The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Independence was declared after World War II, but the French continued to rule until 1954 when they were defeated by Communist forces under Ho Chi MINH, who took control of the North. 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military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973.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. The country continues to experience protests from the Montagnard ethnic minority population of the Central Highlands over loss of land to Vietnamese settlers and religious persecution.

The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, and the climate is warm and humid. Unemployment is approximately 2% and 29% of the population is below the poverty line.

POPULATION
Population of the country is 83,535,576 (July 2005 est.) with a population growth rate of 1.04% (2005 est.).

ETHNIC GROUPS
There are 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam, of which the Kinh (Viet) people are the majority (86.2%). 53 other ethnic groups represent the rest of the population, the biggest ones are the Tay (1.9%), Thai (1.7%), Muong (1.5%), Khme (1.4%), Hoa (1.1%), Nung (1.1%), H'mong (1%). The other ethnic groups form the other 4.1%.

Each ethnic group have developed their own language and identity, thus making the Vietnamese culture, long known for its variety, a well blended combination of different cultures.

LANGUAGE
Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

RELIGION
Buddhist 54.14%, non-Religious 21.8%, Christian 8.16%, Traditional ethnic 8.1%, Hoa Hao/Cao Dai 5.6%, Chinese 1.1%, Muslim 0.7%, Baha’I 0.4%

CURRENCY
The local currency used is dong (VND).

Foreign currencies and travelers’ cheques can be exchanged into Vietnamese Dong at banks or foreign exchange agencies. Credit cards are accepted in cities and big tourist centers.

VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Most visitors to Vietnam need a visa to enter the country except the citizens of the following countries:

Visitors can obtain their visa at any Vietnamese embassy or consulates in a country near to your location. Visit website http://www.vietnamtourism.com/e_pages/useful/useful.asp for the list of Vietnam Embassies and Consulate Offices in foreign countries.

Tourist visas are valid for 30 days starting from the day you enter the country, and may be extended upon your arrival in Vietnam. Submit your visa application form, along with two standard passport photos, your passport and the required fee. It takes 4-10 days for the visa to be issued.

AIRPORT TAX
Any passengers departing Vietnam on international flights will need to pay a departure tax of US$12 (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi) and US$8 (Da Nang), payable in US Dollars or Dong.

ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Vietnam is mainly 220V but in some areas 110V is also used. Plugs are mostly flat pin.

TAP WATER
Tap water should be avoided, even if it is marked as 'filtered and sterilised'. Drink bottled water with the seal intact. Avoid having ice put in your drinks, except in large international hotels where it is usually safe.

VACCINATIONS
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming from or passing through an infected area. It is advisable to check for updated health recommendations before your departure to Vietnam regarding malaria etc.

CLIMATE
Because of its geography, the climate in Vietnam varies greatly from north to south. Tropical monsoons occur from May to October. It is almost totally dry throughout the rest of the year.

TIME
GMT +7

CLOTHING
It seems that it is always raining somewhere in Vietnam, so lightweight rain gear is essential. In the hot months, dress cool but conservative.

ALWAYS dress appropriately so as not to offend the local people. Vietnamese have conservative dress codes and it is only in larger cities that these codes are relaxed a little. Do not wear revealing clothing.

Sources:
CIA world fact book, August 2005
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
Vietnam Travel guide
Vietnam travel and tourist information
Vietnam Country Guide
Operation World, 21st Century Edition (2001) by Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk

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