Lao

Lao is a landlocked country covered with mountains and highlands on two thirds of its surface (236,000 km 2 ). Thus, Laos is one of the least densely populated countries of Southeast Asia (5.2 million people in 2000).

85% of the Laotian population lives in rural areas, and two thirds of its people are Lao Loum. They are concentrated in the Mekong Valley , and have dominated political and economic life for many years. Laos is also composed of 68 minorities of Siamese or Tibetan-Birman origin. 85% of Laotians are Buddhist and 15% animistic.

Created on December 2, 1975, the Lao People's Democratic Republic (RDPL) adopted a communist regime with a one party system led by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP).

International aid represents one third of state revenue. Agriculture is the main industry of the country (55% of GNP). Rice, tobacco, and coffee are its main products. The industry employs 76% of the working population, and since 1985, there has been an agricultural surplus. Although the textile industry is developing fast, Laos has relied on the development of hydroelectricity, one of its main exports, for economic success. Laos is also one of the most important producers of opium, despite government action to fight drug trafficking.

The social and sanitary situation of Laos is preoccupying. Many families live in precarious sanitary conditions, and few inhabitants have access to clean drinking water. The fact that the population is geographically dispersed and that communication infrastructures are underdeveloped contributes to economic stagnation. Social inequalities are also important, in a country where 30% of goods are in the hands of only 10% of the population. 50 % of the population lives below the poverty line. More than a half of adults are illiterate. Moreover, economic development is slow and difficult because of the country's bleak relief and of the lack of roads in rural areas.

> History of E&D in Lao

Project in Progress :
> Primary Health Care in Bokeo