Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country located on the eastern edge of the Indochinese peninsula. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east.

With a population of over 98 million people, Vietnam is the world's 15th most populous country. Its capital and largest city is Hanoi, while its largest urban center is Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage dating back over 4,000 years, and is known for its diverse and vibrant cuisine, stunning natural landscapes, and historic landmarks such as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the ancient town of Hoi An.

After gaining independence from France in 1954, Vietnam was divided into two countries, North Vietnam and South Vietnam. The Vietnam War began in 1955, and ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the reunification of the country under Communist rule.

Since the adoption of economic reforms in 1986, Vietnam has experienced rapid economic growth and development, and has become a major player in the global economy. The country is now classified as a middle-income country, and has been praised for its progress in reducing poverty and improving social welfare.

Vietnam is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. Its natural attractions include Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and the Mekong Delta.

Overall, Vietnam is a fascinating and dynamic country with a rich history and culture, and is rapidly developing into a major player on the world stage.

Telephone Code
84

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 05; Fire: 08; Police: 03

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)

Currency (Code)
Dong (VND)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C

Major Languages
Vietnamese, English, French, Chinese, Khmer, mountain-area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Major Religions
Buddhist 7.9%, Catholic 6.6%, Hoa Hao 1.7%, Cao Dai 0.9%, Protestant 0.9%, Muslim 0.1%, none 81.8%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Ha Long Bay; Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon); Hue (includes Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda); Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park; Hoi An; Sapa Countryside; My Son

Major Sports
Soccer, vovinam (Vietnamese martial art)

Cultural Practices
Standing with your hands on your hips or crossing your arms on your chest are seen as impolite body language.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 5-10% of the bill, if a service charge is not added, is polite at restaurants. At the bar, leave loose change or round up the bill. Bellhops expect $1 (USD) per bag for a gratuity. Good housekeeping service deserves $1-2 (USD) per day. Taxis do not expect a tip, but drivers appreciate hearing "keep the change."

Souvenirs
Conical hats, ao dai tunics, leather goods, handmade jewelry, scarves and silk-embroidered items, clay miniatures, sand paintings

Traditional Cuisine
Pho — rice noodles in beef or chicken broth seasoned with cumin, coriander powder, black cardamom, roasted onion powder, roasted ginger powder, fennel, and cloves; sometimes beef slices and/or vegetable sprouts are added

Geography
Area
total: 331,210 sq km
land: 310,070 sq km
water: 21,140 sq km

Climate
tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)

Natural resources
antimony, phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits, timber, hydropower, arable land

People and Society
Population
104,799,174 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Kinh (Viet) 85.3%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.9%, Muong 1.5%, Khmer 1.4%, Mong 1.4%, Nung 1.1%, other 5.5% (2019 est.)

Languages
Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer, mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Religions
Catholic 6.1%, Buddhist 5.8%, Protestant 1%, other 0.8%, none 86.3% (2019 est.)

Population growth rate
0.93% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
communist state

Capital
name: Hanoi (Ha Noi)

Economy
Economic overview
lower middle-income socialist East Asian economy; rapid economic growth since Đổi Mới reforms; strong investment and productivity growth; tourism and manufacturing hub; TPP signatory; declining poverty aside from ethnic minorities; systemic corruption

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$1.036 trillion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$10,600 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
rice, vegetables, sugar cane, cassava, maize, pork, fruit, bananas, coffee, coconuts

Industries
food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building; mining, coal, steel; cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, mobile phones

Exports
$339.984 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
United States 23%, China 14%, Japan 8%, South Korea 7% (2019)

Exports - commodities
broadcasting equipment, telephones, integrated circuits, footwear, furniture (2019)

Imports
$338.021 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 35%, South Korea 18%, Japan 6% (2019)

Imports - commodities
integrated circuits, telephones, refined petroleum, textiles, semiconductors (2019)