Borders and Coastline

Vietnam shares borders with three countries:

• China: 1,281 km (796 mi) to the north
• Laos: 2,130 km (1,323 mi) to the northwest
• Cambodia: 1,228 km (763 mi) to the southwest

Vietnam has a long coastline of 3,444 km (2,140 mi) along the South China Sea to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the south.

Topography

Vietnam's topography consists of hills and densely forested mountains, with level land covering no more than 20% of the country. The country is divided into the following main regions:

• Red River Delta (Northern): Centered on Hanoi, this is a flat, low-lying plain formed by the Red River and its tributaries.
• Northern Mountains: Located to the north and northwest, these highlands include Vietnam's highest point, Fansipan, which stands at 3,143 meters (10,312 feet).
• North Central Coast: A narrow coastal plain between the highlands and the sea.
• Central Highlands (Tây Nguyên): A plateau bordering the southern lowlands.
• South Central Coast: Another narrow plain between the highlands and the sea.
• Mekong River Delta (Southern): A vast, low-level plain formed by the Mekong River and its tributaries.

Major Manufacturing Sectors

Vietnam has developed several key manufacturing industries:

• Textiles and Garments: One of Vietnam's oldest and largest industries, employing over 2.5 million people and accounting for approximately 16% of total exports.
• Electronics and Technology: Growing rapidly, with major investments from companies like Samsung, LG, and Intel. Vietnam is now a significant producer of smartphones, computer parts, and other electronic components.
• Footwear: Vietnam is the world's third-largest exporter of footwear, with major factories producing for international brands.
• Furniture: A fast-growing sector, with Vietnam becoming one of the world's largest furniture exporters.
• Food Processing: A significant industry processing Vietnam's agricultural products for domestic consumption and export.

Industrial Zones

Vietnam has established numerous industrial zones and export processing zones to attract foreign investment:

• Northern Region: Industrial zones around Hanoi, Hai Phong, and the Red River Delta focus on electronics, heavy industry, and manufacturing.
• Central Region: Developing industrial zones in Da Nang and surrounding provinces.
• Southern Region: The most developed industrial area, centered around Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces like Binh Duong and Dong Nai.

Key Economic Indicators

• GDP: Approximately $340 billion (2020)
• GDP per capita: Around $3,500
• Major sectors: Manufacturing, agriculture, services, and tourism
• Exports: Electronics, textiles, shoes, machinery, agricultural products
• Major trading partners: United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and EU countries

Foreign Direct Investment

Vietnam has emerged as a major destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Southeast Asia. Key factors attracting investment include:

• Strategic location in Asia
• Young, large workforce with competitive labor costs
• Political stability
• Increasing integration into the global economy through free trade agreements
• Improving infrastructure and business environment

Major foreign investors include South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and China, with significant investments in manufacturing, real estate, and processing industries.

Future Economic Outlook

Vietnam aims to become a high-income developed country by 2045. The government is focusing on:

• Digital transformation and technology adoption
• Green growth and sustainable development
• Human resource development
• Infrastructure improvement
• Further economic reforms and international integration

People and Demographics

Vietnam is home to 54 recognized ethnic groups, with the Kinh (Viet) people making up about 85% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include the Tay, Thai, Muong, Khmer, Hmong, and Dao. Each group has its own distinct traditions, languages, and customs.

Vietnam has a young population, with approximately 70% of its citizens under the age of 35. The country's population is concentrated in the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south.

Language and Religion

Language: Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) is the official language, a tonal language with influences from Chinese but with a Latin alphabet (introduced by Portuguese missionaries and standardized by the French).

Religion: Vietnam has diverse religious practices:

• Buddhism (primarily Mahayana Buddhism) is practiced by approximately 15% of the population
• Catholicism is followed by about 7% of Vietnamese
• Indigenous religions like Cao Dai and Hoa Hao have significant followings
• Many Vietnamese practice folk religions and ancestor worship
• Confucianism and Taoism strongly influence Vietnamese values and daily life

Arts and Cuisine

Arts: Vietnam has rich artistic traditions including:

• Water puppetry (múa rối nước) - a unique traditional art form
• Traditional music using instruments like the đàn bầu (monochord)
• Distinctive architecture seen in pagodas, temples, and ancient town centers
• Crafts such as lacquerware, ceramics, and silk painting

Cuisine: Vietnamese cuisine is known worldwide for its fresh ingredients, minimal use of oil, and reliance on herbs and vegetables. Famous dishes include phở (rice noodle soup), bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich), and fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn).