Lao in France

Lao
Photo Source:  Cambodia Research Network 
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People Name: Lao
Country: France
10/40 Window: No
Population: 19,000
World Population: 3,957,600
Primary Language: Lao
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Christian Adherents: 3.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.10 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Lao
Affinity Bloc: Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

There are more Laotians in France than in any other country except Laos itself. There were people from Laos living in France before the Laotian civil war which was from 1953 to 1975.

Laos used to be a French colony and there were Laotian people living in France early last century. Laotian workers came to France at this time and Laotian students came to study as well. When the Vietnamese began to rule Laos after the Vietnam War, many more Laotians came to live in France. It was the better off people who tended to come to France. Laotians in France get on better here as more is known about their background. They are well educated and have a good work status. The Laotians in France have community centers and there are Laotian restaurants there too.

Where Are they Located?

Most Laotians live in Paris while some live in other French cities such as Marseille. The older generation among them like to speak in Lao but the newer generations tend to speak French.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are Buddhist temples in France that the Laotians attend. Their main religion is Theravada Buddhism. They have their own traditional holidays.

Prayer Points

The Laotian government once called Christianity public enemy number one. Pray that Laotians are not put off by this and that they are attracted to Jesus Christ and come to Him.
Pray that Christian materials get to them and bring them to Salvation too.

Text Source:   Anonymous