Country Profile: Vietnam

Vietnam is a rapidly developing country located in Southeast Asia, bordered by the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, with a landscape that features low deltas in the south and mountainous terrain in the north. The population of approximately 106.7 million is mainly concentrated along the coast and river deltas, with the Kinh ethnic group making up the largest portion. The country has experienced significant economic growth since the implementation of the Đổi Mới reforms in 1986, transitioning towards a market-oriented economy while maintaining a socialist political structure under the Communist Party.

Geography

Vietnam is situated in Southeast Asia, sharing borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia, and features a tropical climate in the south and monsoonal conditions in the north. The country's total land area is approximately 331,210 square kilometers, which includes low, flat deltas, central highlands, and mountainous regions. The nation has a coastline of 3,444 kilometers and is prone to natural hazards like typhoons and flooding.

331,210 sq km: Total area
3,444 km: Coastline
39.2%: Agricultural land as of 2023
47%: Forest area as of 2023
16: Total number of natural hazards (notable typhoons) that may cause flooding

People and Society

Vietnam's population is projected to reach 106.7 million by 2025, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The major ethnic group is the Kinh, comprising 85.3% of the population, with various minority groups contributing to its cultural diversity. Vietnamese is the official language, and the country exhibits a blend of cultural influences, particularly Buddhism.

86.3%: Percentage of the population with no religious affiliation (2019 est.)
39.5%: Urban population as of 2023
76.1 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
96.1%: Literacy rate (2022 est.)
14.58 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.)

Economy

Vietnam has transformed into a lower middle-income economy, characterized by rapid growth fueled by the Đổi Mới reforms. The economy is diversified across agriculture, industry, and services, with significant contributions from tourism and manufacturing. Despite progress, challenges remain, including income inequality and high levels of corruption.

$1.456 trillion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024
7.1%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2024
1.5%: Unemployment rate for 2024
$476.388 billion: GDP at official exchange rate for 2024
4.3%: Population below the poverty line (2022 est.)

Government

Vietnam is a unitary one-party socialist republic led by the Communist Party. The capital city is Hanoi, and the government includes an executive branch headed by the President and the Prime Minister, alongside a unicameral National Assembly. The latest constitution was adopted in November 2013, reinforcing communist ideology while allowing some economic reforms.

18 years: Minimum voting age
58 provinces: Administrative divisions
500: Total seats in the National Assembly
31.4%: Percentage of women in the National Assembly (2021)
2 September 1945: Date of independence from France

Military and Security

The People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) is the main military force, responsible for both external defense and internal security. Military expenditures account for 1.8% of GDP, and the country maintains a non-aligned foreign policy amid regional tensions, particularly in the South China Sea.

450,000: Active-duty military personnel (2025)
1.8%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for 2023
200: Number of military deployments to UN missions (2025)
18-27 years: Age range for compulsory military service
24-36 months: Duration of military service obligation

Energy

Vietnam's energy sector is vital for its growing economy, with a focus on renewable and non-renewable resources. Electricity accessibility is nearly universal, and the country heavily relies on coal, hydroelectric, and increasingly, solar energy for its power generation.

100%: Total electrification as of 2022
85.725 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity as of 2023
277.501 billion kWh: Electricity consumption in 2023
51.519 million metric tons: Coal production in 2023
4.4 billion barrels: Estimated crude oil reserves (2021)

Environment

Vietnam faces environmental challenges, including deforestation, water pollution, and overfishing. The government participates in various international environmental agreements, emphasizing climate change and biodiversity conservation.

39.2%: Agricultural land as of 2023
47%: Forest area as of 2023
305.404 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions projected for 2023
46%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022)
884.12 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022)

Transportation

Vietnam's transportation network includes a mix of railways, roads, and air travel, with significant developments in infrastructure to support its economic growth. The country has over 36 airports and 2,600 kilometers of railway.

2,600 km: Total railway length (2014)
36: Number of airports (2025)
16: Total ports (2024)
1,973: Total merchant marine vessels (2022)
26: Number of heliports (2025)

Communications

Vietnam has seen significant growth in telecommunications and internet access, with a high percentage of the population using mobile phones and the internet.

129 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions estimated for 2024
22.8 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
78%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023)
2.316 million: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023)
2: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	106,688,169 (2025 est.)
Area	331,210 sq km
Real GDP (PPP)	$1.456 trillion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	1.5% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	14.58 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	76.1 years (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	40.263 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Urban Population	39.5% of total population (2023)
Literacy Rate	96.1% (2022 est.)