Country Profile: Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is located in Southeastern Asia, bordered by the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, as well as China, Laos, and Cambodia. With a population of over 105 million, it is one of the world's most densely populated countries. The economy has shown remarkable growth since the implementation of the Đổi Mới (Renovation) reforms in 1986, transforming it into a dynamic hub for tourism and manufacturing. Governed by a communist party-led state, Vietnam maintains tight control over political and social life while facing economic challenges such as corruption and rising inequality.
Geography
Vietnam features a tropical climate in the south and a monsoonal climate in the north, characterized by a hot, rainy season from May to September and a warm, dry season from October to March. The country's diverse terrain ranges from low, flat deltas in the north and south to central highlands and mountainous regions in the far north and northwest.
- 331,210 sq km: Total land area
- 3,444 km: Coastline
- 12 nm: Territorial sea
- 47%: Forested area (2023)
- 39.2%: Agricultural land (2023 est.)
- 4,616 km: Total land boundaries
People and Society
Vietnam's population is estimated at approximately 105.8 million in 2024, with a median age of 33.1 years. The country is home to 54 recognized ethnic groups, with the Kinh (Viet) representing the majority at 85.3%. Vietnamese is the official language, though English is commonly spoken as a second language.
- 68.5%: Population aged 15-64 years
- 76.1 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
- 14.9 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024)
- 96.1%: Literacy rate (2022 est.)
- 39.5%: Urban population (2023)
- 2%: Children under age 5 underweight (2023 est.)
Economy
Vietnam's economy is classified as a lower middle-income socialist economy that has experienced rapid growth since the adoption of Đổi Mới reforms. The economy benefits from a mix of agriculture, industry, and services, with the export sector playing a vital role.
- $1.456 trillion: Estimated GDP (PPP) in 2024
- 7.1%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2024
- 1.5%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
- 11.9%: Agriculture sector's share in GDP (2024 est.)
- 42.4%: Services sector's contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
- $429.383 billion: Projected exports for 2024
Government
Vietnam is a one-party socialist republic led by the Communist Party. The National Assembly is the unicameral legislative body, with members indirectly elected for five-year terms. The country has a complex legal system influenced by civil law.
- Capital: Hanoi
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
- Executive: President Luong Cuong (as of October 2024)
- Legislative body: National Assembly with 500 members
- Last election: May 2021
Military and Security
The People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) serves as the military arm of the Communist Party, with responsibilities that include defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Vietnam follows a non-aligned foreign policy.
- 450,000: Active-duty personnel (2025)
- 1.8%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2023)
- 18 years: Compulsory military service age
Energy
Vietnam's energy sector is rapidly developing, with efforts towards diversifying energy sources and improving electricity access. The country enjoys 100% electrification as of 2022.
- 85.725 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023)
- 277.501 billion kWh: Electricity consumption (2023)
- 51.519 million metric tons: Coal production (2023)
Environment
Vietnam faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, water pollution, and overfishing. It is a party to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.
- 39.2%: Agricultural land (2023 est.)
- 305.404 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
- 9.57 million tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
Transportation
Vietnam boasts a growing transportation infrastructure, including numerous airports and railways, facilitating both domestic and international travel.
- 2,600 km: Total railway length (2014)
- 36: Number of airports (2025 est.)
- 1,973: Merchant marine ships (2022)
Communications
The telecommunications sector in Vietnam is expanding, with a significant percentage of the population accessing mobile and internet services.
- 131 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
- 78%: Internet penetration rate (2023 est.)
- 22.8 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,758,975 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 331,210 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $1.456 trillion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 40.263 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 14.9 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 76.1 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 96.1% | 2022 estimate |
| Military Expenditure | 1.8% of GDP | 2023 estimate |
| Urban Population | 39.5% | 2023 estimate |
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