The etymology of the term "Lao" remains uncertain, although it is potentially connected to ethnic groups identified as the "Ai Lao" (Lao: ອ້າຍລາວ, Thai: อ้ายลาว, Chinese: 哀牢; pinyin: Āiláo, Vietnamese: Ai Lao) mentioned in 展开

There are around 3.6 million Laotians in Laos, constituting approximately 68% of the population (the remainder are largely hill tribe people). The ethnic Lao of Laos form the bulk of the 展开

The Lao language is a tonal, analytic, right-branching, pronoun pro-drop language of the Tai–Kadai language family, closely related to Thai and other languages of Tai peoples. Most of the vocabulary is of native Tai origin, although important contributions … 展开

Lao cuisine
The cuisine of Laos is similar to other regional cuisines such as Thai and Cambodian cuisines, but has several unique distinguishing … 展开

In Laos, little distinction is made between the Lao and other closely related Tai peoples with mutually intelligible languages who are … 展开

Tai Migration Period
Early Chinese records employed the term Yue to denote the non-Han Chinese people south of the Yangtze. During the Spring and Autumn period (770 … 展开

Religion in Laos is highly syncretic, and has drawn from three primary sources, although most Lao people claim to be Theravada Buddhists, many traditions are derived from Animist practices.
Buddhism
Buddhism 展开