French language in Laos

In addition to its usage in government, French is also widely present in commerce and as a working language in many professional fields, and is studied by over a third of students in Laos.

The French did not pay much attention to the kingdom of Lan Xang but established a consulate in present-day Luang Prabang.

[5] The actual catalysts for the establishment of colonial protectorate over Lao cultural regions were French fears of economic and political competition from Britain.

The French language peaked between the 1910s and World War II and spread throughout the nation but, like Vietnam, was not widely spoken in most rural areas.

Additionally, many elite and French-educated Lao immigrated to nations such as the United States and France to escape government persecution.

[4] French is also used in public works in central and southern Laos and Luang Prabang and is a language of diplomacy and of the elite classes, higher professions and elders.