Vietnam

Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, is a country in Mainland Southeast Asia. It has over 102 million people living in an area of about 331,000 square kilometres. Vietnam is one of two communist states in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, and Laos and Cambodia to the west. Its capital is Hanoi, and its largest city is Ho Chi Minh City.

The history of Vietnam is very old, with people living there since the Paleolithic age. For much of its history, Vietnam was influenced by nearby China, but it also grew by expanding southward. In the late 1800s, Vietnam became part of French Indochina. After World War II, Vietnam fought for its independence. Today, Vietnam is a developing country and is part of many international groups, such as the ASEAN, the APEC, and the WTO.

Etymology

Main article: Names of Vietnam

The name Việt Nam means "Viet of the South" in Vietnamese. It has been used for many years. The word Việt comes from old times and was used for people in parts of southern China and northern Vietnam. Over time, Việt Nam became the country’s official name.

The name was first written down in a poem from the 1500s and later used by leaders in the 1800s. It became the common name for the country in the 1900s.

History

Main article: History of Vietnam

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Vietnamese history.

Prehistory

Archaeological discoveries show that humans lived in what is now Vietnam a very long time ago, during the Paleolithic age. Stone tools found in Gia Lai province may be as old as 780,000 years. Fossils of early humans have been found in caves in Lạng Sơn and Nghệ An provinces. The oldest known fossils of modern humans from Southeast Asia come from sites like Tham Om and Hang Hum. Teeth from modern humans have also been found from the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene periods.

By around 1,000 BC, farming villages along the Ma River and Red River developed, leading to the Đông Sơn culture, famous for its bronze drums. This culture spread throughout Southeast Asia during the first millennium BC.

Dynasties

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Vietnam under Chinese rule.

In 179 BC, a Chinese general named Zhao Tuo united the region into Nanyue. It was later absorbed into the Chinese Han dynasty in 111 BC. Chinese rule lasted for about a thousand years, with periods of independence under leaders like the Trưng Sisters and Lady Triệu. Full independence came in AD 938 when Ngô Quyền defeated Chinese forces. The Đại Việt kingdom was established by the 960s, and later dynasties like the Lý and Trần expanded the country and defended it against Mongol invasions.

French Indochina

Further information: Cochinchina campaign, Tonkin campaign, Sino-French War, and French Indochina

In the 1500s, Portuguese explorers visited Vietnam. By the 17th century, European traders and missionaries, including the Dutch and English, began to arrive. France gradually took control of Vietnam between 1859 and 1885. By 1884, the entire country was under French rule, divided into three parts: Cochinchina in the south and Annam and Tonkin in the center and north. French rule brought changes to Vietnamese society, including a new education system.

First Indochina War

Further information: Civil conflicts in Vietnam (1945–1949), First Indochina War, and 1954 Geneva Conference

In 1941, a group called the Việt Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, formed to fight for Vietnam's independence. After World War II, the Việt Minh took control of Hanoi and Huế and declared independence in 1945. Fighting between the Việt Minh and French forces began in 1946 and became the First Indochina War. The war ended in 1954 with the Geneva Accords, which temporarily divided Vietnam into North and South along the 17th parallel.

Vietnam War

Tensions between North and South Vietnam grew after the 1954 division. In the South, leaders like Ngô Đình Diệm faced opposition. The United States supported South Vietnam, while North Vietnam received aid from the Soviet Union and China. The war saw large-scale fighting. The US began withdrawing troops in the early 1970s, and in 1975, North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, ending the war.

Socialist Republic of Vietnam

On 2 July 1976, North and South Vietnam united to form the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In the years that followed, many people left the country. In 1978, Vietnam invaded Cambodia after clashes on the border. This led to tensions with China, which attacked northern Vietnam in 1979. In 1986, new leaders began economic reforms known as Đổi Mới, which helped Vietnam's economy grow but also created inequalities.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Vietnam

Vietnam is in eastern Mainland Southeast Asia between 8° and 24°N, and 102° and 110°E. It covers an area of 331,210 km² (127,881 sq mi). The country has land borders that total 4,639 km (2,883 mi) and a coastline of 3,444 km (2,140 mi). At its narrowest point in the central Quảng Bình province, Vietnam is only 50 kilometres (31 mi) wide, but it stretches to around 600 kilometres (370 mi) in the north. Vietnam's land is mostly hilly and forested, with level land covering no more than 20%. Mountains make up 40% of the country, and tropical forests cover around 42%. The Red River flows past Hanoi before emptying into the Gulf of Tonkin. The Red River Delta is a flat, triangular low-lying plain covering 15,000 km² (5,792 sq mi). It has the smallest area but the highest population and population density of all regions in Vietnam. It is crossed by many rivers and canals, which carry so much sediment that the delta moves into the South China Sea every year. The exclusive economic zone of Vietnam covers 417,663 km² (161,261 sq mi) in the South China Sea.

Southern Vietnam has coastal lowlands, the mountains of the Annamite Range, and forests. The highlands, made of basalt soil, account for 16% of the country's arable land and 22% of its total forested land. The soil in most of southern Vietnam is lower in nutrients because of farming. The northern part of the country consists mostly of highlands and the Red River Delta. Fansipan, located on the border between Lào Cai and Lai Châu provinces, is the highest mountain on the Indochinese Peninsula, standing 3,143 m (10,312 ft) tall. From north to south Vietnam has islands; Phú Quốc is the largest. Ba Bể Lake is the largest natural lake in Vietnam, and the Mekong River is the longest river in the country. Hang Sơn Đoòng is a cave first surveyed in 2009 by an expedition from the British Cave Research Association. The cave is over 8.8 km (5.5 mi) long, and some of its caverns are large enough to hold a 40-story skyscraper. It has a sinkhole more than 183 m (600 ft) deep, beneath which grows a tropical rainforest with trees nearly 30 m (98 ft) tall. This forest is home to monkeys and other animals not normally found underground. A subterranean river flows within the cave.

Climate

Main article: Climate of Vietnam

Because of differences in latitude and landscape, Vietnam's climate changes across regions. During the winter or dry season, from November to April, winds mostly blow from the northeast along the Chinese coast and across the Gulf of Tonkin. The average annual temperature is higher in the plains than in the mountains, especially in southern Vietnam compared to the north. The northern region has a monsoonal and humid subtropical climate with four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), with winters typically dry and summers ranging from hot to mild. In southern and central areas, the climate is tropical monsoon with two seasons (rainy and dry). Temperatures vary less in the southern plains around Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, ranging from between 21 and 35 °C (70 and 95 °F) over the year. In Hanoi and the surrounding areas of the Red River Delta, the temperatures are lower between 15 and 33 °C (59 and 91 °F). Seasonal variations in the mountains, plateaus, and the northernmost areas are more dramatic, with temperatures varying from 3 °C (37 °F) in December and January to 37 °C (99 °F) in July and August. During winter, snow occasionally falls over the highest peaks of the far northern mountains near the Chinese border. Vietnam receives rainfall with an average amount from 1,500 to 2,000 mm (60 to 80 in) during the monsoon seasons. The country is also affected by tropical depressions, tropical storms and typhoons. 55% of Vietnam's population live in low-elevation coastal areas.

Biodiversity

Main articles: Wildlife of Vietnam, Environmental issues in Vietnam, List of endangered species in Vietnam, and Protected areas of Vietnam

Vietnam is located within the Indomalayan realm and is one of twenty-five countries considered to have a uniquely high level of biodiversity. It is ranked 16th worldwide in biological diversity, being home to approximately 16% of the world's species. 15,986 species of flora have been identified in the country, of which 10% are endemic. Vietnam's fauna includes 307 nematode species, 200 oligochaeta, 145 acarina, 113 springtails, 7,750 insects, 260 reptiles, and 120 amphibians. There are 840 birds and 310 mammals found in Vietnam, of which 100 birds and 78 mammals are endemic. Vietnam has two World Natural Heritage Sites—the Hạ Long Bay and Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park—together with nine biosphere reserves, including Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest, Cát Tiên, Cát Bà, Kiên Giang, the Red River Delta, Mekong Delta, Western Nghệ An, Cà Mau, and Cu Lao Cham Marine Park.

Vietnam is also home to 1,438 species of freshwater microalgae, 794 aquatic invertebrates and 2,458 species of sea fish. In some years, 13 genera, 222 species, and 30 taxa of flora have been newly described in Vietnam. Six new mammal species, including the saola, giant muntjac, and Tonkin snub-nosed monkey have also been discovered, along with one new bird species, the endangered Edwards's pheasant. Vietnam is one of the world's twelve original cultivar centres. The Vietnam National Cultivar Gene Bank preserves 12,300 cultivars of 115 species.

Vietnam faces concerns about wildlife protection. In 2000, a group called Education for Nature – Vietnam was founded to teach people the importance of wildlife conservation. In the years that followed, another group called GreenViet was formed by Vietnamese youngsters to help protect wildlife.

Vietnam is also a place where certain items from South Africa are brought in for use as medicine.

Apart from certain chemical problems, arsenic in the ground water in the Mekong and Red River Deltas has become a concern. Unexploded ordnances (UXO) pose dangers to humans and wildlife—another effect of past wars. As part of the continuing effort to demine/remove UXOs, some international bomb removal agencies from the United Kingdom, Denmark, South Korea and the US have been providing help.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Vietnam

Vietnam is a communist state that calls itself a socialist republic. It is one of two communist states in Southeast Asia, the other being Laos. The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) controls all parts of the government's work. The president is the head of state and the leader of the military. The prime minister leads the government and works with a group of ministers.

The National Assembly of Vietnam is the country's main governing body, with 500 members who choose the country's leaders. The Supreme People's Court of Vietnam is the highest court, and it answers to the National Assembly.

Main article: Subdivisions of Vietnam

After changes in 2025, Vietnam is divided into 28 provinces and 6 municipalities, which are the same in importance as provinces.

Main article: Foreign relations of Vietnam

Vietnam has a close relationship with China, but there are still some disagreements. Vietnam is part of many international groups, such as the United Nations (UN) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The country works to keep friendly ties with all nations and has improved its relationship with the United States since the 1990s.

Vietnam's military includes the army, navy, air force, border guard, and coast guard. It works with several countries on military exercises and operations.

See also: Human rights in Vietnam

Vietnam's government limits some freedoms, such as freedom of speech and the press. The Communist Party of Vietnam is the only party allowed to govern the country.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Vietnam

Vietnam's economy has long been based on farming, especially growing rice in wet fields. The country also mines bauxite, a material used to make aluminium. After the country reunited, its economy followed a government plan called the Five-Year Plan. Many people worked for the government in farms and factories.

In 1986, Vietnam began making big changes to its economy. Private ownership was encouraged, and businesses were allowed to operate more freely. These changes helped Vietnam grow quickly. Even after a big financial crisis in Asia in 1997, Vietnam kept growing, and by 2007, it joined a global trade group called the WTO. Despite challenges like a worldwide recession, Vietnam continued to grow, with poverty decreasing and living standards improving.

Vietnam is a big producer of crops like cashew nuts and black pepper. It is also a major exporter of rice and coffee. The country has been growing its technology and manufacturing sectors, and it produces oil as well. Tourism has also become an important part of the economy, with millions of visitors each year.

Agriculture

Vietnam leads the world in producing cashew nuts and black pepper. It is also one of the top rice and coffee exporters. The country has a lot of land used for growing crops and has seen growth in its fishing industry, especially in fish farming.

Science and technology

Main article: Science and technology in Vietnam

Vietnam has been working to improve its science and technology. Since 1975, it has had a national science agency and has started a space program. The country has developed robots and messaging apps, and its scientific research has been growing, especially in areas like life sciences and engineering.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Vietnam

Tourism is a big part of Vietnam's economy. In 2017, the country welcomed about 13 million tourists, with many coming from Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world. Popular places to visit include Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Hạ Long Bay. Vietnam has several sites listed as world heritage places by UNESCO.

Transport

Main articles: Transport in Vietnam, Rail transport in Vietnam, and List of airports in Vietnam

Vietnam's transportation includes roads, railways, airports, and sea ports. The country has many bicycles and motorcycles on its roads, and public buses are common for long trips. The main railway runs between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Vietnam has several international airports and plans to build more. The country also has many ports and rivers used for transportation.

Energy

Main articles: Energy in Vietnam and List of power stations in Vietnam

Vietnam's energy comes mostly from government-controlled companies. The country uses hydropower and fossil fuels like coal and oil for power. It also has some renewable energy projects. Vietnam has reserves of crude oil and natural gas, making it an important energy producer in Southeast Asia.

Telecommunication

Main article: Telecommunications in Vietnam

Vietnam's telecommunications began with a government monopoly. Since the 1990s, more companies have entered the market, and today there are several major providers. The sector continues to grow with investments from both local and foreign companies.

Water supply and sanitation

Main article: Water supply and sanitation in Vietnam

Vietnam has many rivers but faces challenges with water safety and sanitation. Many people still lack access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation. The government and international partners are working to improve water treatment and access to clean water for everyone.

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of Vietnam and Ethnic groups in Vietnam

Vietnam has about 97.5 million people. Most are Vietnamese, called the Kinh group. There are also many smaller groups, like the Hmong, Dao, Tày, Thái, and Nùng, who live in the highlands.

Many people live in the countryside, but more are moving to cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have grown a lot. People often use mopeds, which can cause traffic and pollution. The government is trying to reduce pollution and improve public transportation.

The main language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Some groups speak their own languages, and a few people speak French. English is becoming more popular in schools.

Most Vietnamese people do not follow a specific religion, but many practice Vietnamese folk beliefs and some aspects of Buddhism. There are also Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, and followers of other religions like Islam and Caodaism. The government protects freedom of religion.

Vietnam’s education system has kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school, and universities. Many schools have been built so everyone can learn to read and write. Most universities are in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The government is working to make education better and more affordable.

Vietnam has improved its health services. Most people have clean water, and life expectancy has gone up. The country is working to fight diseases like malaria and tuberculosis. There are programs to help people with HIV, and the government is focusing on better health education.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Vietnam

Vietnam's culture has grown over many years. It has been shaped by ideas from nearby lands. Villages are important in Vietnamese life. People celebrate a big family day together each year. In the north, old ways show up more in everyday life and special traditions. In the south, some people have mixed backgrounds.

Vietnam treasures special symbols, like the dragon. Other important pictures include the turtle, buffalo, and horse. Some Vietnamese believe in invisible forces and spirits. They use special ways to heal, like charms and prayers. Today, Vietnam's culture is shaped by its government and TV shows. For many years, Vietnam did not accept outside ideas, but now people see and learn more from other places.

People in Vietnam wear special clothes for happy times, like weddings. One common outfit is the áo dài, a long dress. Other clothes include the áo tứ thân, a four-piece dress for women, and the nón lá, a pointy hat made of leaves. Famous places to visit include old buildings in Huế, natural wonders like Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng National Park, and busy cities like Ho Chi Minh City.

Literature

Vietnamese stories and poems have been told for many years. Old poems often talk about village heroes and ancestors. Writing began around the year 900, with famous authors like Nguyễn Trãi and Hồ Xuân Hương. Some stories are acted out in special performances. Myths tell about gods and heroes. These stories are passed down by word of mouth.

Music

Main article: Music of Vietnam

Music in Vietnam changes between the north and south. Northern music is older and more formal. Traditional music includes special court music, funny theater, and songs for calling spirits. Folk music has many forms, like alternating singing and work songs. Instruments include the đàn bầu, a one-string guitar, and the đàn gáo, a small violin. Today, Vietnamese music mixes old styles with new sounds, and pop music called V-pop is becoming popular.

Media

Main article: Media of Vietnam

Vietnam's news and entertainment are controlled by the government. The Voice of Vietnam is the main radio station, and Vietnam Television runs the country’s TV programs. Since the late 1990s, Vietnam has managed how people use the internet.

Cuisine

Vietnamese food uses five main tastes: spicy, sour, salty, bitter, and sweet. Common ingredients include fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, rice, fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Cooking focuses on fresh ingredients, using little oil, and lots of herbs and vegetables. Street food is common, with dishes like gỏi cuốn (salad rolls) and phở (noodle soup) starting in the north. Northern foods are less spicy than southern dishes. Drinks differ too, with cold drinks popular in the south and hot drinks in the north.

Holidays and festivals

Main articles: Public holidays in Vietnam and List of traditional festivals in Vietnam

Vietnam has eleven important days each year. These include New Year’s Day on January 1, Vietnamese New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán), the Hùng Kings' Festival, Reunification Day on April 30, International Workers' Day on May 1, and National Day on September 2. During Tết, many people visit family and honor ancestors. Older people often give red envelopes of money to younger family members. Other festivals include Tết Trung Thu and highland elephant races.

Sports

Main articles: Sport in Vietnam and List of Vietnamese traditional games

Vietnam has its own fighting styles like Vovinam. People also enjoy sports from around the world, such as football, badminton, chess, ping-pong, tennis, and volleyball. Vietnam began joining the Summer Olympic Games in 1952. In 2016, Vietnam won its first gold medal at the Olympics. Basketball is growing popular, especially in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.