The name Boloven makes reference to the Laven ethno-linguistic people group which have historically dominated the Boloven plateau, an elevated region in southern Laos. Not to be confused with the more dominant Lao people, one with a casual encounter could easily assume that the Boloven are mere Lao people. However, the Boloven maintain a self-identify distinctly different from the Lao people.

One evidence of their own self-identity is that Boloven people speak Laven, a Mon–Khmer dialect cluster of southern Laos.

Traditionally, they follow animist belief systems with some practicing animal sacrifices. However, the majority claim Buddhism as their religion. Nevertheless, their Buddhist beliefs are disguised with ancestor worship (praying to deceased relatives for help and guidance) and animism (belief that non-living objects have spirits).

Boloven refugees migrated to the United States settling primarily in the Stockton, California area.