* The Lao people are culturally and linguistically most closely linked with which other neighboring people?
* The earliest communities of the early Lao tribes were called what?
* The name 'Lao' comes from the term for the earlier inhabitants of the region, probably Austronesian speaking people. What was the term for this group of people?
* By approximately 1200 AD, most of the area of modern Laos was controlled by which ancient empire of Southeast Asia?
* During the time of Mongol (or Yuan, as the Mongol Chinese dynasty was known), which Thai state ruled over northwestern Laos?
* The first truly Lao state, called Lan Xang, began to develop around the mid 14th century. What does 'Lan Xang' translate as in English?
* The kingdom of Lan Xang was centered on Xiang Dong Xiang Thong. This site was eventually to become known as what?
* The development of this site as a great kingdom is usually attributed to which hereditary prince who was born circa 1316 AD?
* In 1560, the capital of Lan Xang was moved to which spot, where the capital of Laos currently rests?
* By the late 17th-early 18th century, the Lao people were divided, with Lan Xang in severe decline. Which two countries shared suzerainty over the former Lao state?
* In 1893, which European country acquired Laos as a protectorate?
* Which of these did not characterize colonial rule in Laos?
* World War II brought an interlude from colonial rule. Under the tutelage of the Japanese, which Lao King declared independence for the Lao state on April 8, 1945?
* Which Lao leader (and member of the royal family) first made contact with Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese communists, thus launching Laos on the road to communism?
* On August 23 1975 the establishment of the new, socialist Lao state was announced at the capital of Vieng Chan (Vientiane). The communist party, by this time, had been renamed using what acronmym?