Socialist republic since 1980. Gained independence from France in 1954. Vietnamese is the official language. English, French, Chinese and occasionally Russian and German are spoken. Outgoing international code is 00.
Facilities are available in most towns.
Postal services can be slow. Airmail to Europe can take up to three weeks. The Vietnam Economic Times, Vietnam Investment Review, Saigon Times, Vietnam News and Vietnam Courier are published in English. From time to time these change.