Lao

Lao refers to the ethnolinguistic group native to Laos and surrounding regions, as well as to the Lao language and things pertaining to the Lao people. The term also encompasses broader connections to the Lao PDR (Laos) and its culture, history, and institutions. In addition to Laos, Lao-speaking communities are found in adjacent areas of Thailand’s Isan region, where they form a significant cultural and linguistic group, and in diaspora communities around the world.

The Lao people form the majority population of Laos. They are culturally diverse, with regional variations in dress, dialect, and customs. Lao communities outside Laos, particularly in Isan, share strong linguistic and cultural ties with Lao-speaking groups. The Lao diaspora includes communities in countries such as the United States, France, and Australia.

Lao language belongs to the Tai-Kadai language family. It is closely related to Thai and is largely mutually intelligible with Thai in many contexts. The Lao script is used for writing the language and is derived from the Brahmi-derived scripts of the region. Lao is the official language of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and is widely used in education, media, and government.

Historically, Lao-speaking polities trace their roots to medieval kingdoms such as Lan Xang. The region came under French colonial rule as part of French Indochina and gained independence after World War II, with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic established in 1975. The 1960s–1970s era also saw heavy U.S. involvement during the Laotian Civil War.

Religiously, Theravada Buddhism is predominant among Lao communities, often blended with local traditions and ancestor worship. Lao culture emphasizes rice-based cuisine, with sticky rice as a staple, along with dishes such as laap and various herbal greens. Traditional music, weaving, and lacquerware also feature prominently.