Resources for Expats

Vietnam at a Glance

Since the United States lifted its economic embargo on Vietnam in 1994 the country has industrialized and westernized at an astounding rate. Due to the opening of new markets along with exponential foreign investment, Vietnams economy has subsequently become one of the regions most prosperous. The epicenter of this growth is concentrated around Ho Chi Minh City, the nation’s largest city and home to more than 7 million Vietnamese. Although Ho Chi Minh City is the economic hub of Vietnam, it is not the capital or cultural center of the country, this distinction that belongs to Hanoi in the north, which is home to just over 3 million Vietnamese.

The Vietnamese mentality and way of life is strongly influenced by religion and ideology. Mahayana Buddhism is the predominant religion but Roman Catholicism also has a significant presence and their influence can be seen in the many temples and general architecture of the country. Communism, the overriding ideology since the time of Ho Chi Minh in the 1930’s is also a significant factor in the Vietnamese mindset and its influence can be seen throughout, whether in the nations flag or street signs that immortalize communist heroes. The influence of China, from where the majority of Vietnamese immigrated is also very noticeable.

The Vietnamese

There are approximately 84 million people living in Vietnam; with the majority of the population concentrated along the deltas and coastal plains of the country. However, as with most developing nations large numbers of the rural population are migrating to the metropolitan cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in search of job opportunities. Most of these new job opportunities revolve around the areas of manufacturing and construction, but technology, communications, tourism and transportation are other areas that the influx of rural people satisfies. Despite continued urbanization agriculture remains very important to the Vietnamese economy, with rice, cashews, rubber and fishing being some of its biggest exports.

Vietnam has a very young population with over 60 percent of its inhabitants currently under the age of 30. That said, after the initial boom in the years following the Vietnam War, the population growth has decreased substantially in recent years. In fact, according to the Central Intelligence Agency, in 2008, Vietnam’s population growth had dropped under 1 percent. This can be attributed to many things including increased family planning, and naturally the industrialization and westernization of the country.

Ethnic Makeup

Approximately 85 percent of the population is ethnic Vietnamese. There are approximately 50 minority groups in the highlands, which include the Muong, Tai, Hmong, Dao, Sedong, Jarai, Bahnar, Rhade, Cham, and many other smaller groups.  There is a significant population of Cambodians (Khmers) near the Cambodian border and at the mouth of the Mekong River.  There is also large population of Chinese in the urban centers.

Languages

The national language is Vietnamese. English is increasingly favored as a second language.  French, Chinese, Khmer, and languages of other minority groups are also spoken.

Religion

Throughout its history, Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism have played an important role in shaping the religious and cultural lives of people in Vietnam. Today, eighty-five percent of Vietnamese are Mahayana Buddhists. Christianity, specifically Roman Catholicism, is practiced by eight percent of the population. This was first introduced by the Dutch and Portuguese traders and was expanded on by the French. The majority of Vietnamese also practice Ancestor Worshiping.

Geography

Vietnam shares its land borders with Cambodia and Laos to the west and China to the north. Vietnam’s eastern border is 3,000 kilometers of coastline facing the East Sea. The country covers an area of 329,600 square kilometers and its two main cultivated areas are the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south. The country’s topography varies from coastal plains to mountain ranges.

Climate

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, with high temperatures, high humidity, and long hours of sunshine most of the year. There are basically two seasons: wet and dry. These seasons vary from north to south and with changes in elevation. In general, the dry season lasts from November through April in the north, south and central highland regions. The coolest and driest times are from October through January (north), February through April (central highlands) and late December through March (south.

The rainy season brings drenching monsoon downpours. Rainfall is heaviest in the south and lightest in the northeast. Summer temperatures reach peaks of 40 C/104 F, somewhat lower in the northern hill country. The cool season brings modest relief at night, with temperatures as low as 8 C/46 F in the north.

Holidays

Holidays that fall on Saturday or Sunday are observed the following Monday. Besides Lunar New Year, the other holidays are dated based on Solar calendar system.