Islam in Laos

Laotian Muslims
Total population
c. 1000 (0.01%)[1][2]
Regions with significant populations
Across Laos, particularly in urban areas
Religions
Predominantly Sunni
Languages
  • National language
  • Regional and minority languages
  • Liturgical language
The Vientiane Jamia Mosque

Laos is a Buddhist-majority nation with the officially recognised Muslim population approximately constituting 0.01% of the total population as of 2008 census.[4] The majority of Laotian Muslims are Sunni. Laotian Muslims can be found in the capital, Vientiane, which has two mosques, as well as other urban areas such as Savannakhet and Oudomxay; the latter of which had a mosque constructed there in June 2016.[5] Laotian Muslims are an ethnically diverse group, mainly consisting of ethnic Lao, Chin Haw, Chams, Tamils and Pashtuns, with interracial marriages being increasingly popular. They are generally engaged in trade, agriculture, cosmetics, clothing and business (butcher shops and restaurants) though some have attained official roles with the government.[6]

  1. ^ "East Asia/Southeast Asia :: Laos — The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency". cia.gov. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  2. ^ "Laos Religion Facts & Stats". nationmaster.com. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  3. ^ Al-Jallad, Ahmad (30 May 2011). "Polygenesis in the Arabic Dialects". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. ^ “2008 Report on International Religious Freedom,” Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs, United States Department of State, September 2008.
  5. ^ "CPAmedia.com: The Crescent in Laos: Muslims of Vientiane". Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 23 January 2007.
  6. ^ Sikand, Yogi (14 October 2008). "Muslims in Laos: Hidden Beyond the Mekong". Qantara.de.