A French colony until 1953, the power struggle which ensued between royalists and the communist group Pathet Lao also saw the country caught up in the Vietnam War. Communist forces overthrew the monarchy in 1975, bringing years of isolation. After the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, Laos began opening up to the world. But despite economic reforms, the country remains poor and heavily dependent on foreign aid. Most Laotians live in rural areas, with around 80% working in agriculture mostly growing rice. ENGLISH has recently started operation in the country offering a range of quality and affordable products and addressing healthcare challenges. ENGLISH’s highly motivated team who is well-versed in the local customs and aware of local healthcare challenges we are all set to outpace the industry growth rate in no time.