Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Kingdom of Thailand
Flag
Capital
and largest city
Official languages
Official script
Emblem
Bangkok
1345N 10029E
Thai[1]
Thai alphabet
Ethnic groups
(2009[5])
Religion
Demonym
Government
- Monarch
- Prime Minister
Buddhism
Thai
Constitutional monarchy administered
by military junta
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Prayut Chan-o-cha
Legislature
Sukhothai
Kingdom
Ayutthaya
Kingdom
Thonburi
Kingdom
Rattanakosin
Kingdom
Constitutional
monarchy
Current
Constitution
-
- Total
- Water (%)
- 2013 estimate
- 2010 census
- Density
GDP (PPP)
- Total
- Per capita
GDP (nominal)
- Total
- Per capita
Gini (2010)
HDI (2013)
Currency
Time zone
Drives on the
Calling code
ISO 3166 code
.th
Internet TLD
Etymology
The country has always been called Mueang Thai by its citizens; but by others, by the exonym
Siam (Thai: RTGS: Sayam, pronounced [sj m]). Also spelled Siem, Sym or Syma, it has
been identified with the Sanskrit yma (
, meaning "dark" or "brown"). The names Shan and
A-hom seem to be variants of the same word, and yma is possibly not its origin, but a learned
and artificial distortion.[21]
The signature of King Mongkut (r. 1851 1868) reads SPPM (Somdet Phra Poramenthra Maha)
Mongkut King of Siam, giving it official status until 23 June 1939 when it was changed to
Thailand.[22] Thailand was renamed Siam from 1945 to 11 May 1949, after which it again
reverted to Thailand.
The word Thai () is not, as commonly believed,[citation needed] derived from the word Thai ()
meaning "independence" in the Thai language; it is, however, the name of an ethnic group from
the central plains (the Thai people).[citation needed] A famous Thai scholar argued that Thai ()
simply means "people" or "human being" since his investigation shows that in some rural areas
the word "Thai" was used instead of the usual Thai word "khon" () for people.[23]
The Thai use the phrase "land of the freedom" to express pride in the fact that Thailand is the
only country in Southeast Asia never colonised by a European power.
While Thai people will often refer to their country using the polite form Prathet Thai (Thai:
), they most commonly use the more colloquial word Mueang Thai (Thai: )
or simply Thai (Thai: ); the word mueang (Thai: ) meaning nation but most commonly
used to refer to a city or town. Ratcha Anachak Thai (Thai: ) means "kingdom
of Thailand" or "kingdom of Thai".
Etymologically, its components are: -Ratcha- (from Sanskrit raja, meaning "king, royal,
realm") ; -ana- (from Pli n , "authority, command, power", itself from Sanskrit j, same
meaning) -chak (from Sanskrit cakra or cakram meaning "wheel", a symbol of power and rule).
The Thai National Anthem (Thai: ), written by Luang Saranupraphan during the
extremely patriotic 1930s, refers to the Thai nation as: prathet thai (Thai: ). The first
line of the national anthem is: prathet thai ruam lueat nuea chat chuea thai (Thai:
), "Thailand is the unity of Thai flesh and blood."
History
Main article: History of Thailand
There is evidence of human habitation in Thailand that has been dated at 40,000 years before the
present, with stone artefacts dated to this period at Tham Lod Rockshelter in Mae Hong Son.
Similar to other regions in Southeast Asia, Thailand was heavily influenced by the culture and
religions of India, starting with the Kingdom of Funan around the 1st century CE to the Khmer
Empire.[24]
The ruins of Wat Chaiwatthanaram at Ayutthaya. The city was burned and sacked in 1767 by a
Burmese army under the King Hsinbyushin.
Indian influence on Siamese culture was partly the result of direct contact with Indian settlers,
but mainly it was brought about indirectly via the Indianized kingdoms of Dvaravati, Srivijaya
and Cambodia.[25] E:A Voretzsch believes that Buddhism must have been flowing into Siam from
India in the time of the Indian Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire and far on into the first
millennium after Christ.[25] Later Thailand was influenced by the south Indian Pallava dynasty
and north Indian Gupta Empire.[25]
After the fall of the Khmer Empire in the 13th century, various states thrived there, such as the
various Tai, Mon, Khmer and Malay kingdoms, as seen through the numerous archaeological
sites and artefacts that are scattered throughout the Siamese landscape. Prior to the 12th century
however, the first Thai or Siamese state is traditionally considered to be the Buddhist kingdom of
Sukhothai, which was founded in 1238.
Following the decline and fall of the Khmer empire in the 13th15th century, the Buddhist Tai
kingdoms of Sukhothai, Lanna and Lan Xang (now Laos) were on the ascension. However, a
century later, the power of Sukhothai was overshadowed by the new kingdom of Ayutthaya,
established in the mid-14th century in the lower Chao Phraya River or Menam area.
population of some areas of Thailand and Burma were slaves in the 17th through the 19th
centuries."[27][28]
Despite European pressure, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation that has never been
colonised.[29] This has been ascribed to the long succession of able rulers in the past four
centuries who exploited the rivalry and tension between French Indochina and the British
Empire. As a result, the country remained a buffer state between parts of Southeast Asia that
were colonised by the two colonising powers, Great Britain and France. Western influence
nevertheless led to many reforms in the 19th century and major concessions, most notably the
loss of a large territory on the east side of the Mekong to the French and the step-by-step
absorption by Britain of the Malay Peninsula.
World War II
Main article: Thailand in World War II
During World War II, the Empire of Japan demanded the right to move troops across Thailand to
the Malayan frontier. Japan invaded Thailand on 8 December 1941, in co-ordination with attacks
throughout Asia, and engaged the Thai Army for six to eight hours before Plaek Pibulsonggram
ordered an armistice. Shortly thereafter, Japan was granted free passage, and on 21 December
1941, Thailand and Japan signed a military alliance with a secret protocol, wherein Tokyo agreed
to help Thailand regain territories lost to the British and French.[30]
Subsequently, Thailand declared war on the United States and the United Kingdom on 25
January 1942, and undertook to "assist" Japan in its war against the Allies, while at the same time
maintaining an active anti-Japanese resistance movement known as the Seri Thai. Approximately
200,000 Asian labourers (mainly romusha) and 60,000 Allied prisoners of war (POWs) worked
on the ThailandBurma Death Railway.[30]
After the war, Thailand emerged as an ally of the United States. As with many of the developing
nations during the Cold War, Thailand then went through decades of political instability
characterised by a number of coups d'tat, as one military regime replaced another, but
eventually progressed towards a stable, prosperous democracy in the 1980s.[citation needed]
Pottery discovered near Ban Chiang in Udon Thani Province, the earliest dating to 2100
BCE.
Phimai, Prasat Phimai is the largest temple in the country from the Khmer Empire.
The immense 19 metre high gilded statue of a seated Buddha in Wat Phanan Choeng, the
latter from 1324, pre-dates the founding of the city.
15 metre high Buddha image in Sukhothai, Phra Achana , built in 13th Century
Kosa Pan present King Narai's letter to Louis XIV at Versailles, 1 September 1686.
Constitutional history
Bangkok's Democracy Monument: a representation of the 1932 Constitution sits on top of two
golden offering bowls above a turret.
Since the political reform of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has had 19 constitutions
and charters.[31][32] Throughout this time, the form of government has ranged from military
dictatorship to electoral democracy, but all governments have acknowledged a hereditary
monarch as the head of state.[33][34]
28 June 1932
Prior to 1932, the Kingdom of Siam did not possess a legislature, as all legislative powers were
vested within the person of the monarch. This had been the case since the foundation of the
Sukhothai Kingdom in the 12th century: as the king was seen as a "Dharmaraja" or "King who
rules in accordance with Dharma" (the Buddhist law of righteousness). However on 24 June
1932 a group of civilians and military officers, calling themselves the Khana Ratsadon (or
People's Party) carried out a bloodless revolution, in which the 150 years of absolute rule of the
House of Chakri was ended. In its stead the group advocated a constitutional form of monarchy
with an elected legislature.
The "Draft Constitution" of 1932 signed by King Prajadhipok, created Thailand's first legislature,
a People's Assembly with 70 appointed members. The assembly met for the first time on 28
June 1932, in the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall. The Khana Ratsadon decided that the people
were not yet ready for an elected assembly; however they later changed their minds. By the time
the "permanent" constitution came into force in December of that year, elections were scheduled
for 15 November 1933. The new constitution also changed the composition of the assembly to 78
directly elected and 78 appointed (by the Khana Ratsadon) together compromising 156 members.
1932 to 1972
1973 to 1997
This section requires expansion. (November 2013)
See also: History of Thailand since 1973
1997 to 2001
See also: 1997 Constitution of Thailand
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, the old meeting place of the National Assembly; now only the
State Opening is held there.
Parliament House, the meeting place of the two chambers of the National Assembly of Thailand
The 1997 Constitution was the first constitution to be drafted by popularly elected Constitutional
Drafting Assembly, and was popularly called the "People's Constitution".[35] The 1997
Constitution created a bicameral legislature consisting of a 500-seat House of Representatives
(, sapha phu thaen ratsadon) and a 200-seat Senate (, wutthisapha). For
the first time in Thai history, both houses were directly elected.
Many human rights are explicitly acknowledged, and measures were established to increase the
stability of elected governments. The House was elected by the first past the post system, where
only one candidate with a simple majority could be elected in one constituency. The Senate was
elected based on the province system, where one province can return more than one senator
depending on its population size.
The two houses of the National Assembly have two different terms. In accordance with the
constitution the Senate is elected to a six-year term, while the House is elected to a four-year
term. Overall the term of the National Assembly is based on that of the House. The National
Assembly each year will sit in two sessions an "ordinary session" and a "legislative session". The
first session of the National Assembly must take place within thirty days after the general
election of the House of Representatives. The first session must be opened by the king in person
by reading a Speech from the Throne; this ceremony is held in the Ananta Samakhom Throne
Hall. He may also appoint the crown prince or a representative to carry out this duty. It is also the
duty of the king to prorogue sessions through a Royal Decree when the House term expires. The
king also has the prerogative to call extraordinary sessions and prolong sessions upon advice of
the House of Representatives.
The National Assembly may host a "Joint-sitting" of both Houses under several circumstances.
These include: The appointment of a regent, any alteration to the 1924 Palace Law of
Succession, the opening of the first session, the announcement of policies by the Cabinet of
Thailand, the approval of the declaration of war, the hearing of explanations and approval of a
treaty and the amendment of the Constitution.
Members of the House of Representatives served four-year terms, while senators served six-year
terms. The 1997 People's Constitution also promoted human rights more than any other
constitutions. The court system (, san) included a constitutional court with jurisdiction over
the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, and political matters.
2001 to 2008
The January 2001 general election, the first election under the 1997 Constitution, was called the
most open, corruption-free election in Thai history.[36] Thai Rak Thai Party, led by Thaksin
Shinawatra won the election. The Thaksin government was the first in Thai history to complete a
four-year term. The 2005 election had the highest voter turnout in Thai history,[37][38] and Thai
Rak Thai Party won an absolute majority. However, despite efforts to clean up the system, vote
buying and electoral violence remained problems of electoral quality in 2005.[39]
The PollWatch Foundation, Thailand's most prominent election watchdog, declared that vote
buying in this election, specifically in the North and the Northeast, was more serious than in the
2001 election. The organisation also accused the government of violating the election law by
abusing state power in presenting new projects in a bid to seek votes.
2006 coup d'tat
See also: 2006 Thai coup d'tat
Without meeting much resistance, a military junta overthrew the interim government of Thaksin
Shinawatra on 19 September 2006. The junta abrogated the constitution, dissolved Parliament
and the Constitutional Court, detained and later removed several members of the government,
declared martial law, and appointed one of the king's Privy Counselors, General Surayud
Chulanont, as the Prime Minister. The junta later wrote a highly abbreviated interim constitution
and appointed a panel to draft a new permanent constitution. The junta also appointed a 250member legislature, called by some critics a "chamber of generals" while others claimed that it
lacks representatives from the poor majority.[40][41]
In this interim constitution draft, the head of the junta was allowed to remove the prime minister
at any time. The legislature was not allowed to hold a vote of confidence against the cabinet and
the public was not allowed to file comments on bills.[42] This interim constitution was later
surpassed by the permanent constitution on 24 August 2007. Martial law was partially revoked in
January 2007. The ban on political activities was lifted in July 2007,[43] following the 30 May
dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai party. The new constitution was approved by referendum on 19
August, which led to a return to a democratic general election on 23 December 2007.
People's Alliance for Democracy, Yellow shirts, rally on Sukhumvit Road in 2008.
United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, Red Shirts, protest on Ratchaprasong
intersection in 2010.
The People's Power Party (Thailand), led by Samak Sundaravej formed a government with five
smaller parties. Following several court rulings against him in a variety of scandals, and
surviving a vote of no confidence, and protesters blockading government buildings and airports,
in September 2008, Sundaravej was found guilty of conflict of interest by the Constitutional
Court of Thailand (due to being a host in a TV cooking program),[44] and thus, ended his term in
office.
He was replaced by PPP member Somchai Wongsawat. As of October 2008, Wongsawat was
unable to gain access to his offices, which were occupied by protesters from the People's
Alliance for Democracy. On 2 December 2008, Thailand's Constitutional Court in a highly
controversial ruling found the Peoples Power Party[45] guilty of electoral fraud, which led to the
dissolution of the party according to the law. It was later alleged in media reports that at least one
member of the judiciary had a telephone conversation with officials working for the Office of the
Privy Council and one other. The phone call was taped and has since circulated on the Internet.
In it, the callers discuss finding a way to ensure the ruling PPP party would be disbanded.
Accusations of judicial interference were levelled in the media but the recorded call was
dismissed as a hoax. However, in June 2010, supporters of the eventually disbanded PPP were
charged with tapping a judge's phone.
Immediately following what many media described as a "judicial coup", a senior member of the
Armed Forces met with factions of the governing coalition to get their members to join the
opposition and the Democrat Party was able to form a government, a first for the party since
2001. The leader of the Democrat party, and former leader of the opposition, Abhisit Vejjajiva
was appointed and sworn-in as the 27th Prime Minister, together with the new cabinet on 17
December 2008.
In April 2009, protests by the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD,
or "Red Shirts") forced the cancellation of the Fourth East Asia Summit after protesters stormed
the Royal Cliff hotel venue in Pattaya, smashing the glass doors of the venue to gain entry, and a
blockade prevented the Chinese premier at the time, Wen Jiabao, from attending. The summit
was eventually held in Thailand in October 2009.[46][47]
About a year later, a set of new "Red Shirts" protests resulted in 87 deaths (mostly civilian and
some military) and 1,378 injured.[48] When the army tried to disperse the protesters on 10 April
2010, the army was met with automatic gunfire, grenades, and fire bombs from the opposition
faction in the army, known as the "watermelon". This resulted in the army returning fire with
rubber bullets and some live ammunition. During the time of the "red shirt" protests against the
government, there have been numerous grenade and bomb attacks against government offices
and the homes of government officials. Gas grenades were fired at "yellow-shirt" protesters, that
were protesting against the "red-shirts" and in favour of the government, by unknown gunmen
killing one pro-government protester, the government stated that the Red Shirts were firing the
weapons at civilians.[49][50][51][52] Red-shirts continued to hold a position in the business district of
Bangkok and it was shut down for several weeks.[53]
On 3 July 2011, the oppositional Pheu Thai Party, led by Yingluck Shinawatra (the youngest
sister of Thaksin Shinawatra), won the general election by a landslide (265 seats in the House of
Representatives, out of 500). She had never previously been involved in politics, Pheu Thai
campaigning for her with the slogan 'Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts'. Yingluck is the nation's
first female prime minister and her role was officially endorsed in a ceremony presided over by
King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Pheu Thai Party is a continuation of Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai
party.[54]
the PDRC led the protest, estimating that 3.5 million people participated in the march; however,
security forces claimed that approximately 270,000 protesters joined the rally. Yingluck and the
Pheu Thai Party reiterated their election plan and anticipate presenting a list of 125 party-list
candidates to the EC.[59]
On 7 May 2014, the Constitutional Court ruled that Yingluck would have to step down as the
Prime Minister as she was deemed to have abused her power in transferring a high-level
government official.[60] On 21 August 2014 she was replaced by army chief General Prayut Chano-cha.[61]
Geography
Main article: Geography of Thailand
View of the Luang Prabang Range, which straddles the Thai/Lao border, in Nan Province,
Northern Thailand
Totalling 513,120 square kilometres (198,120 sq mi),[1] Thailand is the world's 51st-largest
country by total area. It is slightly smaller than Yemen and slightly larger than Spain.
River. The centre of the country is dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya river valley,
which runs into the Gulf of Thailand.
Southern Thailand consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula.
Politically, there are six geographical regions which differ from the others in population, basic
resources, natural features, and level of social and economic development. The diversity of the
regions is the most pronounced attribute of Thailand's physical setting.
The Chao Phraya and the Mekong River are the indispensable water courses of rural Thailand.
Industrial scale production of crops use both rivers and their tributaries. The Gulf of Thailand
covers 320,000 square kilometres (124,000 sq mi) and is fed by the Chao Phraya, Mae Klong,
Bang Pakong, and Tapi Rivers. It contributes to the tourism sector owing to its clear shallow
waters along the coasts in the southern region and the Kra Isthmus. The eastern shore of the Gulf
of Thailand is an industrial centre of Thailand with the kingdom's premier deepwater port in
Sattahip and its busiest commercial port, Laem Chabang.
The Andaman Sea is a precious natural resource as it hosts the most popular and luxurious
resorts in Asia. Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Phang Nga, and Trang and their islands all lay along the
coasts of the Andaman Sea and despite the 2004 tsunami, they are a tourist magnet for visitors
from around the world.
Plans have resurfaced for a canal which would connect the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand,
analogous to the Suez and the Panama Canals. The idea has been greeted positively by Thai
politicians as it would cut fees charged by the Ports of Singapore, improve ties with China and
India, lower shipping times, and eliminate pirate attacks in the Strait of Malacca, and support the
Thai government's policy of being the logistical hub for Southeast Asia. The canal, it is claimed,
would improve economic conditions in the south of Thailand, which relies heavily on tourism
income, and it would also change the structure of the Thai economy by making it an Asia
logistical hub. The canal would be a major engineering project and has an expected cost of
US$2030 billion.
Climate
Most of Thailand has a "tropical wet and dry or savanna climate" type (Kppen's Tropical
savanna climate).[81] The south and the eastern tip of the east have a tropical monsoon climate.
Countrywide, temperatures normally range from an average annual high of 38 C (100.4 F) to a
low of 19 C (66.2 F). During the dry season, the temperature rises dramatically in the second
half of March, spiking to well over 40 C (104 F) in some areas by mid-April when the sun
passes its zenith.
Southwest monsoons that arrive between May and July (except in the south) signal the advent of
the rainy season (ruedu fon). This lasts into October and the cloud covering reduces the
temperature again, with the high humidity experienced as 'hot and sticky'. November and
December mark the onset of the dry season and night temperatures on high ground can
occasionally drop to a light frost. Temperatures begin to climb again in January.
Education
Main article: Education in Thailand
Extensive nationwide IQ tests were administered to 72,780 Thai students from December 2010
to January 2011. The average IQ was found to be 98.59, which is higher than previous studies
have found. IQ levels were found to be inconsistent throughout the country, with the lowest
average of 88.07 found in the southern region of Narathiwat Province and the highest average of
108.91 reported in Nonthaburi Province. The Ministry of Public Health blames the discrepancies
on iodine deficiency and steps are being taken to require that iodine be added to table salt, a
practice common in many Western countries.[94]
In 2013, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology announced that 27,231
schools would receive classroom-level access to high-speed internet.[dead link][95]
Economy
Main article: Economy of Thailand
Thailand functions as an anchor economy for the neighbouring developing economies of Laos,
Burma, and Cambodia. In the third quarter of 2014, the unemployment rate in Thailand stood at
0.84% according to Thailand's National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB).[98]
Tourism
Further information: Tourism in Thailand
Tourism in Thailand makes up about 6% of the economy. Prostitution in Thailand and sex
tourism also form a de facto part of the economy. Cultural milieu combined with poverty and the
lure of money have caused prostitution and sex tourism in particular to flourish in Thailand. One
estimate published in 2003 placed the trade at US$4.3 billion per year or about 3% of the Thai
economy.[106] According to research by Chulalongkorn University on the Thai illegal economy,
prostitution in Thailand in the period between 1993 and 1995, made up around 2.7% of the GDP.
[107]
It is believed that at least 10% of tourist dollars are spent on the sex trade.[108]
Agriculture
Further information: Agriculture in Thailand
Thailand has been the largest rice exporter in the world. Forty-nine per cent of Thailand's labour
force is employed in agriculture.[109]
Forty-nine per cent of Thailand's labour force is employed in agriculture.[109] This is down from
70% in 1980.[109] Rice is the most important crop in the country and Thailand had long been the
world's leading exporter of rice, until recently falling behind both India and Vietnam.[110]
Thailand has the highest percentage of arable land, 27.25%, of any nation in the Greater Mekong
Subregion.[111] About 55% of the arable land area is used for rice production.[112]
Agriculture has been experiencing a transition from labour-intensive and transitional methods to
a more industrialised and competitive sector.[109] Between 1962 and 1983, the agricultural sector
grew by 4.1% per year on average and continued to grow at 2.2% between 1983 and 2007.[109]
The relative contribution of agriculture to GDP has declined while exports of goods and services
have increased.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Thailand
Thailand had a population of 66,720,153[114] as of 2013. Thailand's population is largely rural,
concentrated in the rice-growing areas of the central, northeastern, and northern regions.
Thailand had an urban population of 45.7% as of 2010, concentrated mostly in and around the
Bangkok Metropolitan Area.
Religion
Main article: Religion in Thailand
Thailand's prevalent religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is an integral part of Thai identity
and culture. Active participation in Buddhism is among the highest in the world. According to
the 2000 census, 94.6% of the country's population self-identified as Buddhists of the Theravada
tradition. Muslims is the second largest religious group in Thailand, comprising 4.6% of the
population.[1][126]
Islam is concentrated mostly in the country's southernmost provinces: Pattani, Yala, Satun,
Narathiwat, and part of Songkhla Chumphon, which are predominantly Malay, most of whom
are Sunni Muslims. Christians represent 0.7% of the population, with the remaining population
consisting of Sikhs and Hindus, who live mostly in the country's cities. There is also a small but
historically significant Jewish community in Thailand dating back to the 17th century.
Culture
Main article: Culture of Thailand
See also: Music of Thailand, Isan and Cinema of Thailand
Several different ethnic groups, many of which are marginalised, populate Thailand. Some of
these groups spill over into Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia and have mediated change
between their traditional local culture, national Thai, and global cultural influences. Overseas
Chinese also form a significant part of Thai society, particularly in and around Bangkok. Their
successful integration into Thai society has allowed for this group to hold positions of economic
and political power. Thai Chinese businesses prosper as part of the larger bamboo network, a
network of overseas Chinese businesses operating in the markets of Southeast Asia that share
common family and cultural ties.[127]
Cambodia
DIY treatments that help you deal with scalp
irritation (DIYHealth)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the song, see Cambodia (song).
Kingdom of Cambodia
Preh Rachanachk Kmpcha
Flag
Royal Arms
Phnom Penh
Capital
and largest city
1133N 10455E
Official languages Khmer
Official script Khmer script
Ethnic groups
(2013[1])
Religion
Demonym
Government
- Monarch
90% Khmer
5% Vietnamese
1% Chinese
4% Other
- Prime Minister
Legislature
- Upper house
- Lower house
Kingdom of
Funan
Kingdom of
Chenla
- Khmer Empire
Independence
(from France)
Paris Peace
Accords
Monarchy
restored
-
- Total
- Water (%)
- 2013 estimate
- 2008 census
- Density
GDP (PPP)
- Total
- Per capita
GDP (nominal)
- Total
- Per capita
Gini (2007)
HDI (2013)
Currency
Time zone
Drives on the
Calling code
ISO 3166 code
Internet TLD
a.
Hun Sen
Parliament
Senate
National Assembly
Formation
68550
550706
8021431
9 November 1953
23 October 1991
24 September 1993
Area
181,035 km2 (88th)
69,898 sq mi
2.5
Population
15,205,539[1] (65th)
13,388,910[2]
81.8/km2 (118th)
211.8/sq mi
2013 estimate
$43.20 billion[3]
$2,776[3]
2013 estimate
$17.25 billion[3]
$1,108[3]
43[4]
medium
0.584[5]
medium 136th
Riela (KHR)
(UTC+7)
right
+855
KH
.kh
(69,898 sq mi), bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east,
and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.
With a population of over 15 million, Cambodia is the 69th most populous country in the world.
The official religion is Theravada Buddhism, practiced by approximately 95 percent of the
population. The country's minority groups include Vietnamese, Chinese, Chams, and 30 hill
tribes.[8] The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, the political, economic, and cultural center
of Cambodia. The kingdom is a constitutional monarchy with Norodom Sihamoni, a monarch
chosen by the Royal Throne Council, as head of state. The head of government is Hun Sen, who
is currently the longest serving non-royal leader in South East Asia and has ruled Cambodia for
over 25 years.
Cambodia's ancient name is "Kambuja" (Sanskrit:
).[9] In 802 AD, Jayavarman II declared
himself king and marked the beginning of the Khmer Empire which flourished for over 600
years, allowing successive kings to dominate much of Southeast Asia and accumulate immense
power and wealth. The Indianized kingdom built monumental temples including Angkor Wat,
now a World Heritage Site, and facilitated the spread of first Hinduism, then Buddhism to much
of Southeast Asia. After the fall of Angkor to Ayutthaya in the 15th century, Cambodia was then
ruled as a vassal between its neighbors.
Cambodia became a protectorate of France in 1863, and gained independence in 1953. The
Vietnam War extended into Cambodia, during which the Khmer Rouge took Phnom Penh in
1975 and later carried out the Cambodian Genocide from 1975 until 1979, when they were
ousted by Vietnam and then fought against the Vietnamese backed People's Republic of
Kampuchea in the CambodianVietnamese War (1979-1991). Following the 1991 Paris Peace
Accords Cambodia was governed briefly by a United Nations mission (1992-1993). The UN
withdrew after holding elections in which around 90 percent of the registered voters cast
ballots. The 1997 coup placed power solely in the hands of Prime Minister Hun Sen and the
Cambodian People's Party, who remain in power as of 2014.
Cambodia is a "vaguely communist free-market state with a relatively authoritarian coalition
ruling over a superficial democracy."[10] The country faces numerous challenges and
sociopolitical issues, including widespread poverty,[11] pervasive corruption,[12] lack of political
freedoms,[13] low human development,[14] and a high rate of hunger.[15][16][17]
A low income economy, Cambodia nonetheless has one of the best economic records in Asia,
with growth averaging 6 percent over the last decade. Agriculture remains the dominant
economic sector, with strong growth in textiles, construction, garments, and tourism leading to
increased foreign investment and international trade.[18]
Name
Main article: Name of Cambodia
The official name of the country in English is the Kingdom of Cambodia and in Khmer as
"" (Preh Rachanachk Kmpcha), often shortened to just
Kampuchea (Khmer: ). Kampuchea derives from the Sanskrit word Kambuja or "Golden
Land" or "Land of Peace and Prosperity", as described by the Khmer Buddhist's monk Chuon
Nath in his Khmer Dictionary.
Colloquially, Cambodians refer to as (Khmer pronunciation: [srok kmae], Srok Khmer),
meaning "Khmer's Land" or more formally as (Khmer pronunciation: [prteh
kampuci], Prateh Kampuchea), literally "Country of Kampuchea". Kampuchea is commonly
known as "Cambodia" in English and "Cambodge"/"Kamboj" in French. Kampuchea is more
widely known to Easterners and Cambodia is more widely known to Westerners. The word
Khmer could indicate the country, its people or its language.
History
Main article: History of Cambodia
Pre-history
Main article: Early history of Cambodia
There is sparse evidence for a Pleistocene human occupation of present day Cambodia, which
includes quartz and quartzite pebble tools found in terraces along the Mekong River, in Stung
Treng and Krati provinces, and in Kampot Province, although their dating is unreliable.[19]
Khmer army going to war against the Cham, from a relief on the Bayon.
Delta as it was awarded to Vietnam. Formerly part of the Khmer Empire, the area had been
controlled by the Vietnamese since 1698, with King Chey Chettha II granting Vietnamese
permission to settle in the area decades before.[42] This remains a diplomatic sticking point with
over one million ethnic Khmers (the Khmer Krom) still living in this region. The Khmer Rouge
attempted invasions to recover the territory which, in part, led to Vietnam's invasion of
Cambodia and deposition of the Khmer Rouge.
In 1955, Sihanouk abdicated in favor of his father in order to participate in politics and was
elected prime minister. Upon his father's death in 1960, Sihanouk again became head of state,
taking the title of prince. As the Vietnam War progressed, Sihanouk adopted an official policy of
neutrality in the Cold War, although he was widely considered to be sympathetic to the
communist cause. Sihanouk allowed the Vietnamese communists to use Cambodia as a sanctuary
and a supply route for their arms and other aid to their armed forces fighting in South Vietnam.
This policy was perceived as humiliating by many Cambodians. In December 1967 Washington
Post journalist Stanley Karnow was told by Sihanouk that if the US wanted to bomb the
Vietnamese communist sanctuaries, he would not object, unless Cambodians were killed.[43] The
same message was conveyed to US President Johnson's emissary Chester Bowles in January
1968.[44] However, in public Sihanouk refuted the US' right to use air strikes in Cambodia and on
March 26 Prince Sihanouk said "these criminal attacks must immediately and definitively stop..."
and on March 28 a press conference was held and Sihanouk appealed to the international media
"I appeal to you to publicize abroad this very clear stand of Cambodia--that is, I will in any case
oppose all bombings on Cambodian territory under whatever pretext." nevertheless the public
pleas of Sihanouk were ignored and the bombing continued.[45]
Members of the government and army became resentful of Sihanouk's ruling style as well as his
tilt away from the United States.
Politics
Main articles: Politics of Cambodia, List of political parties in Cambodia and 201314
Cambodian protests
Government
Officially a multiparty democracy, in reality "the country remains a one-party state dominated by
the Cambodian People's Party and Prime Minister Hun Sen, a recast Khmer Rouge official in
power since 1985. The open doors to new investment during his reign have yielded the most
access to a coterie of cronies of his and his wife, Bun Rany."[67] Cambodia's government has been
described by Human Rights Watch's Southeast Asian Director, David Roberts, as a "vaguely
communist free-market state with a relatively authoritarian coalition ruling over a superficial
democracy."[10]
Prime Minister Hun Sen has vowed to rule until he is 74.[68][69] He is a former Khmer Rouge
member who defected. His government is regularly accused of ignoring human rights and
suppressing political dissent. After the 2013 election results, disputed by Hun Sen's opposition,
demonstrators were injured and killed in Cambodia in protests in the capital where a reported
20,000 protesters gathered, with some clashing with riot police.[70] From a humble farming
background, Hun Sen was just 33 when he took power in 1985, and is now in the company of
other long ruling dictators such as Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe and Kazakhstan's Nursultan
Nazarbayev'.[71]
National politics in Cambodia take place within the framework of the nation's constitution of
1993. The government is a constitutional monarchy operated as a parliamentary representative
democracy. The Prime Minister of Cambodia, an office held by Hun Sen since 1985, is the head
of government, while the King of Cambodia (currently Norodom Sihamoni) is the head of state.
The prime minister is appointed by the king, on the advice and with the approval of the National
Assembly. The prime minister and the ministerial appointees exercise executive power.
Legislative powers are shared by the executive and the bicameral Parliament of Cambodia,
which consists of a lower house, the National Assembly (, Rotsaphea) and an
upper house, the Senate ( , Protsaphea). Members of the
123-seat Assembly are elected through a system of proportional representation and serve for a
maximum term of five years. The Senate has 61 seats, two of which are appointed by the king
and two others by the National Assembly, and the rest elected by the commune councillors from
24 provinces of Cambodia. Senators serve six-year terms.
On 14 October 2004, King Norodom Sihamoni was selected by a special nine-member throne
council, part of a selection process that was quickly put in place after the abdication of King
Norodom Sihanouk a week prior. Sihamoni's selection was endorsed by Prime Minister Hun Sen
and National Assembly Speaker Prince Norodom Ranariddh (the king's half brother and current
chief advisor), both members of the throne council. He was enthroned in Phnom Penh on 29
October 2004.
Political culture
The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) is the major ruling party in Cambodia. The CPP controls
the lower and upper chambers of parliament, with 68 seats in the National Assembly and 46 seats
in the Senate. The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) is the second largest
party in Cambodia with 55 seats in the National Assembly but has yet to compete in any Senate
elections. The Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) has 11 seats in the Senate.
Hun Sen and his government have seen much controversy. Hun Sen was a former Khmer Rouge
commander who was originally installed by the Vietnamese and, after the Vietnamese left the
country, maintains his strong man position by violence and oppression when deemed necessary.
[72]
In 1997, fearing the growing power of his co-Prime Minister, Prince Norodom Ranariddh,
Hun launched a coup, using the army to purge Ranariddh and his supporters. Ranariddh was
ousted and fled to Paris while other opponents of Hun Sen were arrested, tortured and some
summarily executed.[72][73]
In addition to political oppression, the Cambodian government has been accused of corruption in
the sale of vast areas of land to foreign investors resulting in the eviction of thousands of
villagers[74] as well as taking bribes in exchange for grants to exploit Cambodia's oil wealth and
mineral resources.[75] Cambodia is consistently listed as one of the most corrupt governments in
the world.[76][77][78] Amnesty International currently recognizes one prisoner of conscience in the
country: 29-year-old land rights activist Yorm Bopha.[79]
Journalists covering a protest over disputed election results in Phnom Penh on 22 September
2013 say they were deliberately attacked by police and men in plain clothes, with slingshots and
stun guns. The attack against the President of the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia, Rick
Valenzuela, was captured on video. The violence comes amid political tensions as the opposition
boycotts the opening of Parliament due to concerns about electoral fraud. Seven reporters
sustained minor injuries while at least two Cambodian protesters were hit by slingshot projectiles
and hospitalized. [80]
Geography
Main article: Geography of Cambodia
A map of Cambodia.
Cambodia has an area of 181,035 square kilometers (69,898 sq mi) and lies entirely within the
tropics, between latitudes 10 and 15N, and longitudes 102 and 108E. It borders Thailand to
the north and west, Laos to the northeast, and Vietnam to the east and southeast. It has a 443kilometer (275 mi) coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.
Cambodia's landscape is characterized by a low-lying central plain that is surrounded by uplands
and low mountains and includes the Tonle Sap (Great Lake) and the upper reaches of the
Mekong River delta. Extending outward from this central region are transitional plains, thinly
forested and rising to elevations of about 650 feet (200 meters) above sea level.
To the north the Cambodian plain abuts a sandstone escarpment, which forms a southward-facing
cliff stretching more than 200 miles (320 km) from west to east and rising abruptly above the
plain to heights of 600 to 1,800 feet (180 to 550 meters). This cliff marks the southern limit of
the Dngrk Mountains.
Flowing south through the country's eastern regions is the Mekong River. East of the Mekong the
transitional plains gradually merge with the eastern highlands, a region of forested mountains
and high plateaus that extend into Laos and Vietnam. In southwestern Cambodia two distinct
upland blocks, the Krvanh Mountains and the Dmrei Mountains, form another highland region
that covers much of the land area between the Tonle Sap and the Gulf of Thailand.
In this remote and largely uninhabited area, Phnom Aural, Cambodia's highest peak rises to an
elevation of 5,949 feet (1,813 meters). The southern coastal region adjoining the Gulf of
Thailand is a narrow lowland strip, heavily wooded and sparsely populated, which is isolated
from the central plain by the southwestern highlands.
The most distinctive geographical feature is the inundations of the Tonle Sap (Great Lake),
measuring about 2,590 square kilometers (1,000 sq mi) during the dry season and expanding to
about 24,605 square kilometers (9,500 sq mi) during the rainy season. This densely populated
plain, which is devoted to wet rice cultivation, is the heartland of Cambodia. Much of this area
has been designated as a biosphere reserve.
Climate
Main article: Climate of Cambodia
Sun bear
Cambodia's climate, like that of the rest of Southeast Asia, is dominated by monsoons, which are
known as tropical wet and dry because of the distinctly marked seasonal differences.
Cambodia has a temperature range from 21 to 35 C (69.8 to 95.0 F) and experiences tropical
monsoons. Southwest monsoons blow inland bringing moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of
Thailand and Indian Ocean from May to October. The northeast monsoon ushers in the dry
season, which lasts from November to April. The country experiences the heaviest precipitation
from September to October with the driest period occurring from January to February.
Cambodia has two distinct seasons. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, can see
temperatures drop to 22 C (71.6 F) and is generally accompanied with high humidity. The dry
season lasts from November to April when temperatures can rise up to 40 C (104 F) around
April. Disastrous flooding occurred in 2001 and again in 2002, with some degree of flooding
almost every year.[91]
Economy
Main article: Economy of Cambodia
Tourism
Main article: Tourism in Cambodia
increased steadily each year in the relatively stable period since the 1993 UNTAC elections; in
1993 there were 118,183 international tourists, and in 2009 there were 2,161,577 international
tourists.[107]
Most of the tourists were Japanese, Chinese, Filipinos, Americans, South Koreans and French,
said the report, adding that the industry earned some 1.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2007, accounting
for almost ten percent of the kingdom's gross national products. Chinese-language newspaper
Jianhua Daily quoted industry officials as saying that Cambodia will have three million foreign
tourist arrivals in 2010 and five million in 2015. Tourism has been one of Cambodia's triple pillar
industries. The Angkor Wat historical park in Siem Reap province, the beaches in Sihanoukville
and the capital city Phnom Penh are the main attractions for foreign tourists.[108]
Cambodia's tourist souvenir industry employs a lot of people around the main places of interest.
Obviously, the quantity of souvenirs that are produced is not sufficient to face the increasing
number of tourists and a majority of products sold to the tourists on the markets are imported
from China, Thailand and Vietnam.[109] Some of the locally produced souvenirs include:
Ceramic works
Agriculture
Further information: Agriculture in Cambodia
Agriculture is the traditional mainstay of the Cambodian economy. Agriculture accounted for 90
percent of GDP in 1985 and employed approximately 80 percent of the work force. Rice is the
principle commodity.
Major secondary crops include maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, groundnuts, soybeans, sesame
seeds, dry beans, and rubber. The principal commercial crop is rubber. In the 1980s it was an
important primary commodity, second only to rice, and one of the country's few sources of
foreign exchange.
View of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. Today Angkor Wat is Cambodia's main tourist attraction and
is visited by many tourists from around the world.
Religion
Main article: Religion in Cambodia
Education
Main article: Education in Cambodia
The Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) is the national university of Cambodia.
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports is responsible for establishing national policies and
guidelines for education in Cambodia. The Cambodian education system is heavily decentralised,
with three levels of government, central, provincial and district responsible for its management.
The constitution of Cambodia promulgates free compulsory education for nine years,
guaranteeing the universal right to basic quality education.
The 2008 Cambodian census estimated that 77.6% of the population was literate (85.1% of men
and 70.9% of women).[1] Male youth age (1524 years) have a literacy rate of 89% compared to
86% for females.[133]
The education system in Cambodia continues to face many challenges, but during the past years
there have been significant improvements, especially in terms of primary net enrollment gains,
the introduction of program based-budgeting, and the development of a policy framework which
helps disadvantaged children to gain access to education. The country has also significantly
invest in vocational education, especially in rural areas, in order to tackle poverty and
unemployment. [134][135] Two of Cambodia's most acclaimed universities are based in Phnom Penh.
Traditionally, education in Cambodia was offered by the wats (Buddhist temples), thus providing
education exclusively for the male population.[136] During the Khmer Rouge regime, education
suffered significant setbacks.
With respects to academic performance among Cambodian primary school children, research
showed that parental attitudes and beliefs played a significant role.[137] Specifically, the study
found that poorer academic achievement among children were associated with parents holding
stronger fatalistic beliefs (i.e., human strength cannot change destiny). The study further found
that "length of residence" of parents in the community in which they stay predicted better
academic achievement among their children. Overall, the study pointed out to the role of social
capital in educational performance and access in the Cambodian society in which family
attitudes and beliefs are central to the findings.
Culture
Main articles: Culture of Cambodia and Preah Ko Preah Keo
Traditionally, the Khmer people have a recorded information on Tra leaves. Tra leaf books
record legends of the Khmer people, the Ramayana, the origin of Buddhism and other prayer
books. They are taken care of by wrapping in cloth to protect from moisture and the climate.[140]
Bon Om Tuuk (Festival of Boat Racing), the annual boat rowing contest, is the most attended
Cambodian national festival. Held at the end of the rainy season when the Mekong river begins
to sink back to its normal levels allowing the Tonle Sap River to reverse flow, approximately
10% of Cambodia's population attends this event each year to play games, give thanks to the
moon, watch fireworks, dine, and attend the boat race in a carnival-type atmosphere.[141]
Popular games include cockfighting, soccer, and kicking a sey, which is similar to a footbag.
Based on the classical Indian solar calendar and Theravada Buddhism, the Cambodian New Year
is a major holiday that takes place in April. Recent artistic figures include singers Sinn
Sisamouth and Ros Serey Sothea (and later Meng Keo Pichenda), who introduced new musical
styles to the country.
Sports
Further information: Sport in Cambodia
Football (soccer) is one of the most popular sports, although professional organized sports are
not as prevalent in Cambodia as in western countries because of the economic conditions. Soccer
was brought to Cambodia by the French and became popular with the locals.[146] The Cambodia
national football team managed fourth in the 1972 Asian Cup, but development has slowed since
the civil war.
Western sports such as volleyball, bodybuilding, field hockey, rugby union, golf, and baseball are
gaining popularity. Volleyball is by far the most popular sport in the country. Native sports
include traditional boat racing, buffalo racing, Pradal Serey, Khmer traditional wrestling and
Bokator. Cambodia first participated in the Olympics during the 1956 Summer Olympic Games
sending equestrian riders. Cambodia also hosted the GANEFO Games, the alternative to the
Olympics, in the 1960s.
Laos
This article is about the country. For other uses, see Laos (disambiguation).
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article
by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and
removed. (December 2013)
Flag
Emblem
Laos traces its history to the kingdom of Lan Xang, which existed from the 14th to the 18th
century when it split into three kingdoms. In 1893, it became a French protectorate, with the
three kingdoms Luang Phrabang, Vientiane and Champasak uniting to form what is now
known as Laos. It briefly gained independence in 1945 after Japanese occupation, but returned to
French rule until it was granted autonomy in 1949. Laos became independent in 1953, with a
constitutional monarchy under Sisavang Vong. Shortly after independence, a long civil war
ended the monarchy, when the Communist Pathet Lao movement came to power in 1975.
Laos is a single-party socialist republic. It espouses Marxism and is governed by a single party
communist politburo dominated by military generals. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the
Vietnam People's Army continue to have significant influence in Laos. The capital city is
Vientiane. Other large cities include Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Pakse. The official
language is Lao. Laos is a multi-ethnic country with the politically and culturally dominant Lao
people making up approximately 60% of the population, mostly in the lowlands. Mon-Khmer
groups, the Hmong, and other indigenous hill tribes, accounting for 40% of the population, live
in the foothills and mountains.
Laos' strategy for development is based on generating electricity from its rivers and selling the
power to its neighbours, namely Thailand, China, and Vietnam.[13] Its economy is accelerating
rapidly with the demands for its metals.[14]
It is a member of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN), East Asia Summit and La Francophonie. Laos applied for membership of the
World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1997; on 2 February 2013, it was granted full membership.
[15]
History
Main article: History of Laos
On 2 December 1975, after taking control of the country, the Pathet Lao government under
Kaysone Phomvihane renamed the country as the Lao People's Democratic Republic and signed
agreements giving Vietnam the right to station armed forces and to appoint advisers to assist in
overseeing the country. Laos was requested in 1979 by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to end
relations with the People's Republic of China, leading to isolation in trade by China, the United
States, and other countries.
The conflict between Hmong rebels and the Vietnam People's Army of the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam (SRV), as well as the SRV-backed Pathet Lao continued in in key areas of Laos,
including in Saysaboune Closed Military Zone, Xaisamboune Closed Military Zone near
Vientiane Province and Xieng Khouang Province. The government of Laos has been accused of
committing genocide, human rights and religious freedom violations against the Hmong in
collaboration with the Vietnamese army,[32][33][34] with up to 100,000 killed out of a population of
400,000.[35][36] From 1975 to 1996, the United States resettled some 250,000 Lao refugees from
Thailand, including 130,000 Hmong.[37] (See: Indochina refugee crisis)
Geography
Main article: Geography of Laos
four months. The capital and largest city of Laos is Vientiane and other major cities include
Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Pakse.[citation needed]
In 1993 the Laos government set aside 21% of the nation's land area for habitat conservation
preservation.[39] The country is one of four in the opium poppy growing region known as the
"Golden Triangle". According to the October 2007 UNODC fact book Opium Poppy Cultivation
in South East Asia, the poppy cultivation area was 15 square kilometres (5.8 sq mi), down from
18 square kilometres (6.9 sq mi) in 2006.
Laos can be considered to consist of three geographical areas: north, central, and south.[40]
Thongsing Thammavong
The Lao People's Democratic Republic, along with North Korea,[51][52][53]China, Cuba and
Vietnam is one of the world's five remaining communist states. The only legal political party is
the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The head of state is President Choummaly
Sayasone, who is also the General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
The head of government is Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, who is also a senior
member of the Lao Communist Party's Politburo. Government policies are determined by the
party through the all-powerful eleven-member Politburo of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party
and the 61-member Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. Important
government decisions are vetted by the Council of Ministers. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam
maintains significant influence over the Politburo of Laos and the one-party communist state
apparatus and military[citation needed].
Laos's first, French-written and monarchical constitution was promulgated on 11 May 1947, and
declared Laos to be an independent state within the French Union. The revised constitution of 11
May 1957 omitted reference to the French Union, though close educational, health and technical
ties with the former colonial power persisted. The 1957 document was abrogated on 3 December
1975, when a communist People's Republic was proclaimed. A new constitution was adopted in
1991 and enshrined a "leading role" for the LPRP. In 1990, deputy minister for science &
technology Thongsouk Saysangkhi resigned from the government and party, calling for political
reform. He died in captivity in 1998.[54]
In 1992 elections were held for a new 85-seat National Assembly with members, nominated by
the one-party communist government, elected by secret ballot to five-year terms. The elections
were widely disputed and questioned by Lao and Hmong opposition and dissident groups abroad
and in Laos and Thailand. This National Assembly, which essentially acts as a rubber stamp for
the LPRP, approves all new laws, although the executive branch retains authority to issue binding
decrees. The most recent elections took place in April 2011. The assembly was expanded to 99
members in 1997, to 115 members in 2006 and finally to 132 members during the 2011 elections.
[citation needed]
Economy
Main article: Economy of Laos
Tourism
Main article: Tourism in Laos
View from near the sanctuary on the main upper level of Wat Phu, looking back towards the
Mekong River.
The tourism sector has grown rapidly, from 80,000 international visitors in 1990, to 1.876
million in 2010.[93] Tourism is expected to contribute US$679.1 million to gross national product
in 2010, rising to US$1.5857 billion by 2020. In 2010, one in every 10.9 jobs was in the tourism
sector. Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are expected to generate
15.5% of total exports or US$270.3 million in 2010, growing in nominal terms to US$484.2
million (12.5% of total) in 2020.[94]
The official tourism slogan is "Simply Beautiful". The main attractions for tourists include
Buddhist culture and colonial architecture in Luang Prabang; gastronomy and ancient temples in
the capital of Vientiane; backpacking in Muang Ngoi Neua and Vang Vieng; ancient and modern
culture and history in The Plain of Jars region (main article: Phonsavan); Laos Civil War history
in Sam Neua; trekking and visiting hill tribes in a number of areas including Phongsaly and
Luang Namtha; spotting tigers and other wildlife in Nam Et-Phou Louey; caves and waterfalls
near Thakhek; relaxation, the Irrawaddy dolphin and Khone Phapheng Falls at Si Phan Don or,
as they are known in English, the Four Thousand Islands; Wat Phu, an ancient Khmer temple
complex; and the Bolaven Plateau for waterfalls and coffee. The European Council on Trade and
Tourism awarded the country the "World Best Tourist Destination" designation for 2013 for this
combination of architecture and history.[95]
Luang Prabang and Wat Phu are both UNESCO World Heritage sites, with the Plain of Jars
expected to join them once more work to clear UXO has been completed. Major festivals include
Laos New Year which is celebrated around 1315 April and involves a water festival similar but
more subdued than that of Thailand and other South-East Asian countries.
The Lao National Tourism Administration, related government agencies and the private sector
are working together to realise the vision put forth in the country's National Ecotourism Strategy
and Action Plan. This includes decreasing the environmental and cultural impact of tourism;
increasing awareness in the importance of ethnic groups and biological diversity; providing a
source of income to conserve, sustain and manage the Lao protected area network and cultural
heritage sites; and emphasising the need for tourism zoning and management plans for sites that
will be developed as ecotourism destinations.[96]
Laos is known for its silk and local handicraft product, both of which are on display in Luang
Prabang's night market, among other places. Another speciality is mulberry tea.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Laos
capital and largest city, had about 740,010 residents in 2008. The country's population density
was 27/km2.[99]
Languages
Religion
Main article: Religion in Laos
67% of Laotians are Theravada Buddhist, 1.5% are Christian, and 31.5% are other or unspecified
(mostly practitioners of Satsana Phi)[103] according to the 2005 census.[1] Buddhism has long been
one of the most important social forces in Laos. Theravada Buddhism has coexisted peacefully
since its introduction to the country with the local polytheism.
Education
Main article: Education in Laos
The adult literacy rate exceeds two thirds.[105] The male literacy rate exceeds the female literacy
rate.[104] In 2004 the net primary enrolment rate was at 84%.[104] The National University of Laos
is the Laos state's public university. The total literacy rate is 73% (2010 estimate).
Culture
Main article: Culture of Laos
See also: Lao art, Lao cuisine, Dance and theatre of Laos, List of festivals in Laos and
Theravada Buddhism is a dominant influence in Lao culture. It is reflected throughout the
country from language to the temple and in art, literature, performing arts, etc. Many elements of
Lao culture predate Buddhism, however. For example, Laotian music is dominated by its
national instrument, the khaen, a type of bamboo pipe that has prehistoric origins. The khaen
traditionally accompanied the singer in lam, the dominant style of folk music. Among the lam
styles, the lam saravane is probably the most popular.
Sticky rice is a characteristic staple food and has cultural and religious significance to the Lao
people. Sticky rice is generally preferred over jasmine rice, and sticky rice cultivation and
production is thought to have originated in Laos. There are many traditions and rituals associated
with rice production in different environments and among many ethnic groups. For example,
Khammu farmers in Luang Prabang plant the rice variety Khao Kam in small quantities near the
hut in memory of dead parents, or at the edge of the rice field to indicate that parents are still
alive.[106]
Sinh is a traditional garment worn by Laotian women in daily life. It is a hand-woven silk skirt
which can identify the woman who wears it in a variety of ways. In particular, it can indicate
which region the wearer is from.