National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇱🇦 Lao People’s Democratic Republic

The national anthem of Laos (officially Lao People’s Democratic Republic) is called: « Pheng Xat Lao ».

Continent: Asia

Bordering Countries:
🇰🇭 Cambodia
🇨🇳 China
🇲🇲 Myanmar
🇹🇭 Thailand
🇻🇳 Viet Nam

History of « Pheng Xat Lao »

« Pheng Xat Lao » (Hymn of the Lao People) is the national anthem of Laos. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its revolutionary spirit, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1941: The original music for « Pheng Xat Lao » was composed by Thongdy Sounthonevichit, a Lao musician.
  • 1975: Following the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the lyrics were revised by Sisana Sisane, a prominent Lao poet and revolutionary, to reflect the new socialist government.
  • 1975: The revised anthem was officially adopted on December 2, 1975, the same day the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was proclaimed.

Anecdotes

  • Revolutionary Change: The adoption of the revised anthem in 1975 marked a significant change in Laos’s national identity, reflecting the values and ideals of the newly established socialist government. The new lyrics emphasize themes of independence, unity, and the revolutionary spirit.
  • Cultural Reflection: The anthem’s lyrics celebrate the natural beauty of Laos, the resilience of its people, and their commitment to building a prosperous and independent nation. It reflects the deep connection of the Lao people to their land and their pride in their cultural heritage.
  • Cultural Significance: « Pheng Xat Lao » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Lao people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Lao citizens.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Lao

ລາວເປັນຊາດອິດສະຫຼະຂອງພວກເຮົາ
ຊາດລາວດຳລົງເມື່ອຍືນມາດ້ວຍຄວາມສຸກສົມບູນ
ດິນແດນລາວມີພູດອຍສູງສົມບູນ
ເຫລືອງລຳລຽງດ້ວຍຊາດລາວທີ່ຮັກສະຫຼັງ
ຊາດລາວຮັກສະຫຼັງດ້ວຍຄວາມສຸກສົມບູນ
ຊາດລາວຮັກສະຫຼັງດ້ວຍຄວາມສຸກສົມບູນ

In English (translation)

Laos is the homeland of the Lao people,
The land of the Lao people, where happiness and prosperity reign.
The land of Laos is filled with high mountains and fertile plains,
The Lao people are united and love their country.
The Lao people are united and love their country,
The Lao people are united and love their country.

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