Located in the northern part of Laos, Luang Namtha occupies an area of 9,325 square kilometres and has a total population of 145,231 people (2005 census). It comprises five districts - Muang Sing, Muang Long, Muang Luang Namtha, Muang Viangphoukha and Muang Nalae. Sharing its north western border with Myanmar and its north eastern border with China, this mountainous province is home to many ethnic groups. In addition to the majority Lao population, Austro-Thai speakers are represented here by Lu (Tai-Kadai/Tay-Thai/South Western Tay-Thai/Lao-Lu), Kalom, Phuan, Tai Daeng, Tai Dam and Tai Khao (Tai-Kadai/Tay-Thai/South Western Tay-Thai/Tai), Giay and Tai Nua (Tai-Kadai/Tay-Thai/Northern Tay-Thai) and Hmong and Yao (Hmong-Mien); Austro-Asiatic speakers by Khmu (Mon-Khmer/Khmuic) and Bid, Doi, Lamet and Samtao (Mon-Khmer/Palaungic); and Sino-Tibetan speakers by Haw (Han) and Akha, Lahu, Lolo, Phanna and Phunoi (Lolo-Burmish). The Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area is located in the south west of Luang Namtha and comprises a pristine habitat of dense tropical rainforest covering almost all of the protected area. UNESCO is currently funding an important ecotourism project here aimed at sustainable development in the province.