Viet Nam, covering an area of approximately 331,210 square kilometers (127,882 square miles), is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, and Cambodia to the southwest. It has an extensive coastline along the South China Sea to the east. The country is predominantly inhabited by the Kinh (Viet) ethnic group, with notable minorities including the Tay, H’mong, and Khmer. Vietnamese is the official language, but numerous ethnic languages and dialects are also spoken. The predominant religion is folk religion, influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, with significant Christian communities and followers of Cao Dai and Hoa Hao Buddhism. Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its literature, music, dance, and visual arts, such as water puppetry and silk painting, with major festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival widely celebrated.

Economically, Viet Nam relies heavily on agriculture, particularly rice and coffee cultivation, and is one of the world’s leading exporters of these commodities. Fishing is another vital sector, supported by the country’s extensive coastline and inland waterways. Tourism also plays a significant role, with attractions like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and My Son drawing visitors from around the world. Manufacturing, including textiles, electronics, and consumer goods, contributes significantly to the economy.

Vietnam’s diverse landscapes range from tropical rainforests and mangroves to limestone karsts and river deltas, such as the Mekong Delta and the Red River Delta. Approximately 40% of the country’s land area is covered by forests, though deforestation and habitat loss remain concerns. Viet Nam is home to several threatened species, including the Critically Endangered Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis, the Indochinese tiger Panthera tigris corbetti, and the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus. The laws and regulations aimed at protecting biodiversity are currently unsystematic and lack policy conformity. Community involvement is not sufficiently mobilised, and the implementation of national, regional, and provincial biodiversity conservation plans is not systematic. The country has established around 160 protected areas, including national parks and marine reserves, and is home to 8 ASEAN Heritage Parks. 

Viet Nam’s diverse ecosystems support extraordinary wildlife. The country is home to about 968 bird species, including the Endangered Edwards’s Pheasant Lophura edwardsi and Critically Endangered Dalat Shrike-babbler Pteruthius aeralatus annnamensis. Its amphibian population includes 332 species of amphibians and 550 species of reptiles with numerous endemics, and its lizard diversity features approximately 130 species. The snake population also comprises about 130 species, from the venomous King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah. Mammals include 335 species, such as tigers, which are now exclusively located inside and near National Parks and Nature Reserves.  Current estimates suggest that Vietnam’s wild tiger population is at a mere 30 individuals. Vietnam’s flora is also diverse with around 15,000 plant species, including many endemic trees, shrubs, and orchids.

Viet Nam’s diverse ecosystems face significant threats. Deforestation has reduced forest cover from about 43% in the early 1990s to 35% in 2020, driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development. Although reforestation has improved coverage from 28% in 1999 to 35%, habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss persist. The illegal wildlife trade and climate change, which alters rainfall patterns and temperatures, further strain ecosystems. In response, Vietnam has expanded and managed protected areas like Cuc Phuong and Cat Tien National Parks, implemented reforestation programs, and enforced stricter wildlife protection laws.

Biodiversity

Vietnam’s first National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) was approved by the Prime Minister in 1995. The second NBAP was completed in 2007, covering 5 broader goals, accompanied by specific and measurable objectives and indicators. Its key objectives were to: consolidate and develop the special-use forest system; regenerate 50% of degraded watershed forests; effectively protect valuable and endangered plants and animals threatened with extinction; establish 1.2 million hectares of internationally and nationally important protected wetlands and marine protected areas; regenerate 200,000 hectares of mangrove forests; develop exhibitions for the sustainable use of plants and animal resources; control, prevent and halt the exploitation, trade, and consumption of endangered wildlife species; examine 100% of imported species and gene resources; educate and raise awareness of the public on biodiversity conservation, development and sustainable use so that 50% of the population regularly receives information about biodiversity.