Vietnam

Geographical location: Southeast Asia

Bordering countries: China, Laos, and Cambodia

Landscape: Mountains, hills, plateaus, and coastal plains

Climate: Tropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters

Population: Approximately 97 million people

Capital city: Hanoi

Other important cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Haiphong

Language: Vietnamese

Religion: Majority follows no religion or practices traditional folk beliefs and Confucianism; significant minorities practice Buddhism, Catholicism, and other religions

Currency: Vietnamese dong

Cuisine: Known for fresh ingredients and bold flavors; popular dishes include rice noodle soup, sandwiches, grilled pork with noodles

Music: Traditional instruments like the monochord and zither still popular

Famous tourist attractions: Ancient city of Hue, Ha Long Bay, and the My Son ruins

Interesting historical facts: Vietnam was a French colony for over six decades; French influence evident in architecture, cuisine, and language; engaged in an independence struggle against France; long and devastating war with the United States concluded in 1975 with the fall of Saigon