Vietnam
Vietnam
- Capital
- Hanoi
- Population
- 97,338,583
- Region
- Asia
- Languages
- Vietnamese
Vietnam is the world's leading producer and exporter of cashews, accounting for over half of the global market. The country also boasts a unique culinary heritage where coffee is often served with a creamy layer of whisked egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk. Descending into the heart of the jungle, travelers can find Hang Son Doong, which is officially recognized as the largest cave passage in the world. It is so massive that it contains its own internal localized weather system, complete with clouds and rain.
Currency
The official currency is the Vietnamese đồng, identified by the ISO code VND. Interestingly, the name 'đồng' originally referred to copper coins used in the dynastic era, and today the currency is notable for using durable polymer banknotes rather than paper for all high-denomination bills.
Flag symbolism
The flag features a bright yellow five-pointed star centered on a deep red field, a design first used by the Viet Minh during the resistance against French rule. The red background honors the blood shed during the struggle for national independence and symbolizes the success of the revolution. Each point of the golden star represents a specific class of society: workers, peasants, soldiers, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs. Together, these elements signify the unity of the people working toward a common socialist future.
Emblem history
The national emblem of Vietnam is circular and heavily inspired by socialist heraldry, specifically modeled after the emblem of the People's Republic of China. It features a prominent yellow star at the top and a large cogwheel at the base to represent the industrial working class. Framing the central image are sheaves of rice, which symbolize the importance of agriculture and the peasantry in the nation's history. The emblem, which includes the official name of the country on a red ribbon, was formally adopted by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1955.