Laotians
Laos is ranked among the poorest and least visited countries in the world, as well as a region of Southeast Asia almost untouched by modern civilization. As one of the few lingering official Communist states, Laos remains a country with a cripplingly primitive infrastructure. It has no railroads, a rudimentary road system, and limited external and internal telecommunications, electricity only being available in a few urban areas. While Vientiane, the capital of Laos and Asia’s biggest village, appears busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, it would be considered quiet by the standards of other Asian cities. Situated on the Mekong River which forms the lifeline of the country, Vientiane serves as the hub for all travel in the country.
Unfortunately, Laos also exists as the third highest ranking country for persecution of Christians in the world. Since the 1990's, the government has been intent on completely eliminating any Christian presence in the country. Laws restrict evangelizing in public, building churches, and having communication with foreign organizations. Although the Adventist church has seen slow yet steady growth, it remains a difficult country to reach.
Thanks to answered prayers the provincial government has given ASAP-sponsored Adventist pastors permission to work in many areas throughout Laos. Boonpranee Wannadee, the president of the Lao Adventist Field, has obtained permission for ASAP to build six new places of worship in 2008. We praise God for that and for the growing congregations which meet regularly under the care of ASAP church planters. By God's grace, we anticipate the opening of more doors to do His service.
Country Data
| Population | 6,521,998 | |
| Below Poverty Line | 30% | |
| Religions | 65% Buddist, 32.9% Animist, 1.3% Christian | |
| Average Age | 19.2 |