HANOI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- A survey by Lao National Committee for Rural Development and Poverty Reduction found that more than 1.5 million Lao people, 27.1 percent of the country's population were living below the poverty line, Lao newspaper the Vientiane Times reported Tuesday.

    The survey was conducted between 2007 and 2008. This kind of survey is carried out every five years, according to the newspaper.

    Sivixay Saysanavongphet, Laos' Poverty Reduction Fund Executive Director said the country's poverty was the result of a combination of factors including low-standard education, geographical difficulties, lack of infrastructure and lack of opportunity to access development.

    In Laos, 51 percent of the poor live in the northern region. A total of 32 percent of them are living in the central region and 17 percent in the southern region, according to Onneua Phommachanh, Lao Minister to the Prime Minister's Office.

    About 80 percent of Lao people rely on agricultural production. Their crops are often affected by irregular rainfall and diseases, said the newspaper.