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Viet Nam

Viet Nam Flag
Viet Nam
Viet Nam Flag
Flag

The Vietnamese flag is said to be have been used for the first time in the early 1940s during an uprising against the French. The flag was adopted on September 5, 1945, by Viet Minh leader Ho Chi Minh when proclaimed the independence of Viet Nam. After the First Indochina War on November 30, 1955, the flag was modified to make the rays of the star sharper and used as the flag of North Viet Nam. Later, in 1976, the flag was adopted as the flag of the unified Viet Nam. The red background symbolizes bloodshed and the national spirit. The five golden rays of the star represent the unity of workers, peasants, intellectuals, youths (or businessmen) and soldiers.

Emblem

The national emblem of Viet Nam has a red background, a golden star, and a cog that represents the prosperity of Viet Nam. There is also a scroll with the inscription "Socialist Republic of Viet Nam." Rice ears surround the whole emblem.

Viet Nam Emblem
Viet Nam Map
Capital : Hanoi
  • Population

    94.58 million
    (2018, IMF)

  • Area

    330,341㎢
    (1.5 times larger than the Korean Peninsula)

  • Official name

    Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

  • Location

    In the middle of the Indochina Peninsula; bordered with China, Laos, and Cambodia

  • Ethnic groups

    Vietnamese (86%) and 53 other minority groups

  • Religion(s)

    Buddhist (12%), Roman Catholic (7%), etc.

  • Language(s)

    Vietnamese (official language)

  • Climate

    Subtropical in the northern region, tropical monsoon in the southern region

    • Average annual temperature: 24.1℃ (northern: 23.2℃, central: 24.1℃, southern: 27.1℃)
    • Humidity: Monthly average 83%
    • Average annual rainfall: 2,151 mm (2.4 times more than Korea)

Viet Nam Timeline

  • 1945
    • Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Viet Nam (Democratic Republic of Viet Nam)
  • 1950
    • Foundation of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam
      Anti-French Resistance War (First Indochina War)
      * France surrendered in April 1954 at Dien Bien Phu
  • 1954
    • Geneva Conference (division of Viet Nam at 17° north latitude)
  • 1955
    • Forming of South Viet Nam with the support of the United States
  • 1960
    • Forming of the National Liberation Front (aka Viet Cong)
  • 1965
    • American War (Second Indochina War)
  • 1973
    • Signing of the Paris Peace Accords (withdrawal of the U.S. forces)
  • 1975
    • Spread of communism in Viet Nam (fall of Saigon in April)
  • 1976
    • Foundation of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (election for reunification)
  • 1977
    • Joined the United Nations
  • 1978
    • Invaded Cambodia
  • 1979
    • Sino-Vietnamese War
      ※ Also referred to as the Third Indochina War
  • 1986
    • Launched a political renewal of Doi Moi
  • 1989
    • Withdrew military forces from Cambodia
  • 1991
    • Normalization of diplomatic relations with China
  • 1992
    • Establishment of diplomatic relations with Korea
  • 1995
    • Establishment of diplomatic relations with the United States Joined ASEAN
  • 1998
    • Joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
  • 2004
    • Held the 5th ASEM Summit
  • 2006
    • Held the 13th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting
  • 2007
    • Joined the WTO
  • 2010
    • Appointed as ASEAN Chair
      Held the ASEAN Plus Three Summit
  • 2017
    • Held the 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting
 
 
 
TipUseful information
on the culture of Viet Nam
Characteristics
  • Vietnamese are greatly proud of their history of not having surrendered to foreign influences. People from the northern regions tend to be discipline and tolerant, while those from the southern regions are more open-minded and optimistic with their natural conditions, such as plentiful crops. The culture and customs of traditional Confucianism and Buddhism are formed throughout society. Great importance is put in personal connections, as they play a critical role solving different types of situations.
The four values of Vietnamese
  • Devotion to family and the importance of good reputation : Family is the core unit of Vietnamese society; therefore, a child's devotion to his or her parents is considered an important virtue. An individual's disgraceful act results in blaming the whole family and ancestors, while an individual's virtue and success are thought to be the whole family's honor and pride.
  • The importance of good reputation : Losing face is critical in a community-oriented society like Viet Nam. An individual's reputation is more valued than wealth, and people pray for a good reputation even after death.
  • Passion for knowledge and leaning : Vietnamese consider a person with knowledge and virtue the most ideal being. They value knowledge and education, so people who received higher education tend to have higher social status.
  • Respect toward people with more or higher age, status, or position : Vietnamese especially respect people who are recognized for heroic actions, who studied more, and who have higher virtues. They expect an extent of respect from others depending on their age, status, position, and virtue.
Women's active social participation
  • Females take up a meaningful proportion in the Communist Party, government, and other important positions in society. National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, National Assembly Deputy Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong, Head of the Central Committee for Mass Mobilization Truong Thi Mai, and Vice President of Viet Nam Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh are some important female leaders of Viet Nam. The Vietnamese government encourages the employment of female workers, offering corporates that hire at least a certain proportion of female workers with tax incentives, such as deduction of income tax.
Traditional Culture
  • Ao Dai : Ao dai which translates to long clothing is a traditional garment worn by Vietnamese women since the 19th century. The clothing was banned in 1976 for reasons that it was unsuitable and too appealing for work. In 1986, after the launching of Doi Moi, the attire was accepted again, and is used as formal wear as well as school and institution uniforms today.
  • Non : A hat made with palm leaves symbolize Viet Nam along with the ao dai. It became popular in the 13th-15th century during the Tran dynasty. It can be used as an umbrella, sun shade, fan, or more.
Customs
  • Tet : Tet is the greatest Vietnamese holiday observed on January 1, according to the Lunar Calendar. Households are decorated with peach blossoms and kumquat trees. Relatives, teachers, and neighbors visit house to house to wish each other prosperity and luck. Children receive money from their elders.
  • Mid-Autumn Festival : This day is celebrated on August 15 according to the Lunar Calendar, when people share mooncakes and view the full moon, display lanterns, and watch lion dance performances. It is considered to be a children's celebration, so children are given toys, candies, and masks.
  • Numbers : The number 9 is thought to be the best and sacred number, while 13 is thought to be a number of bad luck. The number 5 in Vietnamese is pronounced similarly to the Vietnamese word for "danger," so people tend to avoid anything that add up to 5 or numbers that end in 5 like 15 or 25.
  • 12 Zodiac signs : Influenced by the Chinese culture, Vietnamese recognize years by associating them with the twelve zodiac animals. It has been modified in its own unique culture, so the twelve zodiac animals differ to the ones of Korea.