Vietnamese culture is an intriguing blend of tradition and modern values. Their ancestors were believed to be dragons, while today their country boasts numerous sacred animals such as turtles, phoenixes, and dragons as symbolic representations.
Vietnam’s national flag features a five-pointed star against a red background. Discover some of Vietnam’s most interesting facts here.
1. It is the largest country in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam is the largest nation in Southeast Asia, boasting a long and narrow coastline extending over three and a half thousand km. Vietnam borders Laos and Cambodia on its western edge and China on its northern, while its east and southern borders touch the South China Sea. Vietnam’s uplands are dominated by mountain ranges, with valleys filled with alluvial plains forming deltas within them. This all adds up to creating one of Southeast Asia’s major economies.
The uplands of Asia are scattered with lakes and rivers, including the Red River and the Mekong, which flow to the sea and form deltas—highly fertile agricultural regions.
Uplands populations typically live in small villages with only immediate family members living there and specialise in farming rice, coffee, tea, and fruit; many also raise livestock.
Vietnam has many industries producing paper products, bicycles, plastic goods, and cotton textiles; tourism is another prominent industry.
Vietnam’s economy is expanding quickly. Per capita GDP has seen significant gains, and its rate of economic growth among lower middle-income nations stands out. Vietnam’s government has taken steps to address social and environmental challenges; they have committed to cutting methane emissions by 30% and ending deforestation by 2030.
Vietnamese culture is an amalgamation of ancient traditions and modern technology. For example, it is not considered polite to point with your finger at someone; rather, you should use hand gestures or subtly show what you mean instead. Additionally, when entering someone’s Vietnam home, it is customary for guests to take off their shoes before entering.
Vietnam can trace its history back to the early 1400s, when Chinese invaders occupied it and established their dominion over it. Following years of conflict and civil war, the Vietnamese established the Le Dynasty in the 1750s before Nguyen Phuc Anh took control and changed the name to Vietnam later in the 19th century.
As with other emerging economies, Vietnam is experiencing dynamic trends that will shape its future. Urbanisation is one such trend, as people move from rural areas into cities seeking better job opportunities. This transition requires significant investment in urban infrastructure and manufacturing facilities, as well as new capabilities like technology and sustainability.
2. It is the most densely populated country in the world.
Vietnam remains one of the densestly populated Southeast Asian nations, yet population growth has been contained by policies like its one- or two-child policy and increased access to birth control. Still, its population numbers remain relatively high compared to other Southeast Asian nations.
Many Vietnamese living in rural villages lack access to education, making job hunting increasingly difficult. In response, the government has set up many specialised schools teaching technical and agricultural sciences, providing young people with an avenue to escape rural poverty and find work.
Vietnam is famous for its floating markets, where locals sell fruits, vegetables, and fish from boats gliding down canals. These markets provide visitors with a truly memorable shopping experience as they give a window into everyday life in this Southeast Asian nation. Furthermore, Vietnamese people are known for their welcoming nature and bright smiles, something visitors to Vietnam should definitely take notice of when visiting this vibrant nation.
Half the population shares the last name Nguyen! It’s like one big family reunion! Vietnam was home to the Nguyen Dynasty from 1858 until they were defeated by France in 1954.
Vietnam is known for producing coffee as its main export, which accounts for an important portion of its economy. Other notable products from this Southeast Asian nation include silk, rice, and seafood production, along with fast-rising obesity rates that continue to make headlines globally.
Population density in Vietnam is concentrated in coastal and rural regions, while northern mountainous regions are less densely populated than central regions. Hanoi serves as its capital city and also boasts an extremely high population.
Vietnam’s majority population identifies as Buddhist; however, significant minorities of Christians and Muslims exist as well. Vietnam is an agrarian society with food being highly valued; an average Vietnamese person consumes 7.6 kilograms of rice per month on average. Vietnam is also an avid consumer of alcohol, particularly beer, as there is no legal drinking age, leading many people to consume it on the street; additionally, it produces some amazing varieties of pho—bowls of beef noodles in broth!
3. It is the most ethnically diverse country in the world.
Vietnam boasts over 50 ethnic groups, making this country one of the most culturally diverse in Asia. Some ethnicities are more integrated into Vietnamese society, while others maintain distinct customs and traditions.
Many ethnic minority groups still speak their native languages in addition to Vietnamese and have distinct traditions and beliefs. Some indigenous tribes from the Central Highlands believe all living things possess spirits; these tribes carve shrines for animals and plants; any time these shrines are touched or disturbed, it will anger their spirits, and they believe this may lead to negative repercussions for humans as well.
Vietnam is home to an overwhelming Buddhist majority, as evidenced by its abundance of pagodas throughout the country. Additionally, Christianity, Taoism, and Hinduism all co-exist peacefully in Vietnam’s culture as well. Religion plays an integral role here.
Vietnamese culture is distinguished by the use of mythology and fables to teach children moral lessons while providing insight into historical events and traditions. One such legend, Lac Long Quan and Au Co, serves to depict this division between lowlanders (ethnic Kinh/Viet) and highlanders (ethnic minority groups).
Vietnam was under Chinese control for more than 1000 years, which accounts for its profound cultural influences on Vietnamese society and norms. Although many foreign cultures have had an effect on Vietnamese traditions and culture, Vietnamese people remain staunchly attached to their culture and heritage.
Delicious vietnamese food can now be found not only in Vietnam but in some of London’s fanciest restaurants and Paris’ chicest galleries, while Vietnamese art can be seen on display there as well. Vietnam is on the up and its flourishing economy has given its people confidence in their own unique culture; this can be seen through how they interact with one another and celebrate holidays together.
4. It is the most densely populated country in the world.
Vietnam is home to unique architectures, delicious foods and one of the densest populations in Asia and in the world, boasting approximately 97.5 million people, with nearly half being under 30 years old. Two-thirds of its inhabitants reside in urban centres or towns.
Population densities are concentrated primarily in the north and south; each has its own set of rural areas and vast fields that produce plenty of food for local populations.
Vietnam used to be one of the major exporters of rice; however, rising coffee demand from Europe and America has led to reduced rice production. Vietnam now ranks fifth on this list as a coffee exporter; it also produces cashew nuts and pepper.
Peru is an exceptionally stunning country, featuring mountains, rivers, and beaches aplenty. Home to numerous endangered species, its forests boast stunning bird species. Furthermore, Peru ranks highly as an exporter of seafood production, with one of the finest coastlines on Earth.
Vietnam is also an ideal place for viewing exotic animals such as snakes and cats, including their many varieties, which people frequently keep as pets, though these pets don’t enjoy as much popularity as dogs or chickens. Many Vietnamese also keep potbelly pigs, which have come to represent wealth within Vietnamese culture.
Vietnam stands out among countries due to its extremely high density of motorbikes—roughly 45 million registered bikes make Vietnam home! That means there is at least one bike for every person living here! Motorbikes provide an efficient and convenient means of travel while being extremely safe, with the only downside being the limited public bus or train options available for use.
A digital nomad and storyteller focused on eco-tourism, budget travel, and sustainable exploration, particularly highlighting Vietnam’s natural landscapes and local hospitality.