Atrocities were perpetrated by troops of all sides. Today as Vietnam enjoys peace, it faces many challenges during its post-war reconstruction. The country's gross national product places it as one of the world's poorest nations. Poverty dots the landscape, while cities like Ho Chi Minh City flaunts its new-found consumerism and affluence. The rate of HIV infection and AIDS in Vietnam is a serious public health problem.
Corruption still thrives, along with the black market.
Issues such as religious freedom remain contentious. While Vietnam has succeeded in areas such as promoting literacy among its people, the country faces daunting challenges on many fronts, educationally, socially and economically. Medical resources in Vietnam are sparse, and where available are unevenly distributed. The infrastructure in Vietnam needs reconstruction. More schools and hospitals still need to be built.