The area known today as Vietnam is believed to have been inhabited for around 4,000 years with relics and other evidence dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The agricultural practice of wet rice production in the region extends to over 3,000 years ago demonstrating a high level of cultural development from that time. Ancient small copper mines also exist and samples of bronze drums dating back to very early times have been found. Vietnam was ruled by regional dynasties and later overrun by the Chinese Han dynasty in 111 BC. Historical evidence shows a series of local and Chinese emperors and warlords ruling over the region for nearly two millennia, until French involvement in the 19^th century.

Between 1859 until 1885, the entire country became part of French Indochina. Road and rail links were created between north and south making communication and trade possible. Agricultural development led to tobacco, indigo, coffee and tea as the main products. Vietnamese cultural and religious practices underwent significant change through French involvement, particularly in the area of education where the Roman Catholic Church was active in establishing schools. While agitation for self-government gained momentum, the French ignored calls for change. In World War II, the Japanese invaded French Indochina, occupying it until the end of the war. Vietnam then declared independence but remained under the control of the French until 1954 when, after much political strife, the country was partitioned with a French-controlled sector in the south and communist nationals in the north. During the 1960s and 70s, the United States began to increase its involvement through concern over communist expansionist policies, becoming embroiled in a devastating war with the north, until in 1973, they pulled all their troops out. In 1976, North and South Vietnam were merged to form the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Millions fled the communist state for fear of reprisal, particularly Catholics and merchants, creating one of the largest global refugee crises in modern history.

The next ten years saw the collapse of the Vietnamese economy under a totalitarian regime, until in 1986, an economic renovation, named Doi Moi was implemented. Since that time, Vietnam has undergone steady economic improvement, albeit from a very low base.