"In this comprehensive guide to the Southeast Asian nation of Laos, readers explore the way that many different aspects come together to create a countrys cultural landscape-from geography and economics to history, religion, and government. The meticulously updated text, complete with fun fact boxes and informative sidebars, is an excellent resource for classroom research projects and for young people with an interest in traveling the world. Each focused chapter is filled with incredible photographs of life in Laos, and readers can even try their hand at recipes for important cultural dishes"-- Provided by publisher.