Vietnam is a long, S-shaped country in Southeast Asia, bordering China to the north and the South China Sea to the east. It is known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cuisine. From the terraced rice fields of the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, the country offers remarkable geographic diversity.
- Capital
- Hanoi
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- South-Eastern Asia
- Area
- 331,212 km²
- Coordinates
- 16.16666666° N, 107.83333333° E
Country facts
- Vietnamese is written using a Latin-based alphabet with diacritical marks, introduced during the French colonial period.
- Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters.
- Vietnam is one of the world's largest exporters of coffee, second only to Brazil for many years.
- The country was divided into North and South Vietnam from 1954 until reunification in 1976 following the end of the Vietnam War.
- The áo dài, a slim-fitting tunic worn over trousers, is Vietnam's traditional national garment.
Capital facts
- Hanoi is one of the oldest capitals in the world, with a history stretching back over a thousand years.
- The city is home to Hoan Kiem Lake, a tranquil landmark at its heart associated with a famous legend about a magical sword.
- Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1945, leaving behind a legacy of French colonial architecture.
- The Temple of Literature, founded in 1070, is one of Hanoi's most visited historic sites and was Vietnam's first university.
- Hanoi became the capital of reunified Vietnam in 1976 after decades of serving as the capital of North Vietnam.