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
Cambodia at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games 2007 Games, Cambodia won 19 metals - two gold, five silver and 12 bronze. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen confirmed his presence at the Opening Ceremony after Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh's visit to Cambodia in late November. Cambodia at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games Cambodia competed in the 2009 Southeast Asian Games athletics tournament, winning three gold medals and 40 medals in total. Cambodia only announced the formation of its National Team Organizing Committee for the SEA Games in mid-October 2009, less than two months ahead of the start of the Games in Vientiane, Laos. The National Olympic Committee