groups reside primarily in the lowland regions of the country and for the most part cultivate paddy crops, practice Buddhism and are integrated into the national economy (as groups referred to as Lowland Lao or Lao Lum). This group includes the Tai-Lao, which is the dominant group, and various other related ethnic groups such as the Tai-Dam, Tai Lue, Phuan and other Tai speaking groups. The Tai-Lao groups represent approximately 50% of the population in the Lao PDR.