Vietnam Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Vietnam, State of Southeast Asia; 331 100 km², 95.5 million residents (2019).Vietnam is located on the west coast of the South China Sea and borders north to China and west to Laos and Cambodia. Vietnam also includes Phu Quôc Island off the coast of Cambodia as well as Côn Dao Islands and some other small islands off the east coast. Furthermore, Vietnam is one of the states that claim the Paracel Islands and the Sprat Islands further out into the South China Sea. Vietnam consists of 63 provinces which are grouped into seven regions. North Vietnam and South Vietnam were united in 1976 to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Then the country’s largest city, Saigon, also changed its name to Hô Chi Minh City. The capital is Hanoi (3.4 million residents, 2017).

Country facts

Công Hoa Xa Hôi Chu Nghia Viêt Nam / Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Country abbreviation: UN
Area: 331 100 km²
Population (2019): 95.5 million residents
Capital: Hanoi
Main language: Vietnamese
State: Republic
Head of State: Nguyễn Phú Trọng
Head of Government: Nguyễn Xuân Phúc
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 2,564
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 2,400
Coin unit: 1 unit = 10 ha = 100 xu
Currency code: VND
Country number (telephony): 84
Internet domain name: vn
Time difference compared to Sweden: +6
National Day: September 2 (Proclamation of the Republic, 1945)

Nature

Land use: forest (40%), agricultural land (22%), other (38%)
Highest mountain: Phăng-xi-păng (3 143 m asl)

Population

Population density (2019): 288 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.2%; birth rate 15 ‰, death rate 7 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (23%), 15-64 (70%), 65- (7%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 71 years, women 76 years
Infant mortality (2019): 14 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 108 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.694 (place 116 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 35%
Most populous cities (2017): Hô Chi Minh City (6.6 million residents), Hanoi (3.4 million), -a-Năng (915,000)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (15%), industry (33%), service (52%)
Export (2017): USD 214 100 million
Main export products: Clothing and textiles, electronic products, crude oil, seafood and fish
Main exporting countries: USA, China, Japan
Imports (2017): US $ 202,600 million
Main import products: machinery, fuel, raw materials for the textile industry
Main importing countries: China, South Korea, Japan
Railway network (2014): 2 600 km

Geography of Vietnam

Location

Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia, bordering China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South China Sea to the east and south. The country is shaped like an “S,” stretching approximately 1,650 kilometers (1,025 miles) from north to south. Its total land area covers around 331,210 square kilometers (127,880 square miles), making it the 65th largest country in the world. The country’s long coastline along the South China Sea, which is over 3,200 kilometers (1,988 miles) in length, plays a significant role in its economy, particularly in terms of trade, fishing, and tourism.

Topography

Vietnam’s topography is highly varied, consisting of mountains, hills, plateaus, river deltas, and a long coastline. The northern region is dominated by the Annamite Range, a series of mountain ranges that separate Vietnam from Laos and Cambodia. The highest peak in Vietnam, Fansipan, is located in the northwest and rises to an elevation of 3,143 meters (10,312 feet). These mountains are heavily forested and have been historically significant for the ethnic minorities who inhabit the area.

The central region of Vietnam consists of coastal plains and low mountain ranges, which gradually slope down towards the fertile river deltas. The Mekong River Delta in the south is particularly important as it is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. The Red River Delta in the north, which surrounds the capital Hanoi, is also a key agricultural area, benefiting from the rich alluvial soil deposited by the river.

Vietnam’s coastline is home to numerous bays and islands, including Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic limestone karsts and emerald green waters. The country also has several large rivers, including the Mekong and Red Rivers, which are vital to agriculture, trade, and transportation.

Natural Resources

Vietnam is rich in natural resources, including coal, oil, natural gas, timber, and arable land. The country is one of the world’s largest exporters of coal, which is mined primarily in the northern provinces. Oil and natural gas deposits, particularly in the South China Sea, have also played an essential role in the country’s economy. The country’s tropical climate supports a diverse range of agricultural products, including rice, coffee, tea, and rubber.

The Mekong Delta is particularly significant for rice production, making Vietnam one of the largest exporters of rice globally. The nation also has abundant freshwater fish from its rivers, which are important to both domestic consumption and export. The forests of Vietnam contain valuable timber, while the country’s coastline supports a robust fishing industry. However, deforestation and overfishing have become significant environmental challenges in recent years.

Climate of Vietnam

General Climate

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The northern part of the country experiences four distinct seasons, including a cold winter from December to February. In contrast, the central and southern regions of Vietnam have a more consistently warm climate, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C (68°F). The coastal areas are subject to frequent typhoons during the rainy season, particularly between June and November.

The northern region has cooler winters, especially in the mountainous areas, where temperatures can drop below freezing. In contrast, the southern region experiences a more uniform tropical climate with relatively high temperatures year-round. The central region tends to be hotter and drier than the north, especially in areas like Da Nang and Hue.

Rainfall and Seasonal Variations

Rainfall in Vietnam varies significantly by region. The north experiences the heaviest rainfall during the summer months, with June through August being the peak of the rainy season. The central and southern regions experience a similar pattern, though they tend to have slightly shorter rainy seasons. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rains to the southern areas from May to October, while the central region is more affected by typhoons, especially during the late summer and autumn.

The Mekong Delta receives substantial rainfall year-round, contributing to its lush vegetation and fertile rice fields. However, rainfall is more variable in the central and northern highlands, where periods of drought and floods can have a significant impact on agriculture.

People of Vietnam

Population and Ethnic Composition

Vietnam has a population of approximately 98 million people, making it the 15th most populous country in the world. The population is highly diverse, with over 50 distinct ethnic groups. The majority of the population (about 85%) are ethnic Kinh, also known as Viet people, who primarily inhabit the lowlands and urban areas. The Kinh people speak Vietnamese, which is the official language of the country.

Ethnic minorities are concentrated in the mountainous regions, particularly in the north and central highlands. These groups include the Tay, H’mong, Zhuang, Khmer, and others, each with their own distinct languages, cultures, and traditions. These ethnic communities are important to Vietnam’s cultural fabric, contributing to its diverse heritage. The government has made efforts to promote the preservation of ethnic traditions, although economic development and modernization have sometimes disrupted these communities.

Language

Vietnamese, or Tiếng Việt, is the official language of Vietnam and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. It is a tonal language with six different tones, and its writing system uses the Latin alphabet, which was introduced by French missionaries in the 17th century. Vietnamese is the language of instruction in schools, and it is used in all government, business, and media contexts.

In addition to Vietnamese, various ethnic minority groups speak their own languages. These languages belong to several language families, including the Sino-Tibetan, Austroasiatic, and Austronesian families. Although Vietnamese is the dominant language, many people, especially in rural areas, are multilingual, speaking both Vietnamese and their native ethnic languages.

Religion

Vietnam is officially an atheist state, but it has a rich tradition of religious practices. The majority of the population practices a mix of traditional beliefs, Confucianism, Buddhism, and ancestor worship. Around 20% of the population adheres to Buddhism, which is most prevalent in the northern and central regions of the country. Confucianism has deeply influenced Vietnamese society, especially in terms of social structure, family relationships, and education.

In addition to Buddhism and Confucianism, many Vietnamese people practice ancestor worship, a tradition that involves honoring deceased relatives through offerings and prayers. The worship of deities and spirits, particularly in the form of folk religion, is also widespread, especially in rural areas. Christianity, particularly Catholicism, has a significant presence, especially in the southern regions of the country, though it represents a minority of the population. Islam is practiced by a small minority, particularly among the Cham ethnic group.

Economy of Vietnam

Agriculture

Agriculture is a crucial sector of the Vietnamese economy, providing employment to a large portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. The country is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of rice, which is grown primarily in the Mekong Delta and Red River Delta. Vietnam’s warm climate and fertile soils allow for high rice yields, making it a major player in global rice trade.

In addition to rice, Vietnam produces other important crops such as coffee, tea, rubber, cassava, and peanuts. The country is the world’s second-largest exporter of coffee, behind Brazil, with coffee being a key agricultural export. Other significant crops include tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples, and mangoes, which are widely grown and exported.

The country’s fishing industry is also vital to the economy, with Vietnam being one of the world’s largest exporters of seafood. The long coastline and abundant fish resources in the South China Sea support a large fishing fleet, and the aquaculture industry has grown significantly in recent decades, particularly for shrimp and catfish.

Manufacturing and Industry

Vietnam has experienced rapid industrialization over the past few decades, with manufacturing becoming a key driver of its economic growth. The country’s low labor costs and growing infrastructure have made it an attractive destination for foreign investment, particularly in the electronics, textiles, and garment industries. Foreign companies, including Samsung, LG, and Intel, have established large-scale manufacturing operations in Vietnam.

The country has become a significant exporter of electronics, textiles, and footwear. In addition, the automotive and machinery industries are growing, with the government making efforts to support domestic production of cars, motorcycles, and electronics. Vietnam has also developed a vibrant construction and infrastructure sector, with large-scale projects underway in urban areas and the development of transport links, including roads, bridges, and ports.

Services and Tourism

Vietnam’s service sector has expanded significantly, particularly in retail, finance, and telecommunications. The country’s banking and financial systems have become more sophisticated, and e-commerce is rapidly growing. The tourism sector has also experienced significant growth in recent years, with millions of international visitors coming to Vietnam annually to experience its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical sites.

The country is famous for its picturesque landscapes, such as Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, as well as its vibrant cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), and Hoi An. Tourism is a significant contributor to Vietnam’s economy, generating revenue and creating employment in hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other service industries.

Government of Vietnam

Political System

Vietnam is a one-party socialist republic, with the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) being the sole legal political party. The country is led by the president, who is the head of state, and the prime minister, who is the head of government. The CPV holds ultimate authority, and all government decisions are made in accordance with party policy. The political system is centralized, with key decisions made by the CPV’s Politburo and Central Committee.

The National Assembly, a unicameral legislature, is composed of elected representatives who serve five-year terms. However, political opposition is not allowed, and the CPV controls all candidates. Vietnam is an authoritarian state, with limited political freedoms and restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. Despite these restrictions, the government has maintained stability and has overseen significant economic growth in recent years.

Political History

Vietnam’s modern political history has been shaped by centuries of foreign domination and struggle for independence. The country was under Chinese rule for over a millennium, and later became a French colony in the 19th century. The Vietnamese people fought for independence during the First Indochina War (1946-1954), which culminated in the defeat of the French and the division of the country into North and South Vietnam.

The Vietnam War (1955-1975) followed, with North Vietnam, led by the communist government of Ho Chi Minh, fighting against the South Vietnamese government, which was backed by the United States. The war ended with the fall of Saigon and the reunification of the country under communist rule. Since reunification, the government has focused on rebuilding the country and transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy, leading to rapid economic growth.

Governance Challenges

Despite its economic progress, Vietnam faces several governance challenges, including corruption, human rights concerns, and environmental degradation. The government’s tight control over political life has led to limited freedom of expression, and there have been reports of crackdowns on political dissent. Additionally, the country faces challenges related to income inequality, environmental pollution, and the impact of rapid urbanization.

Culture of Vietnam

Traditional Music and Dance

Vietnamese culture is deeply rooted in its music and dance traditions. Traditional Vietnamese music features a variety of instruments, including the đàn bầu (a one-stringed zither), the đàn tranh (a multi-stringed zither), and various percussion instruments. Folk music varies across the country’s regions, with northern music being more subdued and classical, while southern music tends to be more lively and rhythmic.

Vietnamese traditional dance is characterized by graceful movements and intricate gestures. Dance is often performed during festivals, ceremonies, and cultural performances, and it is an important part of Vietnamese identity.

Art and Craft

Vietnam has a long tradition of visual arts, including painting, sculpture, and ceramics. Traditional Vietnamese art was heavily influenced by Chinese culture, particularly during the period of Chinese rule. However, Vietnamese art has developed its own unique style, with distinct themes and techniques. Vietnamese silk painting is renowned for its delicate beauty and use of natural dyes.

Handicrafts are an important part of Vietnamese culture, with artisans creating intricate textiles, pottery, lacquerware, and wood carvings. These crafts are often passed down through generations and are integral to local economies, especially in rural areas.

Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and balanced use of herbs and spices. The cuisine is diverse, reflecting the country’s different regions and ethnic groups. The most famous dish is pho, a noodle soup made with beef or chicken, which is eaten for breakfast or as a main meal. Other popular dishes include banh mi (a Vietnamese sandwich), spring rolls, and com tam (broken rice with grilled pork).

Rice is the staple food, and meals often include a variety of vegetables, meats, and seafood. The use of fish sauce, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, and lime are key components of Vietnamese dishes, giving them a distinct and refreshing flavor profile.

Festivals and Celebrations

Vietnam celebrates several major festivals, with the most important being Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), which marks the arrival of spring and is the biggest holiday in the country. During Tet, families reunite, honoring ancestors, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts. Other important festivals include the Mid-Autumn Festival, which celebrates children and harvests, and the Hung Kings Festival, which commemorates Vietnam’s legendary founding rulers.

Cultural festivals, particularly those associated with local traditions, music, and dance, are celebrated throughout the year across the country. These festivals serve as a way to preserve and showcase the diverse cultural heritage of Vietnam’s various regions.