Literature of Laos families: Lao-Tai (Tai-Kadai); Mon-Khmer (Austroasiatic); Hmong-Mien (Miao-Yao), and Sino-Tibetan (primarily Tibeto-Burman). As an inland crossroads of Southeast Asia the political history of Laos has been complicated by frequent warfare and colonial conquests by European and regional rivals. As a result, Laos today has cultural influence from France, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Burma, and Cambodia. Traditionally literature is held high regard in Lao society. Lao literature spans a wide range of genres including religious, philosophy, prose, epic or lyric poetry, histories, traditional law and customs, folklore, astrology, rituals, grammar and lexicography, dramas, romances, comedies, and non-fiction. Lao thematic elements frequently combine the
Laos–Malaysia relations the two countries were very small with the valued at only US$2.4 million but increase to US$2.7 million in 2004. While in 2009, Malaysia's exported to Laos has reached US$7.4 million and the Malaysian investment in the country has reached US$150 million. Both countries also has signed various agreements to provide for the expanding of bilateral relations such as the Bilateral Trade Agreement, Tourism Agreement. Investment Guarantee Agreement, Air Services Agreement and the Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation Agreement. In 2010, Malaysia ranks ninth in the list of largest foreign investors in Laos. By 2015, Malaysia is the second largest