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Population: 86,967,524 Dialing Code: +84 Languages: Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian) Religions: Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census) Internet TLD: .vn Located: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia Area: 331,210 sq km Residents with HIV: 290,000 Literacy: 90.3% Comparative Size: slightly larger than New Mexico Nationality Noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural) Nationality Adjective: Vietnamese currencyVND |
Vietnam is a brave and strong nation, having survived several wars in pursuit of their country's independence. Despite the scars from colonialism and communism, the Vietnamese display diversity in their Buddhist, Christian, Confucian, and Tam Giao (literally translated as "triple" religion) beliefs. The nation's compelling identity flourishes in a stunning landscape of mountains, beaches, and rice fields.
History of Struggle
Vietnam experienced ten centuries of rule under the Chinese. Their presence built the foundations for Buddhism, which even became a state religion. They eventually conquered their invaders, with the Nguyen Dynasty ruling from 1802 to 1945. The Nguyen Dynasty had claimed power with the help of the French, who were also influential in forming Vietnamese social etiquette and cuisine. The country's most famous war is the Vietnam War, referred to by locals as the American war. Over five-hundred thousand troops were dispatched in 1966, resulting in the death of 55,000 Americans and 3 million Vietnamese.
All Natural Paradise
The entire nation is divided into the north, central, and south regions. The north region is mainly around Hanoi, starting from the Red River Delta until the alpine peaks towards China. The Central area is divided into the Central Coast and the Central Highlands, where many ethnic minorities reside. The quaint, ancient seacoast towns of Hoi An are found in the Central Coast. The Central Highlands offer the best of Vietnam's land elements, featuring forests home to diverse wildlife and fauna. The Southern region revolves around the Ho Chi Minh City, the center of Vietnam's economy.
Delicious Delights
Food plays a central role in Vietnamese culture. Each important holiday of the nation's calendar is marked with special dishes. Families find great value in the time they spend preparing and eating food together. The best and most genuine Vietnamese dishes are prepared in restaurant stalls lining the streets.