The Poussang belong to the Tibeto-Burmese linguistic family and are considered as an ethnic sub-group to the Akha.

Despite this, their way of life, customs and beliefs are very different from the Akha's and the Poussang group is distinctive. With no more than 10 Poussang villages mostly situated in Phongsali Province in northern Laos, this ethnic group lives in autarchy, according to a traditional clan system based on the father's authority.

Their traditional habitat is situated in the mountains, between 800 and 1300 m above sea level, near a stream and in forested, sparsely populated areas. In the past, their habitats and production systems were strongly influenced by the Lue people, yet they still have their own language, religion and way of life.

The Poussang are animist and believe in the ancestors' spirits.

Contrary to the Akha, there is only one wife in every family. She is very important in the decision making within the family. The Poussang women have a particular hairstyle consisting of a bun fixed on their forehead; their traditional costumes are richly decorated: on festive days, short woven skirts and embroidered jackets with silver coins are worn.

T he Poussang grow ordinary rice as well as vegetables, corn, poppy and they raise small, sometimes big, livestock. Slash and burn culture is practiced with physical, nutritional and spiritual reference to production.     

The Poussang are very shy, yet proud people. Their willingness for independence helps them to preserve their customs. While the Lue and the modern Lao life styles are putting the Poussang's traditions under threat, they also serve as their models in some areas.

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