Vietnam

Vietnam is a country in South-eastern Asia. This profile separates the stable statistical identifiers that international bodies use from the volatile figures you must verify before quoting. Every changing number below is tied to a named source and a reference year; check that source directly before using the figure in a report or decision.

Classification facts (stable identifiers)

The United Nations Statistics Division assigns Vietnam the following codes, which are stable across most databases:

UN M49 code: 704
ISO alpha-2: VN
ISO alpha-3: VNM
UN region: Asia
UN subregion: South-eastern Asia
UN member state: Yes
World Bank capital field: Hanoi
IANA country code top-level domain (ccTLD): .vn
IANA time zone: Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh (UTC+7)

These identifiers come from the UN M49 overview ( They are statistical conventions, not political or territorial claims. The M49 grouping places Vietnam in South-eastern Asia for data-organisation purposes; it does not state a position on disputed borders or sovereignty.

How to verify volatile figures

Population, economic indicators, exchange rates and travel rules change often. Do not rely on a static page. Use the named primary sources below and record the reference year each time you quote a number.

Population

The General Statistics Office of Vietnam (GSO) publishes census results and annual estimates. The United Nations Population Division issues its own estimate in the World Population Prospects, updated every two years (the 2024 revision is the most recent reference). The World Bank also reports a population total through its API or data catalog. These three series rarely match exactly because they use different definitions, reference dates and estimation methods. Between censuses, every figure is an estimate. Always state the source and the reference year. Census data may undercount rural or mobile communities.

Capital

The World Bank capital field lists Hanoi for Vietnam. This is an administrative data point, not a political or territorial claim. Administrative capitals change only through national legislation; verify the current status via the World Bank API or the UN M49 overview. Hanoi is the political-administrative capital. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city by population. The two categories are distinct and should not be conflated.

Languages

Vietnamese is the official language. Recognised minority languages include Tay, Thai, Muong, Khmer, Mong, Nung and Dao. English is a common second language in business, tourism and education. For current language statistics, refer to the GSO census, Ethnologue (2023 edition) or the CIA World Factbook language section. Language data is collected at census intervals and may be years out of date; do not assume the share of minority languages from memory.

Currency

The currency is the Vietnamese đồng (VND), code ISO 4217. Exchange rates move daily; verify current values through your bank or a reputable financial data provider. Do not rely on any static conversion figure.

Government

Vietnam is a one-party socialist republic. The Communist Party of Vietnam is the sole ruling party. The head of state is the President; the head of government is the Prime Minister. The National Assembly is the legislature. For current leadership names and administrative structure, consult official government sources or the CIA World Factbook’s government section, which names its reference date.

Economy

Vietnam has a lower-middle-income economy. In 2023, GDP per capita (PPP) was about 15,470 international dollars (World Bank, 2024 release). The World Bank classified Vietnam as a lower-middle-income nation in its 2024 fiscal-year groupings. Key indicators such as GDP, GDP per capita and trade figures change annually; source them from the World Bank API or the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook. Do not freeze numbers. Pair GDP with HDI, Gini and life expectancy rather than using it as a standalone proxy for development.

Travel and entry information

Visa policy changes frequently. Vietnam offers e-visas and visa exemptions for certain nationalities. Verify current rules with the Vietnam Immigration Department or your own government’s foreign ministry travel advisory before planning. Check the IATA Travel Centre ( for document requirements.

How the UN classification works

The UN M49 standard assigns Vietnam code 704, ISO alpha-2 VN and ISO alpha-3 VNM. The country is listed under the region Asia and the subregion South-eastern Asia. It is a UN member state. These codes are statistical identifiers used for data organisation. They do not determine political status, sovereignty or territorial claims, and they may not reflect all recognition or dispute positions. The World Bank “capital” field is an administrative data point, not a legal or constitutional statement.

Source checklist

Before quoting any figure for Vietnam, ask these questions:

Which primary source produced the number (GSO, UN Population Division, World Bank, IMF)?
What is the reference year or release date?
Is the figure a census count, an estimate or a projection?
Does the source use a definition that matches your purpose (de facto versus de jure population, nominal versus PPP GDP)?
Have you recorded the retrieval date for exchange rates or travel rules?

If you cannot answer all five, return to the primary source before using the figure.