Vietnam is the easternmost country in Southeast Asia. With a population of over 85 million, it is one of the top 20 most populated countries in the world. For thousands of years, the country was ruled over by China. In 10th century, it finally became a nation-state. This was followed by the rule of several dynasties until mid 19th century, when it was colonized by French. During Japanese occupation in World War II, communist leader Ho Chi Minh formed the Vietminh, an alliance of communist and noncommunist nationalist groups. In 1954, Vietnam won independence through armed struggle and it led to the partition of the country into North Vietnam and South Vietnam. For two decades civil war took place between the two states and in 1976, Vietnam was reunified under a communist regime. In 1986, Vietnam instituted economic and political reforms and initiated on the path of international reconciliation. With effect, it joined the World Trade Organization in 2007 and even a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2008.
Interesting & Fun Facts about Vietnam
- The official name of the country is Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
- The capital city is Hanoi while the currency is Dong.
- The official language is Vietnamese while the major religion followed is Buddhism.
- People in Vietnam have potbelly pigs
- Vietnam has a life expectancy of 72 years.
- Literacy crate in Vietnam is 94 per cent.
- Vietnam stretches 1,600 kilometers north to south, but is only about 40 kilometers wide at its narrowest point near the country's center.
- In Vietnamese schools, instead of bells, gongs are used to call children.
- Ha Long Bay is considered to be the most beautiful vista in entire Vietnam. It consists of 1,969 islands and islets situated in the Gulf of Tonkin. This zone is known for its spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Ha Long Bay has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Vietnam is famous for its bio-diversity and has world’s six biosphere reserves.
- Vietnam has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the Third World.
- Vietnam is one of the ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
- Another World Heritage Site in Vietnam is the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
- Madame Ngo Dinh Nhu was ranked as one of most elegant women of the 20th century.
