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
Malaysia at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games Malaysia at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games Malaysia competed in the 2009 Southeast Asian Games held in Vientiane, Laos from 8 to 18 December 2009. Malaysia competed in 21 of the 25 sports consisting 197 male and 151 female athletes, 154 male officers and 28 female officers. Dr. Ramlan Abdul Aziz, the Director General of National Sports Institute was the Chef de Mission of Malaysia. The contingent won 40 gold medals, 40 silver and 59 bronze to finish fourth in the medal standings. Excellent performance was shown by the men football team whom won the gold medal after 20 years