Location: The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos is nestled in between Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Most of the country is mountainous and thickly forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand.

Population: 6.5 million (2007 est. with a growth rate of 2.4%); life expectancy is 56 years.

People/Ethnic Groups: 69% Lao Loum (ethnic Lao and the 8% of lowland ethnic groups); 22% Lao Theung (upland ethnic groups from the Mon-Khmer tribes); 9 % Lao Soung [highland ethnic groups including the Hmong (Miao), Yao (Mien), Tai dumm, Dao, Shan, Lua, Khammu and several Tibeto-Burman speaking peoples]; 1 % ethnic Vietnamese/Chinese.

Economy:  Laos, one of the few remaining official communist states, is still ranked among the lowest countries in terms of economic and political freedom. Private enterprise has increased since the late-1990s with major urban centers such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet experiencing the most growth. Laos has no railways and while there are highways connecting the urban centers, many of the villages are inaccessible year round due to poor road conditions. Mobile phones rather than land lines are more popular. And in many of the rural areas electricity is sporadic if available at all. Despite this, the economy of Laos grew at 7.2% in 2006, 35th fastest in the world. The economy is dependent on investment and trade with its neighbors and tourism is the fastest-growing industry in the country. Though Laos has the lowest percentage of arable land (only 4%) and permanent crop land (<1%) in the Mekong Region, 80% of the employed practice subsistence agriculture. 

Recent History: Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang or “Land of the Million Elephants” (est. in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM). For three hundred years, Lan Xang included large parts of present-day Cambodia and Thailand. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the control of Siam (Thailand – late 18th century until late 19th century) and then became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. Lao gained independence in July 1949. This independence resulted only in a long civil war. In 1975 the Lao Communist Party took control of the government instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1986. Laos has been ranked among the lowest countries in terms of economic and political freedom.

Religion: Theravada Buddhism 60%, animist and other 40% (including various Christian denominations 1.5%) 

Current Ministry:  There are many different unreached people groups in Laos that have yet to hear of Jesus. There is a great need for witnesses to take the good news to them. Currently, through friendship evangelism, discipleship and very discreet church planting, the people of Laos are turning towards Christ. The beginnings of a church planting movement amongst some groups are seeing many relationships with Jesus started. To live within Laos you must have a legitimate reason such as studying Lao language and culture, working in a non-government organization, doing business, research, agriculture or one of many other alternatives.

Placement Options in Laos 

Mekong Ministries current involvement with minority groups: Friendship evangelism, discipleship, church planting, literature distribution, radio broadcasting, church leadership development, prayer walking journeys. Help is needed in all of these areas plus the following:

·      Short-term Team Coordinator: Coordinate and facilitate short term mission teams on prayer walking trips. 

·      EDUCATION

    • English Teachers: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in universities, English training centers, and grade schools. Teacher training and ministry to university professionals. 
    • Ethno-musicologists: Should have a background in ethno-musicology. Many tribal cultures in  SE Asia have yet to be researched. Great opportunities to assist other workers and have doors open to shine in a community. 
    • Anthropologists: Assist other workers by gathering the necessary anthropological information on the people groups throughout the  Mekong region. 

·      COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 

    • Medical Work: Doctors, nurses, public health specialists, dentist, physical & occupational therapists are needed to work in Laos. 
    • Business: Use your professional skills to help a developing country train communities and leaders. 
    • Agriculturalists: Should have a background (professional or experiential) in agriculture and a willingness to not only bring your expertise but to learn how things are done in  SE Asia. Rice banks, a heifer project and soybean project are a few areas where help is needed. 
    • Social workers: Family counselors, substance abuse counselors, sexual abuse counselors/prostitution counselors, child care workers, youth workers are needed to work in Laos

Other: IT experts, media producers, recording studio opportunities, development experts, language experts, administrators, and office personnel…those with a burden for the poor and oppressed.