distinguished, corresponding to the geographical location of temple and monasteries.Vats built in Vientiane are large rectangular structures constructed of brick and covered with stucco and high-peaked roofs. In Luang Phrabang the roofs sweep very low and, unlike in Vientiane, almost reach the ground. These two styles are different from Vats of Xieng Khuang where the temple roofs are not tiered.
Lao religious images and art are also distinctive and set Lao apart from its neighbours. The 'Calling for Rain' posture of Buddha images in Lao, for example, which depicts the Buddha standing with his hands held rigidly at his side, fingers pointing to the ground, can not be found in other Southeast Asian Buddhist art traditions.
Religious influences are also pervasive in classical Lao literature, especially in the Pha Lak Pha Lam, the Lao version of India's epic Ramayana. Projects are underway to preserve classic Lao religious scrips which were transcriped into palm leaf manuscripts hundreds of years ago and stored in Vats. Another exellent example for the richness of of Lao culture is its folk music, which is extremely popular with people throughout the whole country. The principal instrucment is the Khaen, a wind instrument which comprises a double row of bammboo-like reeds fitted into a hardwood soundbox. The Khaen is often accompanied by a bowed string instrument or saw. The national folk dance is the lamvong, a circle dance in which people dance circles around each other so that ultimately there are three circles: a circle danced by the individual, another one by the couple, and a third one danced by the whole party.
Lao people are frank, open and friendly, and they possess a strongly developed sense of courtesy and respect. Everyone who adheres to the latter will receive a warm welcome.
The generally accepted from of greeting among Lao people is the Nop. It is performed by placing one's palm together in a position of praying at chest level, but not touching the body. The higher the hands, the greater the sign of respect. Nonetheless, the hands should not be held above the level of the nose. The Nop is accompanied by a slight bow to show repect to persons of higher status and age. It is also used as an expression of thanks, regret or saying good-bye. But with western people it is acceptable to shake hands.
When entering a vat or a private home it is customary to remove shoes. In Lao homes raised off the ground, the shoes are left at the stairs. In traditional homes one sits on low seats or cushions on the floor. Men usually sit with their legs crossed or folded to one side, women prefer solely the latter. Upon entering guests may be served fruit or tea. These gestures of hospitality should not be refused.
Since the head is considered the most sacred part of the body and of the soles of the feet the least, one should not touch a person's head nor use one's foot to point at a person or any object. Moreover men and women rarely show affection in public. It is also forbidden for a women to touch a Buddhist monk.
(Source:Lao New Agency)