Facts About Vietnam

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.

 

Continent: Asia

Area: 331,210 km²

Capital: Hanoi

Population: 87,840,000 (2011 census)

Currency: Viatnamese dong

Official Languages: Vietnamese, Chinese, English and French.

Independence Day: September 2, 1945

Dialing Code: 84

Type Of Government: Marxist-Leninist Socialist, Single-party state.