Culture of Laos to connect Lao peoples on both the right and left banks. However, 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. The history of Laos is unique with a national character defined by its diversity in both culture and customs. , Laos has an estimated population of 6.5 million. The Lao government recognizes 47 distinct ethnicities, which are further sub-divided into 149 subgroups. Lao society is traditionally categorized into three broad groups based on
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