Vietnam. A country located on the eastern edge of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South China Sea to the east, Vietnam has a population of over 98 million, making it the fifteenth most populous country in the world.
The capital city is Hanoi, while Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the largest urban center. Vietnam’s history is marked by periods of imperial rule, colonial occupation, war, and remarkable economic transformation.
Vietnam’s earliest civilizations date back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of advanced Bronze Age societies. The region was ruled by various dynasties, including the legendary Hung Kings, and later came under Chinese domination for over a millennium. Vietnam gained independence in the 10th century under the Ngo Dynasty, and successive dynasties expanded its territory southward. In the 19th century, Vietnam became a French colony, part of French Indochina, which profoundly influenced its architecture, cuisine, and education.
The 20th century was defined by Vietnam’s struggle for independence. After World War II, Ho Chi Minh led the Viet Minh in declaring independence from France, resulting in the First Indochina War. The 1954 Geneva Accords temporarily divided the country at the 17th parallel, with the communist North and anti-communist South. This division led to the Vietnam War (1955–1975), a pivotal conflict involving the United States and other allies. The war ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975, unifying the country under communist rule.
Since the economic reforms known as Đổi Mới in 1986, Vietnam has experienced rapid growth and modernization. The country is now a major exporter of textiles, electronics, coffee, and rice. Tourism has flourished, with visitors drawn to its natural beauty, from Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta, and its vibrant cities. Vietnamese culture is a blend of indigenous traditions, Confucian values, and foreign influences, evident in its festivals, art, and cuisine-most famously, pho and banh mi.
Vietnam continues to play a significant role in regional and global affairs, balancing relations with China, the United States, and ASEAN neighbors. The country faces challenges such as environmental sustainability, human rights, and economic inequality, but remains resilient and adaptive.
