Trapped between the economically flourishing countries of China, Vietnam and Thailand, Laos ekes out its existence as the poorest country in Asia. As a country with no access to the high seas and few natural resources, there is also little prospect of improvement. Although the state is trying to become the "battery of Southeast Asia" by generating electricity on the Mekong, this does little to help its own population. Like other Southeast Asian states, Laos is being overtaken economically by its big neighbour China, for example by the expansion of the Chinese mega infrastructure project "Belt and Road" Initiative.

In return, the country is rich in flora and fauna, which have also come under pressure in recent decades. Moreover, Laos is still gnawing away at the deadly legacy of the Vietnam War. Countless unexploded bombs and explosives make large parts of the country uninhabitable and unmanageable.

The Laotian culture with its numerous ethnic groups resembles a colourful patchwork quilt, but this does not disturb the inner peace. We have always experienced Laos as the most peaceful and friendly country in South East Asia.