The Hmong are a small ethnic group that resides mostly in southeast Asia, Burma, France, Guiana, Australia, and the U.S.

One of the most important aspects of the Hmong culture is its clan structure. In contemporary society, clan identification has
taken on the form of surnames. As of date, there are 19 known Hmong clans: Chang/Cha, Cheng, Chue, Kong, Kue/Ku, Khang,
Fang, Hang, Her/Heu, Lao/Lo/Lor, Lee/Ly, Moua, Pha/Phang, Tang, Thao/Thor, Vang, Vue, Xiong, and Yang.

Unique to the Hmong are its language, clothing, textiles, and customs. The Hmong language has evolved over the course of
history to include numerous conversions and dialects. These dialects formed due to differences in location and customs.
While there are countless different dialects, the two most common are "Green Hmong" and "White Hmong".

B.C. to 400 A.D. : The first firm historical accounts of the Hmong can be traced back to China. Many wars and uprisings were
noted in early centuries. In response, the Hmong began constant movement within China to maintain freedom and preserve
their culture. Some Chinese dynasties welcomed the Hmong but most tried to enslave them.

400-900 : A Hmong kingdom was establisted in China with a hereditary monarchy. The kingdom included very organized
villages and districts. Only the rulers and men voted. The Hmong were involved in Chinese rule until they were defeated by
the Sung dynasty. They then returned to their nomadic existence.

900's : In different locations within China, the Hmong continued to fight and struggle for independence. This time also
included many years of peace.

1800's : The Hmong were lured to Northern Laos by its rich, fertile land and the promise of freedom in the seclusion of the
Laotian mountains.

1963-1975 : The Vietnam War. The Hmong became the U.S. Secret Army in Laos.

1975: The Hmong Refugess move to Thailand to escape persecution by the Lao government.

From 1960-1975, the Hmong were strong fighters for the U.S. against the Communists. For 15 years, life for the Hmong was
not the same. Families lost members, wives lived without husbands, and children had no uncles or aunts. An estimated
25-30,000 Hmong died during the war as a result of supporting the U.S.

When the U.S. pulled their troops from southeast Asia in 1975, Laos fell to the Communists. The Hmong became a favorit
target for North Vietnam and the Pathet Lao. The fields and houses of any pro-American Hmong villages were burned, the
animals slaughtered, and the people chased down and killed.

Many Hmong feld through the jungles of Laos and crossed the Mekong River to Thailand. There, they waited in refugee camps
to be placed in countries that would agree to take them in. The U.S., Canada, and France were among the first choices for the
Hmong. The largest Hmong populations in the U.S. are in California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Today, the Hmong in Asia no longer speak the same dialect, wear the same clothes, or share the same way of life. They have
adapted to different living environments and engage in different types of farming. They live in remote areas away from
civilizations in order to preserve their peace and freedom, but very often, their lives are disturbed by wars, which have
forced them to take sides to defend their homes and families.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau, there are about 170,000 Hmong people in the U.S.

Approximately 38% of all the Hmong in the U.S. are living at or below the poverty level.

The average family size is 6 members.

The average family income is $32,384.

Only 7% of the 25 y.o. and older Hmong population in the U.S. has a bachelors degree or higher.

97% of the Hmong population in the U.S. is under 65 y.o.

58.6% of the Hmong in the U.S. are non-English speaking.