Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and People's Republic of China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west.

Recently, Laos has become more popular with tourists among whom it is known for its relaxed style of living. It is seen to have elements of the "original Asia" lost elsewhere. The official tourism slogan is "Simply Beautiful". The attractions made most accessible to tourists are Buddhist culture in Luang Prabang, gastronomy in the capital of Vientiane, backpacking in Vang Vieng and ancient and modern culture and history in The Plain of Jars region, trekking in Phongsaly or Luang Namtha, elephants in Sainyabuli, and a cave in Oudomxay.

Of the people of Laos 85% are Theravada Buddhist, 1.5% are Christian, and 13.5% are other or unspecified according to the 2005 census.

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.