Political Overview

Vietnam is a socialist republic governed by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), which maintains a one-party system that has been in place since the country’s reunification in 1975. The highest decision-making body is the Politburo, led by the General Secretary, while the President serves largely ceremonial duties and the Prime Minister heads the government’s executive branch. The National Assembly, Vietnam’s unicameral legislature, enacts laws and supervises the government. Over the past few decades, Vietnam has pursued economic reforms under the Đổi Mới policy initiated in 1986, gradually shifting from a centrally planned economy toward a “socialist-oriented market economy,” resulting in rapid GDP growth and increased integration into global trade networks. Although political power remains tightly concentrated within the CPV, local governance structures have strengthened, leading to gradual decentralization in areas such as education and healthcare administration.

Cultural Heritage and Identity

Vietnamese culture is deeply rooted in a history that spans over four millennia, characterized by a synthesis of indigenous traditions, Chinese Confucian influence, and later French colonial impacts. The concept of “đất nước” (nation) is closely tied to “dân tộc” (ethnicity), with Kinh (ethnic Vietnamese) comprising around 85% of the population, alongside 53 recognized minority groups, each preserving distinctive languages, costumes, and folk customs. Confucian values, such as filial piety and respect for elders, continue to shape family and social structures, while Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions often intertwine in daily spiritual life. Festivals like Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year) and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrate ancestral worship, agricultural cycles, and communal solidarity. Vietnamese literature, music, and art ranging from classical ca trù singing to water puppetry reflect both historical resilience through colonial resistance and contemporary creativity, as younger generations fuse traditional motifs with global trends.

Geographical Landscape, Area, and Climate

Situated in Southeast Asia, Vietnam stretches over 1,650 kilometers from north to south, encompassing approximately 331,000 square kilometers. Its shape often likened to an elongated “S” spans diverse landscapes, from the rugged, forested highlands bordering China in the north to the tropical Mekong Delta in the south. The country’s topography divides into three main regions: the mountainous North with peaks such as Fansipan (over 3,140 meters), the Red River Delta with fertile alluvial plains, and the narrow coastal strip that widens into the Central Highlands before transitioning to the vast delta of the Mekong River. Vietnam experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: a hot, rainy season (May to October) and a cooler, dry season (November to April). Northern regions can see cooler winters, sometimes dipping below 10 °C in mountainous areas, while the south remains uniformly warm year-round, averaging 25–30 °C. Variations in rainfall and temperature across regions account for rich biodiversity and support agriculture, especially rice cultivation, which has earned Vietnam its reputation as one of the world’s leading rice exporters.