THE LAOS
Derivatives: Lao Boc and Lao Noi
Population: 11,611 people (as of 1999)
Locality: Concentrated in Lai Chau Province, Son La Province, and Lao Cai Province.
Customs and culture
The Lao worship their ancestors and follow Buddhism.
Children take the family name of the father.
Language: The Lao language belongs to the Tay-Thai Group.
Dress
Women wear black skirts.
Economy
The Lao primarily grow rice in submerged fields using advanced techniques. Their main food is sticky rice.