The main languages spoken include Lao, French, and Meo. The culture in Laos is closely tied with it's Buddhist religion. Buddhist temples which were in every village, served as intellectual centers. Buddhist holidays dictate the planting and harvesting, birth, marriage, and death. Improvised music is the most popular art form, but most arts are influenced by Buddhism.
Agriculture is the principle force of the economy.
Rice, the main food crop produced, yields inadequate amounts to meet domestic needs. The main plantation crop is coffee. Livestock breeding is also important to the economy. Overall, exports are not good because of old-fashioned farming techniques. Industry in Laos is not very productive, being limited to small plants manufacturing consumer products.