Vietnam

Rising Dragon of Southeast Asia

Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a Southeast Asian nation with a long coastline along the South China Sea. Famous for its resilient history, economic dynamism, and rich cultural traditions, Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies while maintaining deep roots in Confucian, Buddhist, and indigenous heritage.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Ancient Vietnam was part of the Dong Son culture (c. 1000 BCE).

  • Influenced by Chinese rule for over 1,000 years until gaining autonomy in the 10th century.

  • Experienced multiple dynastic rules (Ly, Tran, Le, Nguyen).

  • Colonized by France in the 19th century; declared independence in 1945 under Ho Chi Minh.

  • After the Vietnam War (1955–1975), the country was reunified in 1976.

  • Transitioned to a socialist-oriented market economy starting in 1986 (Đổi Mới reforms).

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Capital Hanoi
Continent Asia (Southeast Asia)
Official Language Vietnamese
Currency Vietnamese đồng (VND)
Area Approx. 331,000 sq. km
Population Approx. 100 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Indochina Time (UTC+7)
ISO Code VN
Internet TLD .vn
Calling Code +84

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Tô Lâm (2024–present)
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính
General Secretary of Communist Party Nguyễn Phú Trọng
Government Type Socialist one-party republic
Legislature National Assembly (Quốc hội)
Judiciary Supreme People’s Court, Constitutional Council

Administrative Divisions (Provinces)

Vietnam is divided into 58 provinces (tỉnh) and 5 centrally governed municipalities (thành phố trực thuộc trung ương):

Centrally Governed Municipalities:

  1. Hanoi (Hà Nội) – Capital

  2. Ho Chi Minh City (Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh)

  3. Hai Phong (Hải Phòng)

  4. Da Nang (Đà Nẵng)

  5. Can Tho (Cần Thơ)

Provinces by Region:

Northern Vietnam:

  • Hà Giang

  • Cao Bằng

  • Lào Cai

  • Bắc Kạn

  • Lạng Sơn

  • Tuyên Quang

  • Yên Bái

  • Thái Nguyên

  • Phú Thọ

  • Bắc Giang

  • Quảng Ninh

  • Bắc Ninh

  • Vĩnh Phúc

  • Hòa Bình

  • Sơn La

  • Điện Biên

  • Lai Châu

  • Hà Nam

  • Nam Định

  • Ninh Bình

  • Hải Dương

  • Hưng Yên

  • Thái Bình

Central Vietnam:

  • Thanh Hóa

  • Nghệ An

  • Hà Tĩnh

  • Quảng Bình

  • Quảng Trị

  • Thừa Thiên-Huế

  • Quảng Nam

  • Quảng Ngãi

  • Bình Định

  • Phú Yên

  • Khánh Hòa

  • Ninh Thuận

  • Bình Thuận

  • Kon Tum

  • Gia Lai

  • Đắk Lắk

  • Đắk Nông

  • Lâm Đồng

Southern Vietnam:

  • Bình Phước

  • Tây Ninh

  • Bình Dương

  • Đồng Nai

  • Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu

  • Long An

  • Tiền Giang

  • Bến Tre

  • Trà Vinh

  • Vĩnh Long

  • Đồng Tháp

  • An Giang

  • Hậu Giang

  • Kiên Giang

  • Sóc Trăng

  • Bạc Liêu

  • Cà Mau

Local Government Structure

  • Provinces and municipalities are governed by People’s Councils and People’s Committees.

  • Further divided into districts, communes, and wards.

  • The Communist Party leads all levels through local party committees.

  • Key focus: centralized planning with localized execution for services and development.

Leadership & Governance

  • Vietnam operates under one-party rule, led by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

  • Party Congress (every 5 years) sets national direction.

  • Priority policies:

    • Economic modernization and digital transformation

    • Anti-corruption crackdown

    • Poverty reduction and rural development

    • Maritime sovereignty and international trade

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Managed by the Ministry of Public Security

  • Main focuses:

    • Cybersecurity and internet control

    • Border security (esp. with China, Laos, Cambodia)

    • Anti-drug operations and internal surveillance

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 113 – Police

    • 114 – Fire

    • 115 – Medical Emergency

Economy & Industry

  • Core sectors:

    • Manufacturing & Export: electronics, textiles, furniture

    • Agriculture: rice, coffee, seafood, pepper

    • Tourism: Halong Bay, Hoi An, Mekong Delta

    • Energy: hydropower, coal, renewables

  • FDI Magnet: Samsung, Intel, Foxconn have major plants

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 460 billion

  • Part of ASEAN, RCEP, CPTPP, and multiple FTAs

Education & Institutions

  • Compulsory education: 9 years

  • Top universities:

    • Vietnam National University (Hanoi, HCMC)

    • Hanoi University of Science and Technology

    • Foreign Trade University

  • Strong focus on:

    • STEM education

    • Vocational training

    • Digital literacy and language programs

Healthcare

  • Universal healthcare system under Ministry of Health

  • Major hospitals:

    • Bach Mai Hospital (Hanoi)

    • Cho Ray Hospital (HCMC)

    • 108 Military Central Hospital

  • Key priorities: rural healthcare access, disease prevention, COVID-19 recovery

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Nội Bài (Hanoi), Tân Sơn Nhất (HCMC), Da Nang, Cam Ranh

  • Rail: Reunification Express (North-South railway)

  • Road network under massive upgrade via expressways

  • Seaports: Hai Phong, Da Nang, Vung Tau, Saigon

Tourism & Attractions

  • Natural Wonders: Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha Caves, Sapa Mountains

  • Cultural Sites: Hội An, Hue Imperial City, My Son Sanctuary

  • Beaches: Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang

  • Culinary tourism: Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, Egg Coffee

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Influences from Confucianism, Buddhism, French colonialism, and indigenous traditions

  • Over 50 ethnic groups; major: Kinh (Viet), Tay, Thai, Muong, Khmer

  • Rich in folk festivals, water puppetry, silk weaving, calligraphy

  • Strong family values and respect for elders

  • Rapid urbanization blending old and new lifestyles

Summary

Vietnam is a resilient and forward-moving nation — one that has transformed from war-torn history into a rising economic powerhouse. Its blend of cultural depth, youthful energy, strategic trade networks, and political stability positions it as a pivotal player in Southeast Asia’s future.