Isan

Isan, also written Isaan, is the northeastern region of Thailand. The area is the largest of the country's four geographic regions by both area and population. It stretches from the border with Laos along the Mekong River in the north and east to the western edge of the Khorat Plateau, and it borders Cambodia to the southeast. The name Isan derives from a Thai word meaning northeast.

Geography and climate: Isan lies largely on the Khorat Plateau, with plains, hills, and river basins. The climate is tropical savanna with a pronounced dry season, shaping a predominantly agricultural economy.

Population and language: The majority are Lao-speaking Isan people, sharing cultural heritage with Laos. Thai is the official language; the Isan language, a Lao-influenced dialect, is widely spoken. Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion.

Economy: Isan is predominantly agricultural, with rice, especially glutinous rice, sugarcane, cassava, and maize as major crops. Urban centers such as Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nakhon Ratchasima host growing services and manufacturing, but rural areas remain important.

Culture and cuisine: Isan culture is known for Mor Lam music and distinctive cuisine, including som tam (papaya salad), sticky rice, laap, and grilled meats with bold, sour and spicy flavors.

History and administration: Historically part of Lao kingdoms and Khmer-influenced polities, Isan was incorporated into Siam (Thailand) in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is not an administrative unit but a geographic region comprising twenty provinces.