Vietnam is a state in Southeast Asia.
It borders with China to the north, Laos
and Cambodia to the west, its eastern and southern
shores are on the South China Seas.
A short stretch of southern Vietnam looks across the Gulf
of Siam.
Population
of Vietnam
The population of Vietnam is about 80,000,000
inhabitants and is mainly comprised of young people aged
under 35.
Languages spoken
The region is populated mainly by Vietnamese
speakers (89%), and there is also a healthy Chinese
presence (16%), with a minority of other ethnic groups,
living mainly in the mountains.
The region
in depth
The country comprises 8 regions, 59 provinces
and 5 municipalities: Hà Noi, Hai Phòng,
Can Tho, Dà nang and Ho Chí Minh.
Most urban settlements are in Southern Vietnam. Of the
major cities, only the capital Hà Noi is not on
the coast.
Ho Chì Minh, formerly Sai
Gon, is the largest Vietnamese city and is located on
the west bank of the River Saigon.
This historic metropolis was Indochina’s most prestigious
political centre during the French colonial period, and
today it is an important trade centre with 6,000,000
inhabitants, therefore the most densely populated
city in Vietnam.
The gross national product is about 3,000 $
pro capite.
After 1986, Vietnam sought to convert its prevalently
agricultural economy by opening to overseas markets, and
this opening has driven an industry showing great potential.
The economic growth rate in recent years exceeds 8%,
now thanks to the workforce and a lively trade culture,
so Vietnam is one of the country’s with
the best prospects of economic growth in the next decade.
The main resources comprise: carbon, anthracite, copper,
tin, zinc, iron and chromo, as well as natural
gas and crude oil.
Map of Vietnam
Area:
331.689 kmē
Population:
82.689.518
Capital: Hanoi
Languages spoken:
Vietnamita
Currency: dong
(VND)
Legal time: GMT
+7
International dialling.
: 0084 (+84)
Geography and climate
The country has a monsoon-type climate, with average humidity
in excess of 80%, and temperatures oscillating between 7°C
and 35°C. The rainy season is
always preceded by oppressive heat. Annual average rainfall
is between 1500mm and 3000mm.
Education
In Vietnam, following its reunification,
education is compulsory and free.
Ho Chì Minh, Ha Noi are Buon Me Thuot the leading
universities; 94% of the adult population is
now literate.
Cuisine
Vietnamese cuisine is very simple and delicate, influenced by
the other countries, including China, India and France.
The staple dish is rice, accompanied by meat,
fish and vegetables; often food is served with a sauce made
from fish fermented in salt.
Religion
The majority of the Vietnamese
population is Buddhist, with some Catholics
as well as traces of Confucianism and
Taoism.
Apart from major religions there are also some lesser
cults of Chinese origin.
