Less than 3% of the population of Laos practices Baha’i Faith, folk religion, animism, Confucianism, or Taoism, but they do have a noticeable presence within the country. The government of Laos officially recognizes four religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and the Baha’i Faith. Besides the animist beliefs such as worshiping gods and “phi” (spirits), which accounts for 30.7% of Lao population, Buddhism and Christianity are the two major religions allowed to practice in this charming land. About half of the population is Lao Loum, or also calle… About 90% of the Lao people practicing Buddhism professed Theravada Buddhism (“The Doctrine of the Elders”) with approximately 5,000 temples serving as the center of religious practices as well as the focus of the … Mon Buddhist monks introduced Buddhism in Laos in the 8th century. Laos counts about 80 ethnical groups which can be grouped into 4 families. Urban life in Laos is limited mainly to the capital, Vientiane, the former royal capital, Louangphrabang, and four or five other large towns. Facts and statistics about the Religions of Laos. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in … The arrival of French explorers in Laos in the 19th century facilitated the spread of French. Satsana Phi religious leaders are specially trained shamans, called mophi. Religion . The ministry requires any religiously affiliated organization to obtain approval for all events and activities, including Christmas and Easter Christian services, and it also manages the printing and publication of religious literature. During the Khmer Rouge, Muslim Cambodians fled their country, seeking refuge from religious persecution in neighboring countries like Laos. Learn Religions, Mar. Perkins, McKenzie. RELIGION IN LAOS Around 67 percent of the country’s population are Buddhist, other religions including animism accounted for about 30.9 percent,1.5 percent are Christians and less than 1 percent are Muslims and Bahai. The capital is Vientiane. Buddhists—largely lowland Lao—account for about half the country’s people. Though protected under the constitution, there are frequent reports of arrest, detention, and exile of practicing Christians, particularly in rural communities. The state of religion of Lao is Buddhism and organization of the Buddhist community of monks, novice and clergy is equaled to the political hierarchy of the country. Large communities of Lao and Hmong now live in the United States, Australia, and France. Landlocked Laos is one of the world's few remaining communist states and one of East Asia's poorest. Lowland villages usually are located close to rivers and roads that give the people access to itinerant traders as well as to each other. Pha That Luang is a gold covered large Buddhist stupa in the centre of Vientiane, Laos. Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia are just a few places where you might travel to get a taste for new cultues, cuisines, and languages. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The Lao language helps people from the many ethnic communities interact with one another and in doing so serve as the lingua franca of Laos. Judaism originated in Israel, and Baha'i in Iran. The indigenous people of the region were quick to adopt the religion, and by the 14th century Buddhism was widely practiced in Laos. Of these four, Buddhism is the largest; approximately 64.7% of Lao people are Buddhist. Let’s go with Indochina tour to discover Animist Beliefs and Religion in Laos! The second most practiced religion is Laotian folk religion, a religion whose specifics vary significantly depending on who is practicing it and in what region of the country. Christianity is a minority religion in Laos, practiced by only 1.7% of the population, most of whom are ethnic minorities. The Baha’i Faith was first recognized in Laos during the 1950s, and since then, the Baha’i have been involved in socio-economic development and gender equality projects throughout the country. Also known as Tai folk religion and Satsana Phi, Lao folk religion is practiced in both Thailand and Laos. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Buddhism and local religion are not necessarily mutually exclusive, however; there is both a syncretic practice of and a general tolerance for local religious traditions within the broader Buddhist community. The state religion of the Kingdom of Laos is Buddhism which was introduced in the beginning in the 8th century by Mon Buddhist monks and was widespread in the 14th century. Perkins, McKenzie. Some two-fifths of the population, primarily the Lao Theung and Lao Soung … Updated as of 2020. The numerous isolated valley communities preserve a variety of traditions, languages, and dialects. ... Major languages Lao, French . Buddhism has been one of the major religions all over the world, especially in Asia and in Laos, there is no exception. religion and beliefs in laos 23/09/2019 Within Laos approximately 60-70% of the population are said to be Theravada Buddhists, with the remaining population largely following Animism in the form of spirit (phii) worship. Officially, of course, communist Laos … On this religion, its ethnic groups of Laos. Additionally, Buddhist monks must now carry identification cards at all times, though this is more lenient than the policy toward other religious clergies who are required to carry certification of training. Major religion Buddhism . Since its initial establishment suggested to be in the 3rd century, the stupa has undergone several reconstructions until the 1930s due to foreign invasions to the area. Religion of Laos. How Many Religions Are There in the World? There are also numerous indigenous or folk religions throughout the world. https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/ The temple compound typically includes a public building that serves as a school and a meeting hall. With the exception of Louangphrabang, all are located in the floodplain area near the Mekong River. Lao Buddhism is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the basis of ethnic Lao culture. Laotian Folk Religion called “ religion of the spirits” appreciated 30,7 percent of Lao population. All people, particularly those in rural communities, are encouraged to actively participate in religious life. Major religion(s): Country major religions. The remainder of the population identify with. Total area is the sum of land and water areas within international boundaries and coastlines of Laos. Religion in Vietnam - Three Main Religions | Asia Highlights The regime has patronized a revival of Buddhist culture and merit making and has also tolerated the practice of many unique religious traditions that it earlier had publicly discouraged as “superstitious.”. Buddhist monks walking past the Pha That Luang temple, Vientiane, Laos. Laos population density is 31.0 people per square kilometer (80.3/mi 2) as of May 2021. Village leadership is usually divided, the headman overseeing secular matters, the monk having authority in religious ones. Though recognized as an official religion, Islam in Laos is practiced by less than 0.01% of the population. Since then private and state enterprises have operated side by side, and foreign investment has been encouraged. There has been a considerable out-migration of people from Laos since the mid-1970s, including not only survivors of the Hmong “secret army” from the Vietnam War (1954–75) but also many of the country’s educated and professional elite. Capital Vientiane Population (2010) 6,200,000 Annual population growth rate (2000-2010) 1.5% Population gain (2000-2010) 884,000 GDP per capita $2,039 (US) Literacy … Myanmar (Burma) is a majorly a Buddhist majority country with a significant minority population residing in the country. As Laos was once part of the ancient Khmer Empire, remains of Hindu temples can be found across the country. Though Islam is recognized as an official religion, Laos has one of the smallest populations of Muslims in southeast Asia, numbering less than 800. Animist Beliefs in Laos These religions belong to pantheistic and polytheistic, and it also involves classes of shamans. Hinduism has many scriptures; the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita are among some of the most important. Landlocked Laos is one of the world's few remaining communist states and one of East Asia's poorest. All religious organizations are required to register with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Laos Religions. Hinduism is dominant in India. The country has remained overwhelmingly rural, with the bulk of the population living in villages ranging from just a few to several hundred households. About 30% also practice animism, in some cases alongside Buddhism. Buddhism has maintained a long development in Laos for centuries. Islam didn’t arrive in Laos in significant capacity until the 20th century, when Muslims from India immigrated to the French colony. The population in Laos has a great difference comparing to the number in neighboring countries such as Thailand or Vietnam. Only 3% of the population are Christian or follow another religion. Every lowland village, if it can, has a Buddhist temple and supports at least one monk. The remainder is largely animist, following their unique ethnic traditions and practices. Later in the century, Muslims migrated from Pakistan, bringing the total number of Muslims to around 7,000. Buddhism was the state religion of the prerepublic kingdom of Laos, and the organization of the community of monks and novices, the clergy (sangha), paralleled the political hierarchy. Elements of Lao folk religion are practiced by Buddhist groups, as the two faiths can easily coexist. Their populations are predominantly Lao, with smaller groups of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indians. The predominant religion of Laos is Theravada Buddhism. There were a number of Laotian kings who were important patrons of Buddhism. Major religion Buddhism . Even among the Lao Loum there is a high degree of syncretism with most Lao acknowledging the traditional animist traditions known collectively as satsana phi. Religion in Laos. The Lao language has six tones which include low, mid, high, rising, high falling, and law falling. Foreign Languages Spoken In Laos French . Since some heavy-handed attempts in the aftermath of 1975 to take over the sangha, which was perceived as a rival grassroots organization, and the subsequent flight of many monks abroad, the government has treaded carefully. The upland and midland peoples—the Lao Soung and Lao Theung, respectively—are largely organized along clan lines and live in smaller groupings. Sort out the facts in this quiz all about the diverse countries and cities around Asia. Other religions are in the minority including Islam and Christianity and represent a combined total of less than 2% of the population. About 64.7% of the population of Laos practices Theravada Buddhism, making it the most common religion in the country. Among some peoples, particularly the Hmong, shifting cultivation has prevented the establishment of permanent villages. Every Buddhist man is expected to spend several months living as a monk, and elderly, widowed women often become bhiksuni, or Buddhist nuns. Buddhism in Laos is practiced mostly by the ethnically Lao people who make up the majority in the country. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, or Laos, officially recognizes four religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and the Baha’i Faith. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/laos-religion-4766634. Most cultivate swiddens (i.e., fields that are cleared and cultivated for a few years before being abandoned and allowed to revert to forest), hunt game, and collect various edible and nonedible forest products. Buddhism is the main religion in Laos, and its overall influence upon the daily lives of the Lao people has been altered by the strictures of the communist government. "Religion in Laos." The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, or Laos, officially recognizes four religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and the Baha’i Faith. Perkins, McKenzie. e. Theravada Buddhism is the largest religion in Laos, which is practiced by 66% of the population. However, restrictions on all religious communities increased in 2016, when the government passed a decree (Decree 315) intended to set the principles and requirements of Laos' religion. Buddhism was originally introduced in Laos by way of traveling Burmese monks during the eighth century, notably later than it was introduced to neighboring countries like Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar (Burma). Christians in Laos are strictly monitored, and frequent reports indicate fierce persecution, particularly in rural communities. For example, all Buddhist groups are required to register with the Ministry of Home Affairs, whereas previously the registration requirement was less applicable for Buddhists. Religions: This entry includes a rank ordering of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. Although the country’s constitution provides for freedom of religion in theory, the government restricts this right in practice, particularly with respect to the minority religions. Lao, sometimes referred to as Laotian (ລາວ, 'Lao' or ພາສາລາວ, [pʰáːsǎːláːw] 'Lao language'), is a Kra–Dai language of the Lao people.It is spoken in Laos, where it is the official language for around 7 million people, as well as in northeast Thailand, where it used by … Mckenzie Perkins is a writer and researcher specializing in southeast Asian religion and culture, education, and college life. Baha’i Faith, Adopted Faiths, and Indigenous Religions. Laos is predominantly rural and agricultural. Muslim > Muslim population: Muslim population 2014 Pew Report. Apostolic vicar of Paksé Louis-Marie Ling Mangkhanekhoun from Laos walks after kneeling before Pope Francis to pledge allegiance and become cardinal during a consistory for the creation of five new cardinals on June 28, 2017 at St Peter's basilica in Vatican. Laos is a Buddhist-majority nation with the officially recognised Muslim population approximately constituting 0.01% of the total population as of 2008 census. … Theravada Buddhism is by far the most prominent organized religion in the country, with more than 4,000 temples serving as … As all religious organizations are required to register within these groups, the LEC is the catch-all for unrecognized Christian organizations other than Catholics and Seventh-day Adventists. The Vietnamese, who live both in the cities and in the northeastern rural areas, practice a mixture of Mahayana Buddhism and Confucianism. However, the civil war in Laos forced mass migration of Muslims out of the country. The language is mostly made up of local Lao words but as a result of Buddhism, Pali language contributed many words particularly those related to religion. The economy of Laos is primarily agricultural and since the late 20th century has remained heavily dependent on foreign aid and investment. Religious activity focuses on the unity, equality, and importance of all people and religions. Buddhism was the state religion of the prerepublic kingdom of Laos, and the organization of the community of monks and novices, the clergy (sangha), paralleled the political hierarchy. Protestantism was not a presence in the country until the mid-20th century. Overall, the country extends about 650 miles (1,050 km) from northwest to southeast. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, Laos after the Geneva Conference, 1954–75. Some two-fifths of the population, primarily the Lao Theung and Lao Soung groups, follow non-Buddhist local religions. Confucianism and Taoism are practiced almost exclusively by the ethnically Chinese, often in combination with Buddhism. Each group speaking its own dialect and having its own customs, traditions, religion, etc. Among the minorities, there is the Miao-Yao (Hmong-Iu Mien) language group, mostly spoken in the north. (2021, March 4). Totaling less than 800 people, Laos has one of the lowest Muslim populations in Southeast Asia. Buddhism is prevalent in Asia, such as Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, although it originated in India. It consists of an irregularly round portion in the north that narrows into a peninsula-like region stretching to the southeast. About half the people are concentrated in the lowlands, and between one-third and two-fifths are urban dwellers. A high birth rate is offset by a high rate of infant mortality, as well as by a life expectancy that is significantly below the world average. (Section 361) of the Constitution states that "The Union recognizes Buddhism as the state religion." Nevertheless, the ethnic minority is Laos is diverse, demonstrated by 68 tribal groups. ... Hinduism is an extremely diverse set of beliefs and practices with no single founder or religious authority. Buddhists—largely lowland Lao—account for about half the country’s people. In fact, the Lao government doesn’t oppose observance of the religion and has used many of its teachings to support its political goals. The majority of the words also have one syllable. Of these four, Buddhism is the largest; approximately 64.7% of Lao people are Buddhist. By 1980, however, the government had begun to pursue more pragmatic development policies, and in 1986 it introduced market-oriented reforms. All Christian organizations are closely monitored. Most of the settlements are laid out around a main street or open area, with farmlands adjacent to the residential areas. Density of population is calculated as permanently settled population of Laos divided by total area of the country. Midland peoples living closer to the lowland areas have tended more readily to acquire the languages and cultures of their neighbours and to engage in trade with them; those living at higher elevations remain less obviously acculturated. Christianity in Laos is organized into three official branches: Roman Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, and the Lao Evangelical Church, or LEC. Primary Religion; Lanten: 1 6,600 Language unknown: Mon, Muong: 1 300 Muong: Ethnic Religions: Tai Khun: 1 300 Khun: Buddhism: Totals: 3 https://www.learnreligions.com/laos-religion-4766634 (accessed May 18, 2021). The monks practiced Theravada Buddhism, and by the 14th century, it was the most common religion in Laos. One variant of Buddhism is Zen Buddhism. The Paris Foreign Missions Society—a Catholic organization—established the first Christian church in Laos in 1878, followed by Presbyterian churches in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A number of nongovernmental organizations, including some from the United States, have been assisting the government, mainly in the fields of rural development and public health. "Religion in Laos." The Laos Thais (or Laos Loum of The Low Lands) : represent 75% of the population of Laos, and encompass 23 ethnical groups It is an animistic, polytheistic set of beliefs based in veneration, worship, and gratitude of different types of deities, which tend to be symbolic of ancestors, natural phenomena, earthly elements, geographical features, and man-made constructions. Similarly, some of the upland peoples, especially those who have migrated from southern China, mix Confucian ideas with Buddhism and local religions. 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