Laos

In the 1970s, the country of Laos was made a political pawn and war ensued. It is a narrow country nestled between Vietnam, Thailand, and, to the south, Cambodia. It was declared both independent and neutral. However, at the time of the Vietnam war the region was at risk for being overthrown by communist forces. In an effort to prevent this from happening, the United States financed and completely supported an internal anti-communist effort fought by the Hmong. The so-called "Silent War" devastated the topography of the country, and most of its inhabitants fled to other countries as refugees.

Merced

Merced, California became the home of many Hmong immigrants. Of all of the United States cities that Hmong settled in, Merced has the largest percentage of Hmong per area, making the Hmong community a miniature town of its own. As such it retains a cultural feel. Hmong...