Country Profile: Vietnam

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country bordered by the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and the South China Sea, sharing land borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia. With a population exceeding 105 million, it has one of the highest population densities globally, concentrated primarily in the low-lying deltas of the Mekong River and the Red River. The country's economy has experienced significant growth, especially since the introduction of the "doi moi" reforms in 1986, transforming it into a manufacturing and tourism hub while still facing challenges related to governance and income inequality. Vietnam operates under a communist party-led government, maintaining tight political control while navigating the complexities of its economic transition.

Geography

Vietnam is located in Southeastern Asia with a total area of approximately 331,210 square kilometers, featuring a diversity of landscapes from low, flat deltas to mountainous regions. The country experiences a tropical climate in the south and a monsoonal climate in the north, with significant rainfall from May to September. Major rivers include the Mekong and the Red River, and the coastline stretches over 3,400 kilometers, contributing to its rich maritime resources.

331,210 sq km: Total area of Vietnam.
3,444 km: Length of coastline.
46,000 sq km: Area of irrigated land (2012).
47.2%: Forest cover (2022).
12 nm: Territorial sea claim.

People and Society

The population of Vietnam is estimated to be around 105.8 million as of 2024, with a median age of 33.1 years. The majority of the population (85.3%) belongs to the Kinh (Viet) ethnic group, while others include Tay, Thai, and Khmer. Vietnamese is the official language, and the society is influenced heavily by Buddhist culture, although a significant portion identifies as having no religion. Urbanization is on the rise, with approximately 39.5% of the population living in urban areas as of 2023.

105.8 million: Estimated population in 2024.
96%: Literacy rate (2022).
14.9 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024).
76.1 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
2.03 children: Total fertility rate (2024).
45.9: Total dependency ratio (2024).

Economy

Vietnam's economy is classified as a lower middle-income socialist economy that has seen rapid growth driven by reforms and foreign investments. The GDP (PPP) is projected to reach $1.456 trillion in 2024, with significant contributions from the services, industry, and agriculture sectors. Despite impressive economic progress, systemic corruption and income inequality remain pressing challenges.

$1.456 trillion: Projected GDP (PPP) in 2024.
7.1%: Expected GDP growth rate in 2024.
11.9%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP (2024).
1.5%: Unemployment rate (2024).
54.3%: Household consumption share of GDP (2023).
4.3%: Population below the poverty line (2022).

Government

Vietnam is governed as a socialist republic under the leadership of the Communist Party, with Hanoi serving as its capital. The political structure includes a National Assembly and a president indirectly elected by its members. The latest constitution was adopted in 2013, emphasizing a legal system influenced by civil law standards.

Hanoi: Capital city, located at 21°02' N, 105°51' E.
500: Number of seats in the National Assembly.
18 years: Minimum voting age.
President: Luong Cuong (since October 2024).
Prime Minister: Pham Minh Chinh (since July 2021).

Military and Security

The People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) is a significant military force that includes ground forces, a navy, and an air defense system. Vietnam has a mandatory military service policy and has diversified its arms suppliers in recent years. Military spending is approximately 1.8% of GDP.

450,000: Active-duty personnel (expected by 2025).
1.8%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2023).
18: Mandatory military service age for men and women.

Energy

Vietnam has achieved 100% electricity access as of 2022, with significant installed capacity from various energy sources, including fossil fuels and hydroelectric power. The energy sector is evolving with increased emphasis on renewable energy sources.

277.5 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
85.725 million kW: Installed generating capacity (2023).
50.6%: Portion of electricity capacity from fossil fuels (2023).

Environment

Vietnam faces several environmental issues, including deforestation, water pollution, and air quality concerns. The country is a participant in numerous international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these challenges.

39.3%: Agricultural land as of 2022.
4: Global geoparks and regional networks (2025).
305.4 million metric tons: Carbon dioxide emissions (2023).

Transportation

Vietnam has a developing transportation infrastructure that includes roadways, railways, and a growing number of airports. The total railway length is around 2,600 kilometers, and there are 36 airports planned by 2025.

36: Total number of airports (2025).
2,600 km: Total length of railways.
1,973: Merchant marine vessels (2022).

Communications

Vietnam's communication sector is expanding, with a high rate of mobile phone subscriptions and internet usage. Approximately 78% of the population are internet users, reflecting the country's growing digital engagement.

131 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
78%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023).
22.8 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	105,758,975	Estimated for 2024
Total Area	331,210 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.456 trillion	Projected for 2024
Energy Consumption	40.263 million Btu/person	In 2023
Birth Rate	14.9 births/1,000 population	For 2024
Unemployment Rate	1.5%	For 2024
Life Expectancy	76.1 years	For 2024
Literacy Rate	96%	Estimated for 2022
Military Expenditure	1.8% of GDP	For 2023
Total Fertility Rate	2.03 children/woman	For 2024