- Geography

Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter “S”, China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.

The country’s total length from north to south is 1,650km. Its width, stretching from east to west, is 600km at the widest point in the north, 400km in the south, and 50km at the narrowest part, in the centre, in Quang Binh province. The coastline is 3,260km long the inland border is 4,510km. Vietnam is also a transport junction from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

- Climate

Vietnam’s climate is characterized by strong monsoons, a considerable number of sunny days, high levels of rainfall, and high humidity.

Although the entire country lies in the tropics and subtropics, it presents a very diverse climate according to its different altitudes and latitudes. Winters can be quite cold in the North, while the South offer subequatorial temperature all year - round. Some mountains regions have temperate climates.

Annual average temperature for the whole country ranges from 22^oC to 27^oC. The average temperature is 23^oC in Hanoi, 26^oC in Ho Chi Minh City, and 25^oC in Hue. The climate is generally divided into two seasons: the cold season (from November to April the next year) and the hot season (from May to October). Differences of 12^oC can be observed in the Northern provinces. However, in Southern Vietnam, the difference in temperature between the two seasons, estimated at 3^oC, is almost unnoticeable.

- Population and People

The Vietnamese population was born through a mix of two major ancient cultures: the Chinese and the Indian. Thus a peculiar trait of Vietnam’s culture was formed. As far as anthropology is concerned, the Vietnamese people have their origins in the Mongoloid race, believed to be one of the most ancient races and often found in northern and eastern Asia.

At present, there are 54 different ethnic groups inhabitting Vietnam. The King people or Viet represnet 80% of the whole population. Many minorities possesses its own traditions and language. On the whole, the Vietnamese speak the languages of eight different groups:

+ The Viet-Muong Group includes four ethnic groups: Chut, Kinh, Muong, Tho.

+ The Tay-Thai Group includes eight ethnic groups: Bo Y, Giay, Lao, Lu, Nung, San Chay, Tay, Thai.

+ The Mon-Khmer Group includes 21 ethnic groups: Ba Na, Brau, Bru-Van Kieu, Cho Ro, Co, Co Ho, Co Tu, Gie Trieng, Hre, Khang, Khmer, Kho Mu, Ma, Mang: M’Nong, O Du, Ro Man, Ta Oi, Xinh Mun, Xo Dang, Xtieng.

+ The Mong-Dao Group includes Dao, Mong, Pa Then.

+ The Kadai Group includes four ethnic groups: Co Lao, La Chi, La Ha, Pu Peo.

+ The Nam Dao Group includes five ethnic groups: Cham, Chu Ru, E De, Gia Rai, Ra Giai.

+ The Han Group includes three ethnic groups: Hoa, Ngai, San Diu.

+ The Tang Group includes six ethnic groups: Cong, Ha Nhi, La Hu, Lo Lo, Phu La, Si La.

- Culture

The basis of traditional culture in Vietnam is folk culture, which includes a rich treasure of literature, traditional customs, clothing, dance, traditonal music, musical instruments, traditional Fine Arts, architecture, traditional sculpture, traditional Pottery & Ceramics, Fine Arts & Handicrafts, festival, Vietnamese foods, fruits, flowers,...