Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is located in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east. Vietnam’s geographical coordinates range from approximately 8°N to 24°N latitude and 102°E to 109°E longitude.
Geography
Climate
Vietnam’s climate varies from tropical in the south to subtropical in the north. The country experiences two distinct monsoon seasons: the southwest monsoon from May to September, bringing heavy rainfall to the southern and central regions, and the northeast monsoon from November to April, which affects the northern part of the country. Overall, Vietnam has a humid and rainy climate.
Fauna
Vietnam is home to diverse wildlife, including various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and marine life. Some iconic species found in Vietnam include the Asian elephant, Indochinese tiger, clouded leopard, and several species of primates such as gibbons and langurs.
Longest Rivers
The Mekong River is Vietnam’s longest river, flowing through the southwestern part of the country. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and traverses several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, before emptying into the South China Sea.
Highest Mountains
The highest peak in Vietnam is Fansipan, located in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in the northwestern part of the country. It stands at an elevation of 3,147 meters (10,326 feet) above sea level.
History
Prehistory
Vietnam has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have inhabited the region since the Paleolithic Age. The Dong Son culture, known for its bronze drums and sophisticated metalworking techniques, emerged around 1000 BCE.
Chinese Domination
Vietnam was under Chinese rule for over a thousand years, beginning in 111 BCE when the Han Dynasty conquered the region. Despite periods of resistance and rebellion, Vietnam remained under Chinese control until the 10th century CE.
Independence and Dynastic Rule
Vietnam gained independence from China in the 10th century under the leadership of the Vietnamese general Ngo Quyen. Subsequent dynasties, such as the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties, ruled Vietnam for several centuries, overseeing periods of territorial expansion, cultural development, and Confucian governance.
Colonialism and Modernization
Vietnam’s sovereignty was challenged again in the 19th century when France established colonial rule over the region, known as French Indochina. Resistance to French rule grew over time, leading to the emergence of nationalist movements such as the Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh.
Vietnam War and Reunification
The Vietnam War, which lasted from 1955 to 1975, was a pivotal period in Vietnam’s history. It was fought between North Vietnam, supported by communist allies such as the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States and its allies. The war ended with the fall of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1975 and the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.
Economic Reforms and Development
Following reunification, Vietnam embarked on a period of economic reforms known as Đổi Mới (Renovation), which aimed to transition the country from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one. These reforms have led to significant economic growth and development, making Vietnam one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Demographics
Vietnam has a population of over 97 million people, making it the 15th most populous country in the world. The majority of the population is ethnic Vietnamese, but there are also numerous ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Tay, and Khmer.
Administrative Divisions
Vietnam is divided into 58 provinces and 5 municipalities, each with its own local government. The provinces are further subdivided into districts, towns, and communes. The five municipalities are Hanoi (the capital), Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Can Tho.
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Hanoi
- Hai Phong
- Da Nang
- Can Tho
- Bien Hoa
- Hue
- Nha Trang
- Vinh
- Qui Nhon
Education Systems
Education in Vietnam is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 14. The country has made significant progress in expanding access to education, with high enrollment rates at both the primary and secondary levels. Vietnam has several prestigious universities, including the Vietnam National University in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Transportation
Airports
Vietnam has several international airports, including Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang International Airport.
Railways
Vietnam has an extensive railway network, with major lines connecting Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The total length of the railway system is approximately 2,600 kilometers.
Highways
Vietnam has a well-developed highway system, with major expressways connecting key cities and regions. The total length of highways in Vietnam is approximately 21,000 kilometers.
Ports
Vietnam has several major ports, including Hai Phong Port, Da Nang Port, and Ho Chi Minh City Port, which handle a significant portion of the country’s maritime trade.
Country Facts
- Population: Over 97 million
- Capital: Hanoi
- Language: Vietnamese
- Religion: Predominantly Buddhism, with significant Taoist, Confucian, and Christian minorities
- Race: Ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh) and various ethnic minority groups
- Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)
- ISO Country Codes: VN, VNM
- International Calling Code: +84
- Top-Level Domain: .vn