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Laos’ earliest recorded history began with its unification by King Fa Ngum in 1353. Luang Prabang was hailed as the capital city and the king made his home there from where he ruled the kingdom that was known as Lane Xang (translates as a million elephants). The king had power over much of Laos and also over significant areas of Thailand. In the 1600’s, King Fa Ngum’s successors were responsible for establishing Buddhism in the country.

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In the 20th century, Laos became a French colony the same as Vietnam and Cambodia. During the World War II, the Japanese took control of Laos and the country’s king was induced to declare it independent of French control in 1945. In September of the same year, the three principalities came together to form an independent Lao government. The following year however, the French re-established control over the country although agreed to let it be partially autonomous.

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From 1961 to 1962, a second Geneva conference was held helping to secure an independent and neutral Laos however the status quo was short lived with opposing factions accusing each other of agreement violations and civil war was once again ensuing.

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