"Dwelling in the highlands of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), and southwest China are hundreds of ethnic groups. Some tribes number barely more than one hundred, others millions. Combined, their population tallies 80 million more than any of the countries (with the exception of China) they inhabit, yet in each region they are designated and treated as "minorities." Forced into the highlands while their enemies occupy the more fertile lowlands, this relegation, coupled with the fact that they are little known abroad and at home, has jeopardized their way of life and cultural distinctions."

"Historical Dictionary of the Peoples of the Southeast Asian Massif offers hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on approximately 200 groups; the six countries where they reside, their leaders, and their political, economic, social, cultural, and religious traits. The chronology identifies important events, and the introduction examines both the diversities and similarities of the groups' ethnicities, languages, religious practices, and customs. The bibliography provides resources for further reading."--Jacket.