People's Republic of Vietnam

==Introduction ::Vietnam==
Background: 	
The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but France continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by communist forces under Ho Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the communist North and anti-communist South. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country under communist rule. Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the country experienced little economic growth because of conservative leadership policies, the persecution and mass exodus of individuals - many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants - and growing international isolation. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, Vietnamese authorities have committed to increased economic liberalization and enacted structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The communist leaders, however, maintain control on political expression and have resisted outside calls to improve human rights. The country continues to experience small-scale protests from various groups - the vast majority connected to land-use issues, calls for increased political space, and the lack of equitable mechanisms for resolving disputes. Various ethnic minorities, such as the Montagnards of the Central Highlands and the Khmer Krom in the southern delta region, have also held protestsGeography ::Vietnam{| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"	The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but France continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by communist forces under Ho Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the communist North and anti-communist South. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country under communist rule. Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the country experienced little economic growth because of conservative leadership policies, the persecution and mass exodus of individuals - many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants - and growing international isolation. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, Vietnamese authorities have committed to increased economic liberalization and enacted structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The communist leaders, however, maintain control on political expression and have resisted outside calls to improve human rights. The country continues to experience small-scale protests from various groups - the vast majority connected to land-use issues, calls for increased political space, and the lack of equitable mechanisms for resolving disputes. Various ethnic minorities, such as the Montagnards of the Central Highlands and the Khmer Krom in the southern delta region, have also held protestsGeography ::Vietnam{| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"
Location: 	
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, as well as China, Laos, and Cambodia 	Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, as well as China, Laos, and Cambodia
 	
coordinates Geographic coordinates: 	
16 10 N, 107 50 E 	16 10 N, 107 50 E
 	
references Map references: 	
Southeast Asia 	Southeast Asia
 	
Area: 	
total: 331,210 sq kmcountry comparison to the world: 66 land: 310,070 sq km water: 21,140 sq km 	total: 331,210 sq kmcountry comparison to the world: 66 land: 310,070 sq km water: 21,140 sq km
 	
- comparative Area - comparative: 	
slightly larger than New Mexico 	slightly larger than New Mexico
 	
boundaries Land boundaries: 	
total: 4,639 kmborder countries: Cambodia 1,228 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 2,130 km 	total: 4,639 kmborder countries: Cambodia 1,228 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 2,130 km
 	
Coastline: 	
3,444 km (excludes islands) 	3,444 km (excludes islands)
 	
claims Maritime claims: 	
territorial sea: 12 nmcontiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin 	territorial sea: 12 nmcontiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
 	
Climate: 	
tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March) 	tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)
 	
Terrain: 	
low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands; hilly, mountainous in far north and northwest 	low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands; hilly, mountainous in far north and northwest
 	
extremes Elevation extremes: 	
lowest point: South China Sea 0 mhighest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m 	lowest point: South China Sea 0 mhighest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m
 	
resources Natural resources: 	
phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits, timber, hydropower 	phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits, timber, hydropower
 	
use Land use: 	
arable land: 19.64%permanent crops: 11.18% other: 69.18% (2011) 	arable land: 19.64%permanent crops: 11.18% other: 69.18% (2011)
 	
land Irrigated land: 	
45,850 sq km (2005) 	45,850 sq km (2005)
 	
renewable water resources Total renewable water resources: 	
884.1 cu km (2011) 	884.1 cu km (2011)
 	
withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural) Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural): 	
total: 82.03 cu km/yr (1%/4%/95%)per capita: 965 cu m/yr (2005) 	total: 82.03 cu km/yr (1%/4%/95%)per capita: 965 cu m/yr (2005)
 	
hazards Natural hazards: 	
occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding, especially in the Mekong River delta 	occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding, especially in the Mekong River delta
 	
- current issues Environment - current issues: 	
logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices contribute to deforestation and soil degradation; water pollution and overfishing threaten marine life populations; groundwater contamination limits potable water supply; growing urban industrialization and population migration are rapidly degrading environment in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City 	logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices contribute to deforestation and soil degradation; water pollution and overfishing threaten marine life populations; groundwater contamination limits potable water supply; growing urban industrialization and population migration are rapidly degrading environment in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
 	
- international agreements Environment - international agreements: 	
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlandssigned, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements 	party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlandssigned, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
 	
- note Geography - note: 	
extending 1,650 km north to south, the country is only 50 km across at its narrowest point==People and Society ::Vietnam=={| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;" 	extending 1,650 km north to south, the country is only 50 km across at its narrowest point==People and Society ::Vietnam=={| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"
Nationality: 	
noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)adjective: Vietnamese 	noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)adjective: Vietnamese
 	
groups Ethnic groups: 	
Kinh (Viet) 85.7%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.8%, Muong 1.5%, Khmer 1.5%, Mong 1.2%, Nung 1.1%, others 5.3% (1999 census) 	Kinh (Viet) 85.7%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.8%, Muong 1.5%, Khmer 1.5%, Mong 1.2%, Nung 1.1%, others 5.3% (1999 census)
 	
Languages: 	
Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer, mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian) 	Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer, mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)
 	
Religions: 	
Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census) 	Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census)
 	
Population: 	
92,477,857 (July 2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 15 	92,477,857 (July 2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 15
 	
structure Age structure: 	
0-14 years: 24.6% (male 11,931,623/female 10,807,661)15-24 years: 18.4% (male 8,796,395/female 8,215,536) 25-54 years: 44.4% (male 20,554,252/female 20,551,460) 55-64 years: 7% (male 2,936,340/female 3,517,538) 65 years and over: 5.6% (male 1,986,839/female 3,180,213) (2013 est.) population pyramid: 	0-14 years: 24.6% (male 11,931,623/female 10,807,661)15-24 years: 18.4% (male 8,796,395/female 8,215,536) 25-54 years: 44.4% (male 20,554,252/female 20,551,460) 55-64 years: 7% (male 2,936,340/female 3,517,538) 65 years and over: 5.6% (male 1,986,839/female 3,180,213) (2013 est.) population pyramid:
 	
ratios Dependency ratios: 	
total dependency ratio: 41.4 %youth dependency ratio: 32.1 % elderly dependency ratio: 9.3 % potential support ratio: 10.7 (2013) 	total dependency ratio: 41.4 %youth dependency ratio: 32.1 % elderly dependency ratio: 9.3 % potential support ratio: 10.7 (2013)
 	
age Median age: 	
total: 28.7 yearsmale: 27.6 years female: 29.7 years (2013 est.) 	total: 28.7 yearsmale: 27.6 years female: 29.7 years (2013 est.)
 	
growth rate Population growth rate: 	
1.03% (2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 113 	1.03% (2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 113
 	
rate Birth rate: 	
16.56 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 122 	16.56 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 122
 	
rate Death rate: 	
5.94 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 168 	5.94 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 168
 	
migration rate Net migration rate: 	
-0.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 128 	-0.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 128
 	
Urbanization: 	
urban population: 31% of total population (2011)rate of urbanization: 3.03% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.) 	urban population: 31% of total population (2011)rate of urbanization: 3.03% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
 	
urban areas - population Major urban areas - population: 	
Ho Chi Minh City 5.976 million; HANOI (capital) 2.668 million; Haiphong 1.941 million; Da Nang 807,000 (2009) 	Ho Chi Minh City 5.976 million; HANOI (capital) 2.668 million; Haiphong 1.941 million; Da Nang 807,000 (2009)
 	
ratio Sex ratio: 	
at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female0-14 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.83 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2013 est.) 	at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female0-14 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.83 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
 	
mean age at first birth Mother's mean age at first birth: 	
22.6 (2002 est.) 	22.6 (2002 est.)
 	
mortality rate Maternal mortality rate: 	
59 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)country comparison to the world: 102 	59 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)country comparison to the world: 102
 	
mortality rate Infant mortality rate: 	
total: 19.61 deaths/1,000 live birthscountry comparison to the world: 95 male: 19.97 deaths/1,000 live births female: 19.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.) 	total: 19.61 deaths/1,000 live birthscountry comparison to the world: 95 male: 19.97 deaths/1,000 live births female: 19.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
 	
expectancy at birth Life expectancy at birth: 	
total population: 72.65 yearscountry comparison to the world: 130 male: 70.2 years female: 75.4 years (2013 est.) 	total population: 72.65 yearscountry comparison to the world: 130 male: 70.2 years female: 75.4 years (2013 est.)
 	
fertility rate Total fertility rate: 	
1.87 children born/woman (2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 143 	1.87 children born/woman (2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 143
 	
prevalence rate Contraceptive prevalence rate: 	
77.8% (2010/11) 	77.8% (2010/11)
 	
expenditures Health expenditures: 	
6.8% of GDP (2011)country comparison to the world: 86 	6.8% of GDP (2011)country comparison to the world: 86
 	
density Physicians density: 	
1.224 physicians/1,000 population (2008) 	1.224 physicians/1,000 population (2008)
 	
bed density Hospital bed density: 	
2.2 beds/1,000 population (2010) 	2.2 beds/1,000 population (2010)
 	
water source Drinking water source: 	
improved:urban: 99% of populationrural: 93% of populationtotal: 95% of populationunimproved:urban: 1% of populationrural: 7% of populationtotal: 5% of population (2010 est.) 	improved:urban: 99% of populationrural: 93% of populationtotal: 95% of populationunimproved:urban: 1% of populationrural: 7% of populationtotal: 5% of population (2010 est.)
 	
facility access Sanitation facility access: 	
improved:urban: 94% of populationrural: 68% of populationtotal: 76% of populationunimproved:urban: 6% of populationrural: 32% of populationtotal: 24% of population (2010 est.) 	improved:urban: 94% of populationrural: 68% of populationtotal: 76% of populationunimproved:urban: 6% of populationrural: 32% of populationtotal: 24% of population (2010 est.)
 	
- adult prevalence rate HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 	
0.4% (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 70 	0.4% (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 70
 	
- people living with HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 	
280,000 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 21 	280,000 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 21
 	
- deaths HIV/AIDS - deaths: 	
14,000 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 21 	14,000 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 21
 	
infectious diseases Major infectious diseases: 	
degree of risk: very highfood or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2013) 	degree of risk: very highfood or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2013)
 	
- adult prevalence rate Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 	
1.7% (2008)country comparison to the world: 186 	1.7% (2008)country comparison to the world: 186
 	
under the age of 5 years underweight Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 	
20.2% (2008)country comparison to the world: 35 	20.2% (2008)country comparison to the world: 35
 	
expenditures Education expenditures: 	
6.6% of GDP (2010)country comparison to the world: 29 	6.6% of GDP (2010)country comparison to the world: 29
 	
Literacy: 	
definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 93.4% male: 95.4% female: 91.4% (2011 est.) 	definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 93.4% male: 95.4% female: 91.4% (2011 est.)
 	
life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): 	
total: 10 yearsmale: 11 years female: 10 years (2001) 	total: 10 yearsmale: 11 years female: 10 years (2001)
 	
labor - children ages 5-14 Child labor - children ages 5-14: 	
total number: 2,545,616percentage: 16 % (2006 est.) 	total number: 2,545,616percentage: 16 % (2006 est.)
 	
youth ages 15-24 Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: 	
total: 4.6%country comparison to the world: 134 male: 4.4% female: 4.9% (2004) 	total: 4.6%country comparison to the world: 134 male: 4.4% female: 4.9% (2004)
conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnamconventional short form: Vietnam local long form: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam local short form: Viet Nam abbreviation: SRV 	conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnamconventional short form: Vietnam local long form: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam local short form: Viet Nam abbreviation: SRV
 	
type Government type: 	
Communist state 	Communist state
 	
Capital: 	
name: Hanoi (Ha Noi)geographic coordinates: 21 02 N, 105 51 E time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) 	name: Hanoi (Ha Noi)geographic coordinates: 21 02 N, 105 51 E time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
 	
divisions Administrative divisions: 	
58 provinces (tinh, singular and plural) and 5 municipalities (thanh pho, singular and plural)provinces: An Giang, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Bac Lieu, Bac Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau, Cao Bang, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Dien Bien, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Ha Nam, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong, Hau Giang, Hoa Binh, Hung Yen, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam Dong, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Phu Tho, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phuc, Yen Bai municipalities: Can Tho, Da Nang, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) 	58 provinces (tinh, singular and plural) and 5 municipalities (thanh pho, singular and plural)provinces: An Giang, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Bac Lieu, Bac Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau, Cao Bang, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Dien Bien, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Ha Nam, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong, Hau Giang, Hoa Binh, Hung Yen, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam Dong, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Phu Tho, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phuc, Yen Bai municipalities: Can Tho, Da Nang, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
 	
Independence: 	
2 September 1945 (from France) 	2 September 1945 (from France)
 	
holiday National holiday: 	
Independence Day, 2 September (1945) 	Independence Day, 2 September (1945)
 	
system Legal system: 	
civil law system; note - the civil code of 2005 reflects a European-style civil law 	civil law system; note - the civil code of 2005 reflects a European-style civil law
 	
law organization participation International law organization participation: 	
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt 	has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
 	
Suffrage: 	
18 years of age; universal 	18 years of age; universal
 	
branch Executive branch: 	
chief of state: President Truong Tan SANG (since 25 July 2011); Vice President Nguyen Thi DOAN (since 25 July 2007)head of government: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan DUNG (since 27 June 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc DAM (since 13 November 2013), Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung HAI (since 2 August 2007), Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh MINH (since 13 November 2013), Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van NINH (since 3 August 2011), and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan PHUC (since 3 August 2011) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president based on proposal of prime minister and confirmed by National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website )elections: president elected by the National Assembly from among its members for five-year term; last election held 25 July 2011 (next to be held in July 2016); prime minister appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers appointed by the prime minister; appointment of prime minister and deputy prime ministers confirmed by National Assembly election results: Truong Tan SANG elected president, percent of National Assembly vote - 97%; Nguyen Tan DUNG elected prime minister, percent of National Assembly vote - 94%	chief of state: President Truong Tan SANG (since 25 July 2011); Vice President Nguyen Thi DOAN (since 25 July 2007)head of government: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan DUNG (since 27 June 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc DAM (since 13 November 2013), Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung HAI (since 2 August 2007), Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh MINH (since 13 November 2013), Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van NINH (since 3 August 2011), and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan PHUC (since 3 August 2011) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president based on proposal of prime minister and confirmed by National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website )elections: president elected by the National Assembly from among its members for five-year term; last election held 25 July 2011 (next to be held in July 2016); prime minister appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers appointed by the prime minister; appointment of prime minister and deputy prime ministers confirmed by National Assembly election results: Truong Tan SANG elected president, percent of National Assembly vote - 97%; Nguyen Tan DUNG elected prime minister, percent of National Assembly vote - 94%
 	
branch Legislative branch: 	
unicameral National Assembly or Quoc Hoi (500 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)elections: last held on 22 May 2011 (next to be held in May 2016) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPV 458, non-party CPV-approved 38, self-nominated 4; note - 500 candidates were elected; the 496 CPV and non-party CPV-approved delegates were members of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front and were vetted prior to the election 	unicameral National Assembly or Quoc Hoi (500 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)elections: last held on 22 May 2011 (next to be held in May 2016) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPV 458, non-party CPV-approved 38, self-nominated 4; note - 500 candidates were elected; the 496 CPV and non-party CPV-approved delegates were members of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front and were vetted prior to the election
 	
branch Judicial branch: 	
highest court(s): Supreme People's Court (consists of the chief justice and 13 judges)judge selection and term of office: chief justice elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president for a 5-year, renewable term; other judges appointed by the president for 5-year terms subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; administrative, civil, criminal, economic, and labor courts; Central Military Court; People's Special Courts; note - the National Assembly can establish special tribunals 	highest court(s): Supreme People's Court (consists of the chief justice and 13 judges)judge selection and term of office: chief justice elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president for a 5-year, renewable term; other judges appointed by the president for 5-year terms subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; administrative, civil, criminal, economic, and labor courts; Central Military Court; People's Special Courts; note - the National Assembly can establish special tribunals
 	
parties and leaders Political parties and leaders: 	
Communist Party of Vietnam or CPV [Nguyen Phu TRONG] note: other parties proscribed 	Communist Party of Vietnam or CPV [Nguyen Phu TRONG] note: other parties proscribed
 	
pressure groups and leaders Political pressure groups and leaders: 	
8406 BlocDemocratic Party of Vietnam or DPVPeople's Democratic Party Vietnam or PDP-VNAlliance for Democracy note: these groups advocate democracy but are not recognized by the government 	8406 BlocDemocratic Party of Vietnam or DPVPeople's Democratic Party Vietnam or PDP-VNAlliance for Democracy note: these groups advocate democracy but are not recognized by the government
 	
organization participation International organization participation: 	
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO 	ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
 	
representation in the US Diplomatic representation in the US: 	
chief of mission: Ambassador Nguyen Quoc CUONG (since 2 May 2011)chancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737 FAX: [1] (202) 861-0917 consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco consulate: New York 	chief of mission: Ambassador Nguyen Quoc CUONG (since 2 May 2011)chancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737 FAX: [1] (202) 861-0917 consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco consulate: New York
 	
representation from the US Diplomatic representation from the US: 	
chief of mission: Ambassador David B. SHEAR (since 4 August 2011)embassy: Rose Garden Building, 170 Ngoc Khanh St., Hanoi mailing address: 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi; 4550 Hanoi Place, Washington, DC 20521-4550 telephone: [84] (4) 3850-5000 FAX: [84] (4) 3850-5010 consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City 	chief of mission: Ambassador David B. SHEAR (since 4 August 2011)embassy: Rose Garden Building, 170 Ngoc Khanh St., Hanoi mailing address: 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi; 4550 Hanoi Place, Washington, DC 20521-4550 telephone: [84] (4) 3850-5000 FAX: [84] (4) 3850-5010 consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City
 	
description Flag description: 	
red field with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center; red symbolizes revolution and blood, the five-pointed star represents the five elements of the populace - peasants, workers, intellectuals, traders, and soldiers - that unite to build socialism 	red field with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center; red symbolizes revolution and blood, the five-pointed star represents the five elements of the populace - peasants, workers, intellectuals, traders, and soldiers - that unite to build socialism
 	
symbol(s) National symbol(s): 	
yellow, five-pointed star on red field 	yellow, five-pointed star on red field
 	
anthem National anthem: 	
name: "Tien quan ca" (The Song of the Marching Troops)
lyrics/music: Nguyen Van CAO note: adopted as the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945; it became the national anthem of the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976; although it consists of two verses, only the first is used as the official anthem 	name: "Tien quan ca" (The Song of the Marching Troops)
lyrics/music: Nguyen Van CAO note: adopted as the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945; it became the national anthem of the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976; although it consists of two verses, only the first is used as the official anthem
- overview Economy - overview: 	
Vietnam is a densely-populated developing country that has been transitioning from the rigidities of a centrally-planned economy since 1986. Vietnamese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to economic modernization in recent years. Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization in January 2007, which has promoted more competitive, export-driven industries. Vietnam became an official negotiating partner in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement in 2010. Agriculture's share of economic output has continued to shrink from about 25% in 2000 to less than 22% in 2012, while industry's share increased from 36% to nearly 41% in the same period. State-owned enterprises account for roughly 40% of GDP. Poverty has declined significantly, and Vietnam is working to create jobs to meet the challenge of a labor force that is growing by more than one million people every year. The global recession hurt Vietnam's export-oriented economy, with GDP in 2012 growing at 5%, the slowest rate of growth since 1999. In 2012, however, exports increased by more than 18%, year-on-year; several administrative actions brought the trade deficit back into balance. Between 2008 and 2011, Vietnam's managed currency, the dong, was devalued in excess of 20%, but its value remained stable in 2012. Foreign direct investment inflows fell 4.5% to $10.5 billion in 2012. Foreign donors have pledged $6.5 billion in new development assistance for 2013. Hanoi has oscillated between promoting growth and emphasizing macroeconomic stability in recent years. In February 2011, the government shifted from policies aimed at achieving a high rate of economic growth, which had stoked inflation, to those aimed at stabilizing the economy, through tighter monetary and fiscal control. Although Vietnam unveiled a broad, "three pillar" economic reform program in early 2012, proposing the restructuring of public investment, state-owned enterprises, and the banking sector, little perceptible progress had been made by early 2013. Vietnam's economy continues to face challenges from an undercapitalized banking sector. Non-performing loans weigh heavily on banks and businesses. In September 2012, the official bad debt ratio climbed to 8.8%, though some independent analysts believe it could be higher than 15%.	Vietnam is a densely-populated developing country that has been transitioning from the rigidities of a centrally-planned economy since 1986. Vietnamese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to economic modernization in recent years. Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization in January 2007, which has promoted more competitive, export-driven industries. Vietnam became an official negotiating partner in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement in 2010. Agriculture's share of economic output has continued to shrink from about 25% in 2000 to less than 22% in 2012, while industry's share increased from 36% to nearly 41% in the same period. State-owned enterprises account for roughly 40% of GDP. Poverty has declined significantly, and Vietnam is working to create jobs to meet the challenge of a labor force that is growing by more than one million people every year. The global recession hurt Vietnam's export-oriented economy, with GDP in 2012 growing at 5%, the slowest rate of growth since 1999. In 2012, however, exports increased by more than 18%, year-on-year; several administrative actions brought the trade deficit back into balance. Between 2008 and 2011, Vietnam's managed currency, the dong, was devalued in excess of 20%, but its value remained stable in 2012. Foreign direct investment inflows fell 4.5% to $10.5 billion in 2012. Foreign donors have pledged $6.5 billion in new development assistance for 2013. Hanoi has oscillated between promoting growth and emphasizing macroeconomic stability in recent years. In February 2011, the government shifted from policies aimed at achieving a high rate of economic growth, which had stoked inflation, to those aimed at stabilizing the economy, through tighter monetary and fiscal control. Although Vietnam unveiled a broad, "three pillar" economic reform program in early 2012, proposing the restructuring of public investment, state-owned enterprises, and the banking sector, little perceptible progress had been made by early 2013. Vietnam's economy continues to face challenges from an undercapitalized banking sector. Non-performing loans weigh heavily on banks and businesses. In September 2012, the official bad debt ratio climbed to 8.8%, though some independent analysts believe it could be higher than 15%.
 	
(purchasing power parity) GDP (purchasing power parity): 	
$325.9 billion (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 38 $310.4 billion (2011 est.)$293.1 billion (2010 est.)note: data are in 2012 US dollars 	$325.9 billion (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 38 $310.4 billion (2011 est.)$293.1 billion (2010 est.)note: data are in 2012 US dollars
 	
(official exchange rate) GDP (official exchange rate): 	
$138.1 billion (2012 est.) 	$138.1 billion (2012 est.)
 	
- real growth rate GDP - real growth rate: 	
5% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 62 5.9% (2011 est.)6.8% (2010 est.) 	5% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 62 5.9% (2011 est.)6.8% (2010 est.)
 	
- per capita (PPP) GDP - per capita (PPP): 	
$3,600 (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 167 $3,500 (2011 est.)$3,300 (2010 est.)note: data are in 2012 US dollars 	$3,600 (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 167 $3,500 (2011 est.)$3,300 (2010 est.)note: data are in 2012 US dollars
 	
national saving Gross national saving: 	
39% of GDP (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 14 32.8% of GDP (2011 est.)34.8% of GDP (2010 est.) 	39% of GDP (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 14 32.8% of GDP (2011 est.)34.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
 	
- composition, by end use GDP - composition, by end use: 	
household consumption: 65.7%government consumption: 6.6% investment in fixed capital: 29.7% investment in inventories: 3.5% exports of goods and services: 86.2% imports of goods and services: -91.7% (2012 est.) 	household consumption: 65.7%government consumption: 6.6% investment in fixed capital: 29.7% investment in inventories: 3.5% exports of goods and services: 86.2% imports of goods and services: -91.7% (2012 est.)
 	
- composition, by sector of origin GDP - composition, by sector of origin: 	
agriculture: 19.7%industry: 38.6% services: 41.7% (2012 est.) 	agriculture: 19.7%industry: 38.6% services: 41.7% (2012 est.)
 	
- products Agriculture - products: 	
paddy rice, coffee, rubber, tea, pepper, soybeans, cashews, sugar cane, peanuts, bananas; poultry; fish, seafood 	paddy rice, coffee, rubber, tea, pepper, soybeans, cashews, sugar cane, peanuts, bananas; poultry; fish, seafood
 	
Industries: 	
food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building; mining, coal, steel; cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, mobile phones 	food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building; mining, coal, steel; cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, mobile phones
 	
production growth rate Industrial production growth rate: 	
4.5% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 63 	4.5% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 63
 	
force Labor force: 	
52.29 million (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 12 	52.29 million (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 12
 	
force - by occupation Labor force - by occupation: 	
agriculture: 48%industry: 21% services: 31% (2012) 	agriculture: 48%industry: 21% services: 31% (2012)
 	
rate Unemployment rate: 	
3.2% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 26 3.6% (2011 est.) 	3.2% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 26 3.6% (2011 est.)
 	
below poverty line Population below poverty line: 	
11.3% (2012 est.) 	11.3% (2012 est.)
 	
income or consumption by percentage share Household income or consumption by percentage share: 	
lowest 10%: 3.2%highest 10%: 30.2% (2008) 	lowest 10%: 3.2%highest 10%: 30.2% (2008)
 	
of family income - Gini index Distribution of family income - Gini index: 	
37.6 (2008)country comparison to the world: 75 36.1 (1998) 	37.6 (2008)country comparison to the world: 75 36.1 (1998)
 	
Budget: 	
revenues: $38.89 billionexpenditures: $45.38 billion (2012 est.) 	revenues: $38.89 billionexpenditures: $45.38 billion (2012 est.)
 	
and other revenues Taxes and other revenues: 	
28.2% of GDP (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 123 	28.2% of GDP (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 123
 	
surplus (+) or deficit (-) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 	
-4.7% of GDP (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 149 	-4.7% of GDP (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 149
 	
debt Public debt: 	
48.1% of GDP (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 69 48.8% of GDP (2011 est.)note: official data; data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions 	48.1% of GDP (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 69 48.8% of GDP (2011 est.)note: official data; data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
 	
year Fiscal year: 	
calendar year 	calendar year
 	
rate (consumer prices) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 	
9.1% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 192 18.7% (2011 est.) 	9.1% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 192 18.7% (2011 est.)
 	
bank discount rate Central bank discount rate: 	
9% (31 December 2012)country comparison to the world: 11 15% (31 December 2011) 	9% (31 December 2012)country comparison to the world: 11 15% (31 December 2011)
 	
bank prime lending rate Commercial bank prime lending rate: 	
13.47% (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 30 16.96% (31 December 2011 est.) 	13.47% (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 30 16.96% (31 December 2011 est.)
 	
of narrow money Stock of narrow money: 	
$40.34 billion (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 54 $32.64 billion (31 December 2011 est.) 	$40.34 billion (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 54 $32.64 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
 	
of broad money Stock of broad money: 	
$163.9 billion (30 October 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 45 $132 billion (31 December 2011 est.) 	$163.9 billion (30 October 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 45 $132 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
 	
of domestic credit Stock of domestic credit: 	
$163.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 43 $145.7 billion (31 December 2011 est.) 	$163.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 43 $145.7 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
 	
value of publicly traded shares Market value of publicly traded shares: 	
$38.2 billion (31 December 2011 est.)country comparison to the world: 59 $26 billion (31 December 2011)$37 billion (31 December 2010 est.) 	$38.2 billion (31 December 2011 est.)country comparison to the world: 59 $26 billion (31 December 2011)$37 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
 	
account balance Current account balance: 	
$9.062 billion (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 27 $236 million (2011 est.) 	$9.062 billion (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 27 $236 million (2011 est.)
 	
Exports: 	
$114.6 billion (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 36 $96.91 billion (2011 est.) 	$114.6 billion (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 36 $96.91 billion (2011 est.)
 	
- commodities Exports - commodities: 	
clothes, shoes, electronics, seafood, crude oil, rice, coffee, wooden products, machinery 	clothes, shoes, electronics, seafood, crude oil, rice, coffee, wooden products, machinery
 	
- partners Exports - partners: 	
US 17.8%, Japan 11.8%, China 11.2%, South Korea 5%, Malaysia 4.1% (2012) 	US 17.8%, Japan 11.8%, China 11.2%, South Korea 5%, Malaysia 4.1% (2012)
 	
Imports: 	
$104.7 billion (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 32 $97.36 billion (2011 est.) 	$104.7 billion (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 32 $97.36 billion (2011 est.)
 	
- commodities Imports - commodities: 	
machinery and equipment, petroleum products, steel products, raw materials for the clothing and shoe industries, electronics, plastics, automobiles 	machinery and equipment, petroleum products, steel products, raw materials for the clothing and shoe industries, electronics, plastics, automobiles
 	
- partners Imports - partners: 	
China 25.8%, South Korea 13.9%, Japan 10.4%, Singapore 6%, Thailand 5.2%, US 4.3% (2012) 	China 25.8%, South Korea 13.9%, Japan 10.4%, Singapore 6%, Thailand 5.2%, US 4.3% (2012)
 	
of foreign exchange and gold Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: 	
$26.11 billion (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 55 $14.05 billion (31 December 2011 est.) 	$26.11 billion (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 55 $14.05 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
 	
- external Debt - external: 	
$63.95 billion (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 57 $57.84 billion (31 December 2011 est.) 	$63.95 billion (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 57 $57.84 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
 	
of direct foreign investment - at home Stock of direct foreign investment - at home: 	
$73.71 billion (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 48 $65.35 billion (31 December 2011 est.) 	$73.71 billion (31 December 2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 48 $65.35 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
 	
of direct foreign investment - abroad Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad: 	
$7.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 59 $5.3 billion (31 December 2008) 	$7.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 59 $5.3 billion (31 December 2008)
 	
rates Exchange rates: 	
dong (VND) per US dollar -20,859 (2012 est.)20,649 (2011 est.)18,612.92 (2010 est.)17,799.6 (2009)16,548.3 (2008)==Energy ::Vietnam=={| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;" 	dong (VND) per US dollar -20,859 (2012 est.)20,649 (2011 est.)18,612.92 (2010 est.)17,799.6 (2009)16,548.3 (2008)==Energy ::Vietnam=={| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"
- production Electricity - production: 	
117 billion kWh (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 32 	117 billion kWh (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 32
 	
- consumption Electricity - consumption: 	
104 billion kWh (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 32 	104 billion kWh (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 32
 	
- exports Electricity - exports: 	
964 million kWh (2010 est.)country comparison to the world: 57 	964 million kWh (2010 est.)country comparison to the world: 57
 	
- imports Electricity - imports: 	
2.7 billion kWh (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 48 	2.7 billion kWh (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 48
 	
- installed generating capacity Electricity - installed generating capacity: 	
26.3 million kW (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 31 	26.3 million kW (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 31
 	
- from fossil fuels Electricity - from fossil fuels: 	
55% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 145 	55% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 145
 	
- from nuclear fuels Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 	
0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 200 	0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 200
 	
- from hydroelectric plants Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 	
45% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 50 	45% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 50
 	
- from other renewable sources Electricity - from other renewable sources: 	
0.1% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 97 	0.1% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 97
 	
oil - production Crude oil - production: 	
363,500 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 32 	363,500 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 32
 	
oil - exports Crude oil - exports: 	
188,000 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 30 	188,000 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 30
 	
oil - imports Crude oil - imports: 	
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 139 	0 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 139
 	
oil - proved reserves Crude oil - proved reserves: 	
4.4 billion bbl (1 January 2013 es)country comparison to the world: 25 	4.4 billion bbl (1 January 2013 es)country comparison to the world: 25
 	
petroleum products - production Refined petroleum products - production: 	
112,000 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 72 	112,000 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 72
 	
petroleum products - consumption Refined petroleum products - consumption: 	
259,900 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 47 	259,900 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 47
 	
petroleum products - exports Refined petroleum products - exports: 	
37,050 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 65 	37,050 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 65
 	
petroleum products - imports Refined petroleum products - imports: 	
184,900 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 28 	184,900 bbl/day (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 28
 	
gas - production Natural gas - production: 	
9.3 billion cu m (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 44 	9.3 billion cu m (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 44
 	
gas - consumption Natural gas - consumption: 	
10.2 billion cu m (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 46 	10.2 billion cu m (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 46
 	
gas - exports Natural gas - exports: 	
0 cu m (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 203 	0 cu m (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 203
 	
gas - imports Natural gas - imports: 	
890 million cu m (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 59 	890 million cu m (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 59
 	
gas - proved reserves Natural gas - proved reserves: 	
699.4 billion cu m (1 January 2013 es)country comparison to the world: 30 	699.4 billion cu m (1 January 2013 es)country comparison to the world: 30
 	
dioxide emissions from consumption of energy Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy: 	
112.7 million Mt (2011 est.)country comparison to the world: 38 	112.7 million Mt (2011 est.)country comparison to the world: 38
|}
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==Communications ::Vietnam==
- main lines in use Telephones - main lines in use: 	
10.191 million (2012)country comparison to the world: 21 	10.191 million (2012)country comparison to the world: 21
 	
- mobile cellular Telephones - mobile cellular: 	
134.066 million (2012)country comparison to the world: 8 	134.066 million (2012)country comparison to the world: 8
 	
system Telephone system: 	
general assessment: Vietnam is putting considerable effort into modernization and expansion of its telecommunication systemdomestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or microwave radio relay networks; main lines have been increased, and the use of mobile telephones is growing rapidly international: country code - 84; a landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3, the C2C, and Thailand-Vietnam-Hong Kong submarine cable systems; the Asia-America Gateway submarine cable system, completed in 2009, provided new access links to Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) (2011)	general assessment: Vietnam is putting considerable effort into modernization and expansion of its telecommunication systemdomestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or microwave radio relay networks; main lines have been increased, and the use of mobile telephones is growing rapidly international: country code - 84; a landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3, the C2C, and Thailand-Vietnam-Hong Kong submarine cable systems; the Asia-America Gateway submarine cable system, completed in 2009, provided new access links to Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) (2011)
 	
media Broadcast media: 	
government controls all broadcast media exercising oversight through the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC); government-controlled national TV provider, Vietnam Television (VTV), operates a network of 9 channels with several regional broadcasting centers; programming is relayed nationwide via a network of provincial and municipal TV stations; law limits access to satellite TV but many households are able to access foreign programming via home satellite equipment; government-controlled Voice of Vietnam, the national radio broadcaster, broadcasts on 6 channels and is repeated on AM, FM, and shortwave stations throughout Vietnam (2008) 	government controls all broadcast media exercising oversight through the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC); government-controlled national TV provider, Vietnam Television (VTV), operates a network of 9 channels with several regional broadcasting centers; programming is relayed nationwide via a network of provincial and municipal TV stations; law limits access to satellite TV but many households are able to access foreign programming via home satellite equipment; government-controlled Voice of Vietnam, the national radio broadcaster, broadcasts on 6 channels and is repeated on AM, FM, and shortwave stations throughout Vietnam (2008)
 	
country code Internet country code: 	
.vn 	.vn
 	
hosts Internet hosts: 	
189,553 (2012)country comparison to the world: 74 	189,553 (2012)country comparison to the world: 74
 	
users Internet users: 	
23.382 million (2009)country comparison to the world: 17 	23.382 million (2009)country comparison to the world: 17
==Transportation ::Vietnam==
Airports: 	
45 (2013)country comparison to the world: 96 	45 (2013)country comparison to the world: 96
 	
- with paved runways Airports - with paved runways: 	
total: 38over 3,047 m: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2013) 	total: 38over 3,047 m: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2013)
 	
- with unpaved runways Airports - with unpaved runways: 	
total: 71,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m:3 (2013) 	total: 71,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m:3 (2013)
 	
Heliports: 	
1 (2013) 	1 (2013)
 	
Pipelines: 	
condensate 72 km; condensate/gas 398 km; gas 955 km; oil 128 km; oil/gas/water 33 km; refined products 206 km; water 13 km (2013) 	condensate 72 km; condensate/gas 398 km; gas 955 km; oil 128 km; oil/gas/water 33 km; refined products 206 km; water 13 km (2013)
 	
Railways: 	
total: 2,632 kmcountry comparison to the world: 62 standard gauge: 527 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 2,105 km 1.000-m gauge (2008) 	total: 2,632 kmcountry comparison to the world: 62 standard gauge: 527 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 2,105 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)
 	
Roadways: 	
total: 206,633 kmcountry comparison to the world: 24 paved: 148,338 km unpaved: 47,130 km (2013) 	total: 206,633 kmcountry comparison to the world: 24 paved: 148,338 km unpaved: 47,130 km (2013)
 	
Waterways: 	
47,130 km (30,831 km weight under 50 tons) (2011)country comparison to the world: 4 	47,130 km (30,831 km weight under 50 tons) (2011)country comparison to the world: 4
 	
marine Merchant marine: 	
total: 579country comparison to the world: 20 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 142, cargo 335, chemical tanker 23, container 19, liquefied gas 7, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 48, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1 registered in other countries: 86 (Cambodia 1, Kiribati 2, Mongolia 33, Panama 43, Taiwan 1, Tuvalu 6) (2010) 	total: 579country comparison to the world: 20 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 142, cargo 335, chemical tanker 23, container 19, liquefied gas 7, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 48, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1 registered in other countries: 86 (Cambodia 1, Kiribati 2, Mongolia 33, Panama 43, Taiwan 1, Tuvalu 6) (2010)
 	
and terminals Ports and terminals: 	
Cam Pha Port, Da Nang, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh, Phu My, Quy Nhon 	Cam Pha Port, Da Nang, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh, Phu My, Quy Nhon
 	
- note Transportation - note: 	
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift	the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift
==Military ::Vietnam==
branches Military branches: 	
People's Armed Forces: People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN; includes Vietnam People's Navy (with Naval Infantry), Vietnam People's Air and Air Defense Force, Border Defense Command, Coast Guard) (2013) 	People's Armed Forces: People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN; includes Vietnam People's Navy (with Naval Infantry), Vietnam People's Air and Air Defense Force, Border Defense Command, Coast Guard) (2013)
 	
service age and obligation Military service age and obligation: 	
18-25 years of age for male compulsory and voluntary military service; females may volunteer for active duty military service; conscription typically takes place twice annually and service obligation is 18 months (Army, Air Defense), 2 years (Navy and Air Force); 18-45 years of age (male) or 18-40 years of age (female) for Militia Force or Self Defense Force service; males may enroll in military schools at age 17 (2013) 	18-25 years of age for male compulsory and voluntary military service; females may volunteer for active duty military service; conscription typically takes place twice annually and service obligation is 18 months (Army, Air Defense), 2 years (Navy and Air Force); 18-45 years of age (male) or 18-40 years of age (female) for Militia Force or Self Defense Force service; males may enroll in military schools at age 17 (2013)
 	
available for military service Manpower available for military service: 	
males age 16-49: 25,649,738females age 16-49: 24,995,692 (2010 est.) 	males age 16-49: 25,649,738females age 16-49: 24,995,692 (2010 est.)
 	
fit for military service Manpower fit for military service: 	
males age 16-49: 20,405,847females age 16-49: 21,098,102 (2010 est.) 	males age 16-49: 20,405,847females age 16-49: 21,098,102 (2010 est.)
 	
reaching militarily significant age annually Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually: 	
male: 847,743female: 787,341 (2010 est.) 	male: 847,743female: 787,341 (2010 est.)
 	
expenditures Military expenditures: 	
2.5% of GDP (2005 est.)country comparison to the world:54==Transnational Issues ::Vietnam=={| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;" 	2.5% of GDP (2005 est.)country comparison to the world:54==Transnational Issues ::Vietnam=={| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"
- international Disputes - international: 	
southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; Cambodia and Laos protest Vietnamese squatters and armed encroachments along border; Cambodia accuses Vietnam of a wide variety of illicit cross-border activities; progress on a joint development area with Cambodia is hampered by an unresolved dispute over sovereignty of offshore islands; an estimated 300,000 Vietnamese refugees reside in China; establishment of a maritime boundary with Cambodia is hampered by unresolved dispute over the sovereignty of offshore islands; the decade-long demarcation of the China-Vietnam land boundary was completed in 2009; China occupies the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; Brunei claims a maritime boundary extending beyond as far as a median with Vietnam, thus asserting an implicit claim to Lousia Reef; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; Vietnam continues to expand construction of facilities in the Spratly Islands; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; Economic Exclusion Zone negotiations with Indonesia are ongoing, and the two countries in Fall 2011 agreed to work together to reduce illegal fishing along their maritime boundary	southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; Cambodia and Laos protest Vietnamese squatters and armed encroachments along border; Cambodia accuses Vietnam of a wide variety of illicit cross-border activities; progress on a joint development area with Cambodia is hampered by an unresolved dispute over sovereignty of offshore islands; an estimated 300,000 Vietnamese refugees reside in China; establishment of a maritime boundary with Cambodia is hampered by unresolved dispute over the sovereignty of offshore islands; the decade-long demarcation of the China-Vietnam land boundary was completed in 2009; China occupies the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; Brunei claims a maritime boundary extending beyond as far as a median with Vietnam, thus asserting an implicit claim to Lousia Reef; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; Vietnam continues to expand construction of facilities in the Spratly Islands; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; Economic Exclusion Zone negotiations with Indonesia are ongoing, and the two countries in Fall 2011 agreed to work together to reduce illegal fishing along their maritime boundary
 	
and internally displaced persons Refugees and internally displaced persons: 	
stateless persons: 11,500 (2012); note - Vietnam's stateless ethnic Chinese Cambodian population dates to the 1970s when thousands of Cambodians fled to Vietnam to escape the Khmer Rouge and were no longer recognized as Cambodian citizens; Vietnamese women who gave up their citizenship to marry foreign men have found themselves stateless after divorcing and returning home to Vietnam; the government addressed this problem in 2009, and Vietnamese women are beginning to reclaim their citizenship 	stateless persons: 11,500 (2012); note - Vietnam's stateless ethnic Chinese Cambodian population dates to the 1970s when thousands of Cambodians fled to Vietnam to escape the Khmer Rouge and were no longer recognized as Cambodian citizens; Vietnamese women who gave up their citizenship to marry foreign men have found themselves stateless after divorcing and returning home to Vietnam; the government addressed this problem in 2009, and Vietnamese women are beginning to reclaim their citizenship
 	
drugs Illicit drugs: 	
minor producer of opium poppy; probable minor transit point for Southeast Asian heroin; government continues to face domestic opium/heroin/methamphetamine addiction problems despite longstanding crackdowns 	minor producer of opium poppy; probable minor transit point for Southeast Asian heroin; government continues to face domestic opium/heroin/methamphetamine addiction problems despite longstanding crackdowns
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Category:People's Republic of Vietnam
Category:EOEP2
Category:Player State
Category:Nation
Category:Incomplete
Category:International Union Member