Laos

Population: 6 million

Life Expectancy: 55 years

Infant Mortality: 62 per 1000 live births

Mortality under age 5: 79 per 1000 live births

Has Safe Water: 51 percent of total population; 43 percent of rural population

Has Adequate Sanitation: 30 percent of total population; 20 percent of rural population

Religion: 49 percent Buddhist, 42 percent traditional beliefs,
4 percent non-religious, 2 percent Christian

National Wealth: Long isolated from foreign influence, Laos provides a vibrant glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. Luang Prabang—identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most authentic traditional towns in Southeast Asia.

National Challenges: Only 10 percent of land suitable for agriculture; evangelism prohibited; poverty; lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene education.

Lifewater: Lifewater began drill training in Laos in the year 2000. Since then Lifewater has trained national partners in well drilling, drill business development, community health through hygiene, sanitation, and biosand filtration. In 2006 Lifewater’s national partner drilled eight water wells, serving thousands with safe water.

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Sources: UNICEF 2004 stats, CIA World Factbook 2007, traveldocs.com, Lifewater Projects Dept.