Country Profile: Vietnam

Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is bordered by China, Laos, and Cambodia, with coastlines along the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea. The country has a population of approximately 106.7 million, predominantly ethnic Kinh. Vietnam's economy has transformed dramatically since the introduction of market reforms in the 1980s, transitioning toward a lower middle-income economy with significant growth driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Governed by a single-party communist state, Vietnam continues to face challenges related to governance, income inequality, and corruption.

Geography

Vietnam is situated in Southeastern Asia, sharing borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia, and is flanked by the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea. Its terrain comprises low flat deltas in the south and north, central highlands, and mountainous regions in the far north. With a total area of 331,210 sq km, it experiences a tropical climate in the south and a monsoonal climate in the north.

3,444 km of coastline
4,616 km of land boundaries
39.2% of land used for agriculture (2023)
47% forest coverage (2023)

People and Society

Vietnam's population is estimated at 106.7 million as of 2025, with a median age of 33.5 years. The country is home to 54 recognized ethnic groups, with the Kinh making up the majority at 85.3%. Vietnamese is the official language, while a variety of dialects and languages are spoken due to the diverse ethnic landscape. The society is predominantly non-religious, yet culturally influenced by Buddhism.

96.1% literacy rate (2022)
14.58 births/1,000 population (2025)
1.01 male(s)/female overall sex ratio (2024 est.)
39.5% urban population (2023)

Economy

Vietnam has emerged as a manufacturing and tourism hub, supported by aggressive economic reforms known as Đổi Mới initiated in 1986. As of 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $1.456 trillion, with a growth rate of 7.1% projected for that year. Agriculture, industry, and services contribute differentially to the GDP, which is composed of 11.9% agriculture, 37.6% industry, and 42.4% services.

1.5% unemployment rate (2024)
$14,400 real GDP per capita (2024)
4.3% of the population below the poverty line (2022)
$429.4 billion in exports (2024)

Government

Vietnam is a socialist republic led by the Communist Party, characterized by a single-party political system. The capital city, Hanoi, serves as the political hub, and the current president is Luong Cuong (since October 2024), while the prime minister is Pham Minh Chinh (since July 2021). The National Assembly, Vietnam's unicameral legislature, comprises 500 members elected for five-year terms.

Established as a state on September 2, 1945
18 years is the voting age for citizens
58 provinces and 5 municipalities administrative divisions
9 World Heritage Sites

Military and Security

Vietnam maintains a robust military force known as the People's Army of Vietnam, which includes ground, naval, and air defense forces. The country prioritizes stability in national and international relations, particularly concerning maritime conflicts in the South China Sea. Military spending accounts for 1.8% of GDP as of 2023.

Approximately 450,000 active military personnel (2025)
200 troops deployed in humanitarian missions (2025)
Compulsory military service ages between 18-27
The People's Army of Vietnam operates under the Communist Party of Vietnam

Energy

Vietnam has achieved 100% electrification, with a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources. The country generates about 85.725 million kW of electricity, sourcing from fossil fuels, hydropower, and increasingly, solar and wind. In 2023, coal production reached 51.5 million metric tons, while petroleum production was estimated at 187,000 bbl/day.

277.5 billion kWh of electricity consumed (2023)
50.6% of electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023)
69.1% of power generation from renewable sources (as of 2023)

Environment

Vietnam faces environmental challenges such as deforestation, water pollution, and air quality issues, primarily due to industrialization and agriculture. The country is party to various international environmental agreements aimed at combating climate issues and protecting biodiversity.

39.2% of land utilized for agriculture (2023)
305.4 million metric tons of CO2 emissions (2023)
9.57 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024)

Transportation

Vietnam boasts a growing transportation network, including 36 airports and extensive railway and maritime facilities. The country operates 1,973 vessels in its merchant marine, predominantly small cargo ships.

2,600 km of railway (2014)
16 ports total, including both large and small (2024)

Communications

Vietnam's communications sector has seen significant growth, with 78% of the population using the internet as of 2023. The country also has a rapidly expanding mobile network, with subscriptions reaching 129 million.

22.8 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
2.316 million fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023)
Total mobile subscriptions are approximately 128 per 100 inhabitants (2024)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	106,688,169	Estimated for 2025
Area	331,210 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.456 trillion	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption	277.5 billion kWh	Estimated for 2023
Birth Rate	14.58 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Unemployment Rate	1.5%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	76.1 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	96.1%	Estimated for 2022
Urban Population	39.5%	Of total population (2023)
Military Expenditures	1.8% of GDP	Estimated for 2023