Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a country located on the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia. It borders China to the north, and Laos and Cambodia to the west. Its capital is Hanoi, though its largest city is Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is known for its diverse geography, including mountains (approximately 75% of the land area), the Red River and Mekong River deltas, and a long coastline of over 3,444 km. As of 2019, the population was approximately 96.5 million.
Vietnam has a rich and complex history, marked by periods of Chinese rule, French colonization, and the Vietnam War. In 1986, the country launched "Doi Moi" (renovation) policy which focused on economic reform, shifting towards a socialist-oriented market economy. This has led to significant economic growth, making Vietnam the world's second-largest exporter of coffee and the largest exporter of black pepper and cashew nuts. The culture of Vietnam is a blend of local traditions with influences from China, other Asian countries, and the West. There are 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, each with their own unique languages and cultural heritage.