Vietnam - VN - VNM - VIE - East and Southeast Asia
Last updated: May 02, 2025
Vietnam Images
Old Town Hoi An in Vietnam. The city's historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese Bridge in the Old Town is considered the symbol of the city.
View of Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) from the Saigon River in Vietnam. The city is Vietnam's major port and largest city.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) was built by French colonists from 1877 to 1880. The neo-Romanesque structure used stained-glass windows imported from Chartres, France, and bricks from Marseille, France.
The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon), Vietnam, was built in the 1860s using Gustave Eiffel’s design and reconstructed in its current form between 1886 and 1891 by architect Auguste Vildieu. The Post Office is one of the city’s oldest buildings and one of the most iconic attractions in Saigon.
Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The palace -- now a museum -- was built between 1962 and 1966 on the site of the former Norodom Palace. It was the official headquarters and residence of the president of South Vietnam.
City Hall in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, was built in the French colonial style between 1898 and 1908. Officially known as the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Building, the structure is a working government building and is not open to the public.
The Municipal Theater in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, is also known as the Saigon Opera House. Built in 1897, the building was used as the home of the Lower House of the Assembly of South Vietnam from 1956 to 1975. It functioned as a theater after that date and was restored in 1995.
Vinh Trang Pagoda near the city of My Tho, Vietnam, which is known as the "Gateway to the Mekong Delta." First completed in 1851, the Vinh Trang temple has been reconstructed a number of times.
Main gates of the former Imperial City of Hue in Vietnam. Located on the Perfume River, Hue was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945.
Phuoc Duyen Tower, an octagonal seven-level pagoda in the Thien Mu Pagoda temple complex in the city of Hue, Vietnam, is regarded as the country’s unofficial symbol. Built in 1844, it is 21 m (68 ft) high and is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam.
The Xung Khiem Pavilion on Luu Khiem Lake at the Emperor Tu Doc Tomb in Hue, Vietnam. Tu Doc ruled Vietnam from 1848 to 1883, and his tomb complex was built between 1864-67.
The Khiem Cung Gate at the Emperor Tu Doc Tomb in Hue, Vietnam. Tu Doc ruled Vietnam from 1848 to 1883, and his tomb complex was built between 1864-67.
Stele in the pavilion to the east of Emperor Tu Doc's Tomb in Hue, Vietnam. The stele, the largest of its type in the country, bears Tu Doc's epitaph, which he composed himself because he had no sons.
The Stele Pavilion near Hue, Vietnam, is one of many structures comprising the imperial tomb of Emperor Tu Duc (reigned 1847-1883). It contains a large stone tablet (stele) inscribed with the deeds of the emperor.
Ha Long ("Descending Dragon") Bay in northern Vietnam, near the border with China, has 1,969 islands and islets. Two larger islands, Tuần Châu and Cát Bà, are inhabited and have hotels and beaches for tourists. Ha Long Bay is also home to four fishing villages where the residents live in floating houses.
The interior of Cat Ba Island in Vietnam is largely a national park, but much of the island's coast has been converted to resorts.
A view of islets in La Han Bay, Vietnam.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, Vietnam. Completed in 1975, it contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh.
Outdoor office used by Ho Chi Minh, on display in the Presidential Palace area near Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Gateway to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam. Emperor Ly Thanh Tong built the temple in 1070 in honor of the Chinese philosopher Confucius.
War monument in Khe Sanh, a district capital city in central Vietnam.
Old Town Hoi An in Vietnam. The city's historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese Bridge in the Old Town is considered the symbol of the city.
View of Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) from the Saigon River in Vietnam. The city is Vietnam's major port and largest city.
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Vietnam Factbook Data
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Marc KNAPPER (since 11 February 2022)
embassy: 7 Lang Ha Street, Hanoi
mailing address: 4550 Hanoi Place, Washington, DC 20521-4550
telephone: [84] (24) 3850-5000
FAX: [84] (24) 3850-5010
email address and website:
ACShanoi@state.gov
https://vn.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City
embassy: 7 Lang Ha Street, Hanoi
mailing address: 4550 Hanoi Place, Washington, DC 20521-4550
telephone: [84] (24) 3850-5000
FAX: [84] (24) 3850-5010
email address and website:
ACShanoi@state.gov
https://vn.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City
Age structure
0-14 years: 23.2% (male 12,953,719/female 11,579,690)
15-64 years: 68.5% (male 36,591,845/female 35,887,201)
65 years and over: 8.3% (2024 est.) (male 3,563,611/female 5,182,909)
15-64 years: 68.5% (male 36,591,845/female 35,887,201)
65 years and over: 8.3% (2024 est.) (male 3,563,611/female 5,182,909)
This is the population pyramid for Vietnam. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
16 10 N, 107 50 E
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.12 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.12 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Natural hazards
occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding, especially in the Mekong River delta
Area - comparative
about three times the size of Tennessee; slightly larger than New Mexico
about three times the size of Tennessee; slightly larger than New Mexico
Military service age and obligation
18-27 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service for men and women (in practice only men are drafted); service obligation is between 24 (Army, Air Defense) and 36 (Navy and Air Force) months (2023)
Background
Vietnam's early history included periods of occupation by outside forces and eventual power consolidation under Vietnamese dynastic families. A succession of Han Chinese emperors ruled the area, which was centered on the Red River Valley, until approximately the 10th century. The Ly Dynasty (11th-13th century) created the first independent Vietnamese state, which was known as Dai Viet, and established their capital at Thang Long (Hanoi). Under the Tran Dynasty (13th-15th century), TRAN Hung Dao, one of Vietnam’s national heroes, led Dai Viet forces to fight off Mongol invaders in 1279. After a brief Chinese occupation in the early 1400s, Vietnamese resistance leader LE Thai To made himself emperor and established the Le Dynasty, which lasted until the late 18th century despite decades of political turmoil, civil war, and division. During this period, Dai Viet expanded southward to the Central Highlands and Mekong Delta, reaching the approximate boundaries of modern-day Vietnam by the 1750s. Dai Viet suffered additional civil war and division in the latter half of the 18th century, but it was reunited and renamed Vietnam under Emperor NGUYEN Phuc Anh (aka Gia Long) in 1802.
France began its conquest of Vietnam in 1858 and made Vietnam part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but the French continued to rule until communist forces under Ho Chi MINH defeated them in 1954. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the communist North and anti-communist South. Fighting erupted between the two governments shortly afterwards with the North supporting communist rebels in the South and eventually committing thousands of combat troops. The US provided to the South significant economic and military assistance, including large numbers of US military forces, which reached a peak strength of over 500,000 troops in 1968. US combat forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South, reuniting the country under communist rule. The conflict, known as the Second Indochina War (1955-1975), caused more than 58,000 US combat and non-combat deaths and created deep domestic divisions in the US. It also devastated Vietnam, spilled over into the neighboring countries of Cambodia and Laos, and is estimated to have resulted in the deaths of up to 3 million Vietnamese civilians and soldiers.
Despite the return of peace, the country experienced little economic growth for over a decade because of its diplomatic isolation, leadership policies, and the persecution and mass exodus of citizens, many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, the economy has seen strong growth, particularly in agricultural and industrial production, construction, exports, foreign investment, and tourism. Nevertheless, the Communist Party maintains tight political and social control of the country, and Vietnam faces many related challenges, such as rising income inequality and corruption.
France began its conquest of Vietnam in 1858 and made Vietnam part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but the French continued to rule until communist forces under Ho Chi MINH defeated them in 1954. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the communist North and anti-communist South. Fighting erupted between the two governments shortly afterwards with the North supporting communist rebels in the South and eventually committing thousands of combat troops. The US provided to the South significant economic and military assistance, including large numbers of US military forces, which reached a peak strength of over 500,000 troops in 1968. US combat forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South, reuniting the country under communist rule. The conflict, known as the Second Indochina War (1955-1975), caused more than 58,000 US combat and non-combat deaths and created deep domestic divisions in the US. It also devastated Vietnam, spilled over into the neighboring countries of Cambodia and Laos, and is estimated to have resulted in the deaths of up to 3 million Vietnamese civilians and soldiers.
Despite the return of peace, the country experienced little economic growth for over a decade because of its diplomatic isolation, leadership policies, and the persecution and mass exodus of citizens, many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, the economy has seen strong growth, particularly in agricultural and industrial production, construction, exports, foreign investment, and tourism. Nevertheless, the Communist Party maintains tight political and social control of the country, and Vietnam faces many related challenges, such as rising income inequality and corruption.
Environment - current issues
logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices contribute to deforestation and soil degradation; water pollution and overfishing threaten marine life populations; groundwater contamination limits potable water supply; air pollution; growing urban industrialization and population migration are rapidly degrading environment in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Military expenditures
1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
2.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
2.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
2.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
2.3% of GDP (2019 est.)
2.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
2.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
2.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
2.3% of GDP (2019 est.)
Population below poverty line
4.3% (2022 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.6% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 28.1% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
highest 10%: 28.1% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
broadcasting equipment, garments, integrated circuits, machine parts, footwear (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
USA 28%, China 20%, Japan 6%, Hong Kong 4%, Germany 3% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Administrative divisions
58 provinces (tinh, singular and plural) and 5 municipalities (thanh pho, singular and plural)
provinces: An Giang, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Bac Lieu, Bac Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau, Cao Bang, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Dien Bien, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Ha Nam, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong, Hau Giang, Hoa Binh, Hung Yen, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam Dong, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Phu Tho, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phuc, Yen Bai
municipalities: Can Tho, Da Nang, Ha Noi (Hanoi), Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Agricultural products
rice, vegetables, sugarcane, cassava, maize, pork, fruits, bananas, coconuts, coffee (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Military and security forces
People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN; aka Vietnam People's Army, VPA): Ground Forces, Navy (includes naval infantry), Air Defense Force, Border Defense Force, Vietnam Coast Guard
Vietnam People's Ministry of Public Security; Vietnam Civil Defense Force (2024)
note 1: the People's Public Security Ministry is responsible for internal security and controls the national police, a special national security investigative agency, and other internal security units, including specialized riot police regiments
note 2: the Vietnam Coast Guard was established in 1998 as the Vietnam Marine Police and renamed in 2013; Vietnam officially established a maritime self-defense force (civilian militia) in 2010 after the National Assembly passed the Law on Militia and Self-Defense Forces in 2009; the Vietnam Department of Fisheries Resources Surveillance (DFIRES; under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), established in 2013, is responsible for fisheries enforcement, aquatic conservation roles, and is designated as Vietnam's standing agency for combating illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing; it is armed, allowed to use force if necessary, and works in tandem with the Vietnam Coast Guard
Vietnam People's Ministry of Public Security; Vietnam Civil Defense Force (2024)
note 1: the People's Public Security Ministry is responsible for internal security and controls the national police, a special national security investigative agency, and other internal security units, including specialized riot police regiments
note 2: the Vietnam Coast Guard was established in 1998 as the Vietnam Marine Police and renamed in 2013; Vietnam officially established a maritime self-defense force (civilian militia) in 2010 after the National Assembly passed the Law on Militia and Self-Defense Forces in 2009; the Vietnam Department of Fisheries Resources Surveillance (DFIRES; under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), established in 2013, is responsible for fisheries enforcement, aquatic conservation roles, and is designated as Vietnam's standing agency for combating illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing; it is armed, allowed to use force if necessary, and works in tandem with the Vietnam Coast Guard
Budget
revenues: $42.247 billion (2014 est.)
expenditures: $38.025 billion (2014 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
expenditures: $38.025 billion (2014 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
integrated circuits, broadcasting equipment, fabric, plastics, telephones (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Climate
tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)
Coastline
3,444 km (excludes islands)
Constitution
history: several previous; latest adopted 28 November 2013, effective 1 January 2014
amendment process: proposed by the president, by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee, or by at least two thirds of the National Assembly membership; a decision to draft an amendment requires approval by at least a two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership, followed by the formation of a constitutional drafting committee to write a draft and collect citizens’ opinions; passage requires at least two-thirds majority of the Assembly membership; the Assembly can opt to conduct a referendum
amendment process: proposed by the president, by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee, or by at least two thirds of the National Assembly membership; a decision to draft an amendment requires approval by at least a two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership, followed by the formation of a constitutional drafting committee to write a draft and collect citizens’ opinions; passage requires at least two-thirds majority of the Assembly membership; the Assembly can opt to conduct a referendum
Exchange rates
dong (VND) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
23,787.319 (2023 est.)
23,271.213 (2022 est.)
23,159.783 (2021 est.)
23,208.368 (2020 est.)
23,050.242 (2019 est.)
Exchange rates:
23,787.319 (2023 est.)
23,271.213 (2022 est.)
23,159.783 (2021 est.)
23,208.368 (2020 est.)
23,050.242 (2019 est.)
Executive branch
chief of state: President Luong CUONG (since 21 Oct 2024)
head of government: Prime Minister Pham Minh CHINH (since 26 July 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet proposed by the prime minister, confirmed by the National Assembly, and appointed by the president
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly from among its members for a single 5-year term; prime minister recommended by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers confirmed by the National Assembly and appointed by the president
note: in August 2024, To LAM was elected general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the country’s most powerful position
head of government: Prime Minister Pham Minh CHINH (since 26 July 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet proposed by the prime minister, confirmed by the National Assembly, and appointed by the president
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly from among its members for a single 5-year term; prime minister recommended by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers confirmed by the National Assembly and appointed by the president
note: in August 2024, To LAM was elected general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the country’s most powerful position
Flag description
red field with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center; red symbolizes revolution and blood, the five-pointed star represents the five elements of the populace - peasants, workers, intellectuals, traders, and soldiers - that unite to build socialism
Illicit drugs
a transshipment and destination country for all types of illegal drugs; most transshipments destined for other Asian countries and not the United States; heroin transits from Thailand, Laos, and Burma for domestic use and shipping to r countries in Southeast Asia, Oceania, China and Taiwan; methamphetamine and amphetamine type stimulants from Burma locally consumed and shipped; South American cocaine locally consumed and distributed to Southeast Asia and Oceania
Independence
2 September 1945 (from France)
Industries
food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building; mining, coal, steel; cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, mobile phones
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme People's Court (consists of the chief justice and 13 judges)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice elected by the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the president for a 5-year, renewable term; deputy chief justice appointed by the president from among the judges for a 5-year term; judges appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly for 5-year terms
subordinate courts: High Courts (administrative, civil, criminal, economic, labor, family, juvenile); provincial courts; district courts; Military Court
note: the National Assembly Standing Committee can establish special tribunals on the recommendation of the chief justice
judge selection and term of office: chief justice elected by the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the president for a 5-year, renewable term; deputy chief justice appointed by the president from among the judges for a 5-year term; judges appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly for 5-year terms
subordinate courts: High Courts (administrative, civil, criminal, economic, labor, family, juvenile); provincial courts; district courts; Military Court
note: the National Assembly Standing Committee can establish special tribunals on the recommendation of the chief justice
Land boundaries
total: 4,616 km
border countries (3): Cambodia 1,158 km; China 1,297 km; Laos 2,161 km
border countries (3): Cambodia 1,158 km; China 1,297 km; Laos 2,161 km
Land use
agricultural land: 39.3% (2022 est.)
arable land: 21.5% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 15.7% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 2% (2022 est.)
forest: 47.2% (2022 est.)
other: 13.5% (2022 est.)
arable land: 21.5% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 15.7% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 2% (2022 est.)
forest: 47.2% (2022 est.)
other: 13.5% (2022 est.)
Legal system
civil law system; note - the civil code of 2005 reflects a European-style civil law
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Assembly (Quoc-Hoi)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 500 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 5/23/2021
parties elected and seats per party: Communist Party (485); Other (14)
percentage of women in chamber: 31.4%
expected date of next election: May 2026
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 500 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 5/23/2021
parties elected and seats per party: Communist Party (485); Other (14)
percentage of women in chamber: 31.4%
expected date of next election: May 2026
Literacy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 95.8%
male: 97%
female: 94.6% (2019)
total population: 95.8%
male: 97%
female: 94.6% (2019)
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
International organization participation
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (2024)
National holiday
Independence Day (National Day), 2 September (1945)
Nationality
noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)
adjective: Vietnamese
adjective: Vietnamese
Natural resources
antimony, phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits, timber, hydropower, arable land
Geography - note
note 1: extending 1,650 km north to south, the country is only 50 km across at its narrowest point
note 2: Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume; it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft); it connects to Thung cave (but not yet officially); when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume; Son Doong is so massive that it contains its own jungle, underground river, and localized weather system; clouds form inside the cave and spew out from its exits and two dolines (openings, or sinkhole skylights, created by collapsed ceilings that allow sunlight to stream in)
note 2: Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume; it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft); it connects to Thung cave (but not yet officially); when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume; Son Doong is so massive that it contains its own jungle, underground river, and localized weather system; clouds form inside the cave and spew out from its exits and two dolines (openings, or sinkhole skylights, created by collapsed ceilings that allow sunlight to stream in)
Economic overview
lower middle-income socialist East Asian economy; rapid economic growth since Đổi Mới reforms; strong investment and productivity growth; tourism and manufacturing hub; TPP signatory; declining poverty aside from ethnic minorities; systemic corruption
Political parties
Communist Party of Vietnam or CPV
note: other parties proscribed
note: other parties proscribed
Railways
total: 2,600 km (2014)
standard gauge: 178 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge; 253 km mixed gauge
narrow gauge: 2,169 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
standard gauge: 178 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge; 253 km mixed gauge
narrow gauge: 2,169 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Telecommunication systems
general assessment: even with Covid-19 pandemic-related mobility restrictions in place, Vietnam’s economy has continued to outperform the rest of the region in 2020 and 2021; the telecom sector essentially spent most of this period in a holding pattern, focusing on maintaining service throughout the crisis while preparing for some major changes to come in the mobile market in 2022; both fixed-line telephony and mobile have experienced small drops in subscriber numbers since the start of the pandemic, but the similarities between the two markets end there; fixed-line teledensity continued its downwards trajectory towards virtual oblivion, with just 3% penetration (around 3 million subscribers) at the start of 2021; the mobile market has lost about the same number of subscribers since the end of 2019, but has been sitting on much higher penetration levels around 130% for many years; growth is expected to kick in again in 2022 following the anticipated launch of commercial 5G mobile services along with a range of government-led schemes to move consumers completely off 2G and 3G; one example is the planned redistribution of GSM/3G bandwidth to LTE; in addition to propelling Vietnam into having one of the most advanced mobile markets in the world, this should also spur on the mobile broadband segment; with a penetration level of just over 70%, mobile broadband has considerable room to grow; increasing economic prosperity coupled with the latest smartphone technology and networks should see mobile broadband underwriting the country’s telecommunications sector for at least the next few years; this report includes the regulator's market data to July 2021, telcos' financial and operating data updates to June 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, and other recent market developments (2021)
domestic: fixed-line is 3 per 100 and mobile-cellular is 140 per 100 (2021)
international: country code - 84; landing points for the SeaMeWe-3, APG, SJC2, AAE-1, AAG and the TGN-IA submarine cable system providing connectivity to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the US; telecom satellite earth stations - 2, (Vinasat 1 and Vinasat 2) (Indian Ocean region) (2023)
domestic: fixed-line is 3 per 100 and mobile-cellular is 140 per 100 (2021)
international: country code - 84; landing points for the SeaMeWe-3, APG, SJC2, AAE-1, AAG and the TGN-IA submarine cable system providing connectivity to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the US; telecom satellite earth stations - 2, (Vinasat 1 and Vinasat 2) (Indian Ocean region) (2023)
Terrain
low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands; hilly, mountainous in far north and northwest
Government type
communist party-led state
Country name
conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
conventional short form: Vietnam
local long form: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam
local short form: Viet Nam
former: Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)
abbreviation: SRV
etymology: the name translates as "Viet south;" Viet is an ethnic term of unknown origin that dates back to ancient times, and nam (south) refers to the country's location
conventional short form: Vietnam
local long form: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam
local short form: Viet Nam
former: Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)
abbreviation: SRV
etymology: the name translates as "Viet south;" Viet is an ethnic term of unknown origin that dates back to ancient times, and nam (south) refers to the country's location
Location
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, as well as China, Laos, and Cambodia
Map references
Southeast Asia
Irrigated land
46,000 sq km (2012)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Nguyen Quoc DZUNG (since 19 April 2022)
chancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737
FAX: [1] (202) 861-0917
email address and website:
vanphong@vietnamembassy.us
http://vietnamembassy-usa.org/
consulate(s) general: Houston, San Francisco
consulate(s): New York
chancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737
FAX: [1] (202) 861-0917
email address and website:
vanphong@vietnamembassy.us
http://vietnamembassy-usa.org/
consulate(s) general: Houston, San Francisco
consulate(s): New York
Internet users
percent of population: 78% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.vn
Refugees and internally displaced persons
stateless persons: 35,475 (2022); note - Vietnam's stateless ethnic Chinese Cambodian population dates to the 1970s when thousands of Cambodians fled to Vietnam to escape the Khmer Rouge and were no longer recognized as Cambodian citizens; Vietnamese women who gave up their citizenship to marry foreign men have found themselves stateless after divorcing and returning home to Vietnam; the government addressed this problem in 2009, and Vietnamese women are beginning to reclaim their citizenship
GDP (official exchange rate)
$429.717 billion (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Credit ratings
Fitch rating: BB (2018)
Moody's rating: Ba3 (2018)
Standard & Poors rating: BB (2019)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Moody's rating: Ba3 (2018)
Standard & Poors rating: BB (2019)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Total renewable water resources
884.12 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 39.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Broadcast media
government controls all broadcast media exercising oversight through the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC); government-controlled national TV provider, Vietnam Television (VTV), operates a network of several channels with regional broadcasting centers; programming is relayed nationwide via a network of provincial and municipal TV stations; law limits access to satellite TV but many households are able to access foreign programming via home satellite equipment; government-controlled Voice of Vietnam, the national radio broadcaster, broadcasts on several channels and is repeated on AM, FM, and shortwave stations throughout Vietnam (2018)
Drinking water source
improved:
urban: 99.2% of population
rural: 95.5% of population
total: 96.9% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0.8% of population
rural: 4.5% of population
total: 3.1% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 99.2% of population
rural: 95.5% of population
total: 96.9% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0.8% of population
rural: 4.5% of population
total: 3.1% of population (2020 est.)
National anthem
name: "Tien quan ca" (The Song of the Marching Troops)
lyrics/music: Nguyen Van CAO
note: adopted as the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945; it became the national anthem of the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976; although it consists of two verses, only the first is used as the official anthem
lyrics/music: Nguyen Van CAO
note: adopted as the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945; it became the national anthem of the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976; although it consists of two verses, only the first is used as the official anthem
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Vietnam. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
Major urban areas - population
9.321 million Ho Chi Minh City, 5.253 million HANOI (capital), 1.865 million Can Tho, 1.423 million Hai Phong, 1.221 million Da Nang, 1.111 million Bien Hoa (2023)
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Physician density
1.11 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Hospital bed density
3.2 beds/1,000 population (2013)
National symbol(s)
yellow, five-pointed star on red field; lotus blossom; national colors: red, yellow
Contraceptive prevalence rate
72.8% (2020)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 54.6% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 8.9% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 30.4% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.6% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 87.2% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -79.1% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
government consumption: 8.9% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 30.4% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.6% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 87.2% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -79.1% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 45.9 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 33.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 12.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 33.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 12.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.3 (2024 est.)
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Vietnam
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Vietnam
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Population distribution
though it has one of the highest population densities in the world, the population is not evenly dispersed; clustering is heaviest along the South China Sea and Gulf of Tonkin, with the Mekong Delta (in the south) and the Red River Valley (in the north) having the largest concentrations of people
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
VN
Sanitation facility access
improved:
urban: 98.7% of population
rural: 90% of population
total: 93.3% of population
unimproved:
urban: 1.3% of population
rural: 10% of population
total: 6.7% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 98.7% of population
rural: 90% of population
total: 93.3% of population
unimproved:
urban: 1.3% of population
rural: 10% of population
total: 6.7% of population (2020 est.)
Ethnic groups
Kinh (Viet) 85.3%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.9%, Muong 1.5%, Khmer 1.4%, Mong 1.4%, Nung 1.1%, other 5.5% (2019 est.)
note: 54 ethnic groups are recognized by the Vietnamese Government
note: 54 ethnic groups are recognized by the Vietnamese Government
Religions
Catholic 6.1%, Buddhist 5.8%, Protestant 1%, other 0.8%, none 86.3% (2019 est.)
note: most Vietnamese are culturally Buddhist
note: most Vietnamese are culturally Buddhist
Languages
Vietnamese (official); English (often as a second language); some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain-area languages (including Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)
major-language sample(s):
Dữ kiện thế giới, là nguồn thông tin cơ bản không thể thiếu. (Vietnamese)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
Dữ kiện thế giới, là nguồn thông tin cơ bản không thể thiếu. (Vietnamese)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Vietnamese audio sample
Imports - partners
China 49%, Singapore 6%, Japan 6%, Hong Kong 5%, Taiwan 4% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Elevation
highest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 398 m
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 398 m
Current health expenditure
4.6% of GDP (2021)
Military - note
since withdrawing its military occupation forces from Cambodia in the late 1980s and the end of Soviet aid in 1991, Vietnam has practiced a non-aligned foreign policy that emphasizes friendly ties with all members of the international community; Hanoi adheres to a security doctrine called the "Four Nos" (no alliances, no siding with one country against another, no foreign bases, and no using force in international relations); despite longstanding tensions with Beijing over maritime boundaries in the South China Sea, Vietnam puts a priority on stable relations with China, given its proximity, size, and status as Vietnam's largest trading partner
the PAVN is one of the region’s largest militaries and has participated in numerous conflicts since its founding in the mid-1940s, including the First (1946-54) and Second (1955-1975) Indochina Wars, the Cambodian-Vietnamese War (1978-1989), and the Sino-Vietnamese War (1979); the PAVN’s current missions include protecting the country's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests; in recent years, it has placed additional emphasis on protecting the country’s maritime economy and sovereignty in the South China Sea, including strengthening air and naval capabilities; the PAVN also assists with natural disasters and is involved in economic projects, such as electrical infrastructure, oil and gas services, hydroelectric projects, aviation and seaport services, telecommunications, and the shipbuilding industry, while military-owned factories and enterprises produce weapons and equipment
the PAVN is the military arm of the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and responsible to the Central Military Commission (CMC), the highest party organ on military policy; the CMC is led by the CPV General Secretary (2024)
the PAVN is one of the region’s largest militaries and has participated in numerous conflicts since its founding in the mid-1940s, including the First (1946-54) and Second (1955-1975) Indochina Wars, the Cambodian-Vietnamese War (1978-1989), and the Sino-Vietnamese War (1979); the PAVN’s current missions include protecting the country's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests; in recent years, it has placed additional emphasis on protecting the country’s maritime economy and sovereignty in the South China Sea, including strengthening air and naval capabilities; the PAVN also assists with natural disasters and is involved in economic projects, such as electrical infrastructure, oil and gas services, hydroelectric projects, aviation and seaport services, telecommunications, and the shipbuilding industry, while military-owned factories and enterprises produce weapons and equipment
the PAVN is the military arm of the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and responsible to the Central Military Commission (CMC), the highest party organ on military policy; the CMC is led by the CPV General Secretary (2024)
Military and security service personnel strengths
information is limited and varied; estimated 450,000 active-duty troops; estimated 40,000 Border Defense Force and Coast Guard (2023)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the PAVN is armed largely with weapons and equipment from Russia and the former Soviet Union; in recent years, Vietnam has moved to diversify arms its arms suppliers and has acquired items from countries such as India, South Korea, and the US; Vietnam has a small defense industry involved in the manufacture of small arms, ground combat vehicles, and naval systems (2024)
note: the US lifted an embargo on arms sales to Vietnam in 2016
note: the US lifted an embargo on arms sales to Vietnam in 2016
Military deployments
190 Abyei/South Sudan/Sudan (UNISFA) (2024)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 1.21 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 3.07 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 77.75 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 3.07 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 77.75 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 9,570,300 tons (2011 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2,201,169 tons (2014 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23% (2014 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2,201,169 tons (2014 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23% (2014 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 34.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 1.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 1.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Air pollutants
particulate matter emissions: 20.89 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 192.67 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 110.4 megatons (2020 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 192.67 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 110.4 megatons (2020 est.)
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Pacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Sông Tiên Giang (Mekong) river mouth (shared with China [s], Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia) - 4,350 km; Pearl river source (shared with China [m]) - 2,200 km; Red river mouth (shared with China [s]) - 1,149 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 8 (5 cultural, 2 natural, 1 mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Complex of Hué Monuments (c); Ha Long Bay (n); Hoi An Ancient Town (c); My Son Sanctuary (c); Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (n); Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi (c); Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (c); Trang An Landscape Complex (m)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Complex of Hué Monuments (c); Ha Long Bay (n); Hoi An Ancient Town (c); My Son Sanctuary (c); Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (n); Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi (c); Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (c); Trang An Landscape Complex (m)
Coal
production: 51.519 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 96.099 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 815,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 43.637 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 3.116 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 96.099 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 815,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 43.637 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 3.116 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 50.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 9.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 4.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 34.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 9.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 4.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 34.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
production: 7.48 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 7.48 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 699.426 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 7.48 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 699.426 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 187,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 544,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 4.4 billion barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 544,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 4.4 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.96 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
72.6% (2023 est.)
Remittances
3.26% of GDP (2023 est.)
3.22% of GDP (2022 est.)
3.47% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
3.22% of GDP (2022 est.)
3.47% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Space program overview
has a growing space program focused on acquiring, operating, and exploiting satellites, as well as expanding domestic capabilities in satellites and associated sub-system production, space sciences, and technology applications; builds and operates communications and remote sensing satellites; conducting research and development on space science and applied space technologies, such as advanced optics and space data exploitation; has worked closely with Japan on its space program since inception; cooperation has included funding, loans, training, technical expertise, and data sharing; has also established relationships with the space agencies or commercial space sectors of some European countries (such as France), India, and the US (2024)
note: further details about the key activities, programs, and milestones of the country’s space program, as well as government spending estimates on the space sector, appear in the Space Programs reference guide
note: further details about the key activities, programs, and milestones of the country’s space program, as well as government spending estimates on the space sector, appear in the Space Programs reference guide
Space agency/agencies
Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC; established 2011; formerly known as the Vietnam National Satellite Center); Space Technology Institute (STI; established 2006); both the VNSC and the STI operate under the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology (VAST); Ministry of Science and Technology (2024)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 1.1%
women married by age 18: 14.6%
men married by age 18: 1.9% (2021 est.)
women married by age 18: 14.6%
men married by age 18: 1.9% (2021 est.)
Geoparks
total global geoparks and regional networks: 3
global geoparks and regional networks: Dak Nong; Dong Van Karst Plateau; Non nuoc Cao Bang (2023)
global geoparks and regional networks: Dak Nong; Dong Van Karst Plateau; Non nuoc Cao Bang (2023)
Ports
total ports: 16 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 1
small: 6
very small: 9
ports with oil terminals: 12
key ports: Da Nang, Hai Phong, Nghe Tinh, Nha Trang, Thanh Ho Chi Minh, Vinh Cam Ranh, Vung Tau
large: 0
medium: 1
small: 6
very small: 9
ports with oil terminals: 12
key ports: Da Nang, Hai Phong, Nghe Tinh, Nha Trang, Thanh Ho Chi Minh, Vinh Cam Ranh, Vung Tau
Labor force
55.966 million (2023 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 6.2% (2023 est.)
male: 6.5% (2023 est.)
female: 5.9% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
male: 6.5% (2023 est.)
female: 5.9% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-0.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 33.1 years (2024 est.)
male: 32 years
female: 34.2 years
male: 32 years
female: 34.2 years
Debt - external
$37.055 billion (2023 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
124 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$92.238 billion (2023 est.)
$86.54 billion (2022 est.)
$109.371 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$86.54 billion (2022 est.)
$109.371 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
58.5% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: official data; data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
note: official data; data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Total fertility rate
2.03 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
1.6% (2023 est.)
1.54% (2022 est.)
2.39% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
1.54% (2022 est.)
2.39% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Population
total: 105,758,975 (2024 est.)
male: 53,109,175
female: 52,649,800
male: 53,109,175
female: 52,649,800
Carbon dioxide emissions
305.404 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 218.502 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 72.383 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 14.52 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 218.502 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 72.383 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 14.52 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Area
total : 331,210 sq km
land: 310,070 sq km
water: 21,140 sq km
land: 310,070 sq km
water: 21,140 sq km
Taxes and other revenues
24.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$1.354 trillion (2023 est.)
$1.289 trillion (2022 est.)
$1.192 trillion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$1.289 trillion (2022 est.)
$1.192 trillion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Airports
36 (2025)
Infant mortality rate
total: 14.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 14.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 14.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 131 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 140 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 140 (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
36.1 (2022 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
3.25% (2023 est.)
3.16% (2022 est.)
1.83% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
3.16% (2022 est.)
1.83% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$25.833 billion (2023 est.)
$1.402 billion (2022 est.)
-$4.628 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$1.402 billion (2022 est.)
-$4.628 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$13,500 (2023 est.)
$12,900 (2022 est.)
$12,000 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$12,900 (2022 est.)
$12,000 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 22.8 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 24.8% (2020 est.)
male: 47.4% (2020 est.)
female: 2.2% (2020 est.)
male: 47.4% (2020 est.)
female: 2.2% (2020 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
2.1% (2016)
Energy consumption per capita
40.263 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Death rate
5.8 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
14.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 85.725 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 277.501 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 933.237 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 3.106 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 18.197 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 277.501 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 933.237 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 3.106 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 18.197 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Merchant marine
total: 1,973 (2022)
by type: bulk carrier 117, container ship 45, general cargo 1,176, oil tanker 134, other 501
by type: bulk carrier 117, container ship 45, general cargo 1,176, oil tanker 134, other 501
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
11.6% (2020)
Imports
$339.859 billion (2023 est.)
$369.746 billion (2022 est.)
$338.327 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$369.746 billion (2022 est.)
$338.327 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$375.1 billion (2023 est.)
$385.241 billion (2022 est.)
$340.126 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$385.241 billion (2022 est.)
$340.126 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Heliports
26 (2025)
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2.316 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 3.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 76.1 years (2024 est.)
male: 73.5 years
female: 78.9 years
male: 73.5 years
female: 78.9 years
Real GDP growth rate
5.05% (2023 est.)
8.12% (2022 est.)
2.55% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
8.12% (2022 est.)
2.55% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
3.74% (2023 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 12% (2023 est.)
industry: 37.1% (2023 est.)
services: 42.5% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
industry: 37.1% (2023 est.)
services: 42.5% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Revenue from forest resources
1.49% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal
0.35% of GDP (2018 est.)
Education expenditures
4.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Population growth rate
0.89% (2024 est.)
Capital
name: Hanoi (Ha Noi)
geographic coordinates: 21 02 N, 105 51 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name means "inside the river," from the Vietnamese words ha (river) and noi (inside), and refers to its location in a bend of the Red River
geographic coordinates: 21 02 N, 105 51 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name means "inside the river," from the Vietnamese words ha (river) and noi (inside), and refers to its location in a bend of the Red River