Approximately 200,000 ethnic Western Lolopo.
Language:
10-20,000 currently speak their own distinct language.
95% Yunnan Dialect of Chinese
10-20% Western Yi
10% Standard Chinese
2% English
While the majority of the Western Lolopo have already been assimilated into the local Chinese culture and, therefore, do not have explicit religions or traditions, the remaining distinct WL still practice the Torch Festival and believe in various gods. There are several stories about the origination of the Torch Festival, but it seems to be a festival aimed at warding off evil influences/bad luck in the coming year.
Percent Christian
1%. These believers are mostly found in the largest cities in the area. There is one known church in the mountains where the distinct WL live.
Status of Work
Currently there is one team of 5 adults targeting the WL. They are in the process of partnering with local Chinese Christians in and around the area the WL live.