# Vietnam

> country in Southeast Asia

**Wikidata**: [Q881](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q881)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vietnam

## Summary

Vietnam is a country in Asia [1] with its capital in Hanoi [2]. The official language is Vietnamese [3], and the currency used is the Vietnamese đồng [2]. The population was recorded at 96.2 million in 2019 [4], and the total area is 332,000 square kilometers . Vietnam operates under the time zones UTC+07:00 and Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh [5].

## Summary
Vietnam is a sovereign state and country situated in Mainland Southeast Asia, officially recognized as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It operates as a unitary one-party republic with Hanoi as its capital city and is bordered by China, Laos, and Cambodia.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Cộng hòa Xã hội Chủ nghĩa Việt Nam)
- **Capital:** Hanoi
- **Location:** Mainland Southeast Asia; bordered by China, Laos, and Cambodia
- **Area:** 331,690 square kilometres
- **Population:** 96,208,984 (2019 census)
- **Currency:** Vietnamese đồng (adopted May 3, 1978)
- **Government Type:** Unitary state, one-party state, republic
- **Head of State:** Tô Lâm (since May 22, 2024)
- **Head of Government:** Phạm Minh Chính (since April 5, 2021)
- **General Secretary:** Tô Lâm (since August 3, 2024)
- **Official Language:** Vietnamese
- **Anthem:** "Tiến Quân Ca"
- **Motto:** "Độc lập – Tự do – Hạnh phúc" (Independence – Freedom – Happiness)
- **ISO Codes:** VN (Alpha-2), VNM (Alpha-3), 704 (Numeric)
- **IOC Code:** VIE
- **Calling Code:** +84
- **Top-Level Domain:** .vn
- **Time Zone:** UTC+07:00 (Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh)
- **Independence/Establishment:** Declaration of independence (September 2, 1945); Political union (July 2, 1976)
- **Legislature:** National Assembly of Vietnam
- **Highest Point:** Fansipan (3,143 metres)
- **Lowest Point:** South China Sea (0 metres)
- **Coordinates:** 16°N 108°E
- **Driving Side:** Right
- **Emergency Numbers:** 113 (Police), 114 (Fire), 115 (Ambulance)
- **Literacy Rate:** 94.5% (2015)

## FAQs
**Where is Vietnam located?**
Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia located on the Indochinese Peninsula. It shares borders with the People's Republic of China to the north, Laos to the northwest, and Cambodia to the southwest.

**What is the political system of Vietnam?**
Vietnam functions as a unitary one-party socialist republic. The General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam holds the highest leadership position, while the government is headed by a Prime Minister and the state is represented by a President.

**What are the major international organizations Vietnam belongs to?**
Vietnam is a member of the United Nations (since 1977), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (since 1995), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) (since 2007). It also participates in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

**What is the population and ethnic composition of Vietnam?**
According to the 2019 census, the population is approximately 96.2 million. The majority ethnic group is the Vietnamese people (Kinh), making up about 85.7% of the population, with significant minorities including Tay, Thai, Muong, Khmer, and Hmong.

**What are the key technical identifiers for Vietnam?**
Vietnam's ISO 3166-1 codes are VN (alpha-2) and VNM (alpha-3). The country uses the telephone country code +84, the internet top-level domain .vn, and the IOC country code VIE.

## Why It Matters
Vietnam serves as a critical geopolitical bridge in Southeast Asia, balancing deep historical ties with regional neighbors and increasing integration into the global economy through organizations like the WTO and ASEAN. Its distinct political structure as a one-party state combined with a high-growth, socialist-oriented market economy makes it a unique subject of study for development and political science. Additionally, its rich cultural tapestry, influenced by various historical periods and ethnic diversity, contributes significantly to the region's heritage and global cultural landscape.

## Notable For
- **Highest Peak:** Fansipan, standing at 3,143 metres above sea level.
- **Longest Name History:** Known historically as Dai Viet (replaced in 1805) and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam before unification.
- **Rapid Economic Growth:** Transitioned from a centrally planned economy to a "socialist-oriented market economy," achieving a nominal GDP of over $408 billion in 2022.
- **Culinary Recognition:** Listed on Tasteatlas, reflecting its globally renowned cuisine.
- **High Literacy:** Achieved a 94.5% adult literacy rate as of 2015.
- **Biodiversity:** Home to diverse ecosystems including Halong Bay, featured in locator maps and satellite imagery.

## Body

### Identity and Geography
Vietnam is officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Cộng hòa Xã hội Chủ nghĩa Việt Nam). Native labels include "Việt Nam," and the country is recognized by various exonyms in different languages. The demonym for the people is "Vietnamese." Geographically, Vietnam is located in Mainland Southeast Asia and is part of the Asian continent. The nation shares land borders with the People's Republic of China, Laos, and Cambodia. It has a total area of 331,690 square kilometres. The capital city is Hanoi, while the most populous urban area is Ho Chi Minh City. The country's coordinates are approximately 16°N latitude and 108°E longitude. The highest elevation point is Fansipan at 3,143 metres, and the lowest point is the South China Sea at 0 metres. Vietnam utilizes the flag of Vietnam and the national anthem "Tiến Quân Ca." The country's motto is "Độc lập – Tự do – Hạnh phúc," which translates to "Independence – Freedom – Happiness."

### Government and Politics
Vietnam operates as a unitary state and a one-party republic. The basic form of government is a republic under a unitary framework. The state is led by a Head of State (President), currently Tô Lâm, who assumed office on May 22, 2024. The head of government is the Prime Minister, a position currently held by Phạm Minh Chính since April 5, 2021. The highest position in the ruling party is the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, also currently held by Tô Lâm as of August 3, 2024. Previous leaders include Trần Đại Quang, Nguyễn Phú Trọng, and Nguyễn Xuân Phúc. The legislative body is the National Assembly of Vietnam, and the executive branch is the Government of Vietnam. The highest judicial authority is the Supreme People's Court of Vietnam. The central bank is the State Bank of Vietnam.

### History and Timeline
The modern political union of Vietnam was established on July 2, 1976. However, the country observes the Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on September 2, 1945, as a foundational date. Historically, the state known as Dai Viet was replaced by the name Vietnam in 1805. Vietnam follows the historical entities of North Vietnam and the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. The country has been described in historical sources such as the *History of Yuan*, *History of Ming*, and *Draft History of Qing*.

### International Relations
Vietnam maintains diplomatic relations with a vast array of nations, including Italy, Russia, Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, South Korea, Cambodia, Serbia, Japan, Taiwan, Angola, Austria, Bulgaria, Cuba, Malaysia, Denmark, France, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Mongolia, Luxembourg, Palestine, Pakistan, the Holy See, Venezuela, Singapore, Mexico, Spain, the United States, India, North Korea, Bangladesh, Georgia, Romania, Hungary, and Canada. The country joined the United Nations on September 20, 1977, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on July 28, 1995. Vietnam became a member of the World Trade Organization on January 11, 2007, and joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum on November 15, 1998.

### Memberships and Alliances
Vietnam is a member of numerous international organizations, including:
- **United Nations** (1977)
- **Association of Southeast Asian Nations** (ASEAN) (1995)
- **World Trade Organization** (WTO) (2007)
- **Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation** (APEC) (1998)
- **International Bank for Reconstruction and Development** (1956)
- **International Development Association** (1960)
- **International Finance Corporation** (1967)
- **Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency** (1994)
- **ASEAN Regional Forum**
- **Asian Development Bank** (1966)
- **COMECON** (1978–1991)
- **Interpol** (1991)
- **Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons** (1998)
- **International Hydrographic Organization**
- **UNESCO** (1951)
- **Group on Earth Observations**
- **Universal Postal Union** (1951)
- **International Telecommunication Union** (1951)
- **Organisation internationale de la Francophonie** (1970)
- **World Meteorological Organization** (1975)
- **World Health Organization**
- **World Customs Organization** (1993)
- **Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons**

### Demographics and Culture
As of the 2019 census, Vietnam had a population of 96,208,984. The country has a high literacy rate of 94.5% (2015). The majority ethnic group is the Vietnamese people (Kinh), accounting for approximately 85.7% of the population (2009 data). Other recognized ethnic groups include the Tay, Thai, Muong, Khmer, Hmong, Nung, and Hoa people. The official language is Vietnamese. However, the country is linguistically diverse, with languages such as Tày, Eastern Cham, Bulo Stieng, Khua, Western Cham, Tây Bồi pidgin, Nung, Mang, Sapa, Qabiao, Rade, Ts'ün-Lao, Iu Mien, Caolan, Cua, Pacoh, Pa-Hng, Brao, En, Monom, Côông, Arem, Chrau, Koho, Chut, Chru, Phu Thai, Phukha, Phuong, Duan, Jeh, Laha, Sila, Tai Daeng, Haroi, Nguồn, Hrê, Tai Thanh, Khao, Tai Dón, Tai Yo, Tai Pao, Takua, Todrah, Kayong, Katua, Kháng, Hanoi Sign Language, Kucong, Tày Tac, Ksingmul, Laghuu, Bouyei, O’du, Maleng, Sedang, Haiphong Sign Language, Ho Chi Minh City Sign Language, Ná-Meo, Rengao, Tai Dam, Lachi, Mantsi, Hani, Halang, Bahnar, Jarai, Khmu, Cacgia Roglai, Northern Roglai, Hmong Njua, Red Gelao, Upper Ta'oih, White Lachi, Hung, Green Gelao, Southern Roglai, Maa, Eastern Mnong, Thu Lao, Central Mnong, Budeh Stieng, Eastern Bru, Hmong Don, Eastern Katu, Tho, Trieng, Southern Mnong, Hmong Dô, and Romam used within its borders.

Religiously, the population includes Buddhists (approx. 4.6 million), Catholics (approx. 5.8 million), Protestants (approx. 960,000), Caodaists (approx. 556,000), and adherents of Hòa Hảo (approx. 983,000) based on 2019 data.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of Vietnam uses the Vietnamese đồng (₫) as its currency, introduced on May 3, 1978. The nominal GDP has seen significant growth, reaching approximately $408.8 billion USD in 2022. Key economic indicators include a Gini coefficient of 35.7 (2018) and a standard VAT rate of 10%. The country operates the State Bank of Vietnam as its central bank. Infrastructure details include a mains voltage of 220V at 50Hz, and common electrical plug types include NEMA 1-15, Europlug, BS 1363, and Type Q1123613. Vehicles drive on the right side of the road. The emergency telephone numbers are 113 (police), 114 (fire department), and 115 (emergency medical services).

### Technical Identifiers and Codes
Vietnam possesses a wide range of technical identifiers used in global systems:
- **ISO 3166-1:** VN (Alpha-2), VNM (Alpha-3), 704 (Numeric)
- **FIPS 10-4:** VM
- **IOC Country Code:** VIE
- **ITU Letter Code:** VTN
- **GS1 Country Code:** 893
- **UIC Country Code:** 32 (Alphabetical: VN)
- **Maritime Identification Digits:** 574
- **Mobile Country Code (MCC):** 452
- **Telephone Country Code:** +84
- **Top-Level Internet Domain:** .vn
- **UN M49 Code:** 704
- **Wipo St.3:** VN
- **UNDP Country Code:** VIE
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix:** VN
- **Unicode Character:** 🇻🇳

### Related Entities
Several businesses and organizations are associated with Vietnam as their location or origin:
- **Waka:** A website for business eBooks founded in 2014, headquartered in Hanoi.
- **Coc Coc Search:** A search engine designed for Vietnamese users, established in September 2013.
- **Kênh 14:** A Vietnamese website.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/vietnam)
2. 2013 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
3. Constitution of Vietnam (2001)
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10. [Source](http://www.apec.org/about-us/about-apec/member-economies.aspx)
11. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
12. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Asia-South-Pacific/VIET-NAM)
13. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
14. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/viet-nam)
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30. [Source](http://tongdieutradanso.vn/uploads/data/6/files/files/Ket%20qua%20toan%20bo%20Tong%20dieu%20tra%20dan%20so%20va%20nha%20o%202019_ca%20bia_compressed.pdf)
31. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
32. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
33. Vietnamese Wikipedia
34. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
35. [Source](https://www.gso.gov.vn/en/px-web/?pxid=E0202&theme=Population%20and%20Employment)
36. The National Terminology Database for Irish
37. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
38. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
39. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
40. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
41. [Average life expectancy of Vietnamese people 72.8 years](https://vietnamnet.vn/en/average-life-expectancy-of-vietnamese-people-728-years-E2778.html)
42. [Vietnam: Average life span increases to 73](https://vietnamnet.vn/en/vietnam-average-life-span-increases-to-73-E15719.html)
43. World Bank Open Data
44. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
45. BabelNet
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47. [Source](http://otif.org/fileadmin/user_upload/otif_verlinkte_files/06_tech_zulass/05_Reglementation_en_vigueur/Neu_ab_01_01_2015/UTP_MARKING_2015_e_in_force.pdf)
48. [Source](http://uic.org/country-codes)
49. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
50. Q20220352