Overview of Vietnam

Profile

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant nations in terms of both population and economic growth, supported by two major rice bowls—the Red River Delta and the Mekong Delta. Since the Doi Moi reforms, the country has actively attracted foreign investment and gained attention as a manufacturing hub. The official language, Vietnamese, is a tonal language written using the Latin-based Quoc Ngu script. Politically, Vietnam operates under a one-party system led by the Communist Party of Vietnam, and maintains a strong presence internationally through ASEAN and the Francophonie. While territorial disputes with China persist over the South China Sea, Vietnam pursues multi-directional diplomacy, strengthening ties with the US, Europe, and Japan. The people are known for their industriousness and pro-Japanese sentiment, and the rich culinary culture along with unique water puppet theater captivate travelers.

Official name: Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
Common name: Vietnam
Numeric code: 704
Alpha-3 code: VNM
Alpha-2 code: VN
Population: 104 million (2024)
Population density: 314
Primary languages: Vietnamese
Major religions: Buddhism, Catholicism, Caodaism, Hoa Hao, Protestantism
National anthem: Tiến Quân Ca (Marching Song)
Calling code: +84
Internet TLD: .vn

History

The current socialist republic was established following independence in 1945 and national reunification in 1976.

Ancient Baiyue-descended states arose in the region, and Vietnam gained autonomy from Chinese rule in the 10th century. The Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties expanded the territory southward. In the late 19th century, Vietnam became a French colony. After World War II, Ho Chi Minh declared independence. Victory in the First Indochina War secured control of the north, and following the Vietnam War against the US-backed South Vietnam, the country unified in 1975. After periods of Soviet dependence and international isolation, the Doi Moi reforms began in 1986, embracing a market economy. In the 21st century, Vietnam has achieved rapid growth through frameworks such as the WTO, CPTPP, and EVFTA.

Geography & climate

The north features the Red River Delta and mountains over 3,000 meters high, the central region has the narrow coastal Annamite Range, and the south spreads the fertile Mekong Delta, forming an S-shaped territory.

Subtropical humid to tropical monsoon

Area: Asia / 331212 km²
Capital: Hanoi
Largest city: Ho Chi Minh City
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Ba Be Lake, Tuyen Quang Lake
Bordering countries: China, Laos, Cambodia

Natural resources

Coal, Petroleum, Natural gas, Bauxite, Tin, Rice cultivation areas, Tropical hardwood, Marine resources, Hydropower resources, Tourism resources

Politics

Government: Socialist republic (one-party system)

Economy

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)

GDP (nominal): 430 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 1,380 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Vietnamese

Time zone: Indochina Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Kinh (Viet), Tay, Hoa (Chinese), Khmer, Muong, Hmong, Dao, Ede, Cham

Life expectancy

73.6

Literacy rate

95.8

National sports

Vovinam, Football, Da cau, Vat, Badminton