Religion in Laos

Theravada Buddhism is the largest and dominant religion in Laos. Theravada Buddhism is central to Lao cultural identity. The national symbol of Laos is the That Luang stupa, a stupa with a pyramidal base capped by the representation of a closed lotus blossom which was built to protect relics of the Buddha. It is practiced by 66% of the population.^[2] Almost all ethnic or "lowland" Lao (Lao Loum and Lao Lom) are followers of Theravada Buddhism; however, they constitute only 40-50% of the population.^[3] The remainder of the population belongs to at least 48 distinct ethnic minority groups.^[3] Most of these ethnic groups are practitioners of Tai folk religions, with beliefs that vary greatly among groups.^[3]

Tai folk religion is predominant among northern groups of Tai people, such as the Thai Dam and Thai Daeng, as well as among Mon-Khmer and Tibeto-Burman groups.^[3] Even among lowland Lao, many pre-Buddhist phi religious beliefs have been incorporated into Theravada Buddhist practice.^[3] Catholics and Protestants constitute between 1% and 2% of the population.^[3] Other minority religious groups include Baháʼí Faith, Islam, Mahayana Buddhism, and Confucianism.^[3] A very small number of citizens are atheist or agnostic.^[3]

Although the government prohibits foreigners from proselytizing, some resident foreigners associated with private businesses or nongovernmental organizations quietly engage in religious activity.^[3] The Lao Front for National Construction is in charge of religious affairs within the country and all religious organizations within Laos must register with it.^[4]