Overview of Vietnam

Quick Overview

Vietnam is a country stretching 1,600 km along the South China Sea. It can be divided into three distinct regions: in the north, the mountainous Tonkin area (with Fan Si Pan at 3,144 m) overlooks the Red River Delta (Hanoi and its surroundings). In the center, Annam, with its mountains and high plateaus, faces a narrow coastal plain. In the south, Cochinchina and its vast plains are home to the Mekong Delta; this is the region of Ho Chi Minh City, the most populated in the country.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: along the South China Sea, facing the Philippines.

• Latitude/longitude: 16°00' N, 106°00' E.

• Local time: Heure : 12831

• Capital: Hanoi

• Nature of the state: single-party "communist" republic.

• Official language: Vietnamese.

• Currency: dong.

• Population: 97,040,334 inhabitants (2018)

• Area: 330,967 km².

• Density: 293 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Fan Si Pan (3,144 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 3,444 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

Vietnam is one of the favorite destinations for lovers of Southeast Asia. With its rich cultural heritage, populations with traditions that are still very much alive, and its varied and remarkable landscapes, Vietnam remains the best representation of what this part of the world has to offer.

Now, over 15 million visitors travel there each year (15.498 million in 2018), tripling the number of visitors between 2010 and 2018. Among them, the Chinese (a quarter of arrivals), South Koreans, Japanese, and Americans are the most numerous. 250,000 French people visited Vietnam in 2016.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner/somewhat experienced travelers.

• By air: France-Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

• Entry requirements: passport valid 6 months after the planned departure date + visa for stays longer than 15 days.

• Currency to bring: euros in cash + bank card

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Highlights (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Adventure ★★★★; Culture ★★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★/★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 116/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $6,900 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +3.5% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 2.2% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 8% (2017)

• Life expectancy: 73.9 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -0.3 (2017)

• Population growth: +0.9% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 94.5% (2015)

• Urban population: 35.9% (2018)

• Press freedom: 175/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: authoritarian regime (139/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook