The Socialist Republic of Vietnam occupies part of the eastern strip of the Eurasian continent. It is bounded by China on the North and by both Laos and Cambodia in the West. With a land surface area of approximately 330,000 square kilometres and a population of almost 90,000,000, Vietnam is a densely populated region.

The history of Vietnam is chequered with political and military domination by a series of foreign powers. During the 1970s, Vietnam captured the world’s attention as millions of the inhabitants left their homeland as refugees, many in crudely made boats, fearful for their personal safety, as they sought refuge in other lands.

The current socialist regime, which is a totalitarian state, took control in 1975 and has moved from a planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy. Moves in 1986 to liberalize economic reform, named "doi moi" (renovation) policy, and to reduce structural barriers have had a positive effect upon economic factors. However, long-standing issues over land and related matters continue to be a cause of tension with regular protests and demonstrations by minority groups to air their grievances.

Vietnamese is the official language although English is increasingly used due to growing international trade links and greater relationship with English-speaking countries and business interests. Other languages include French, Chinese, Khmer and mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian). Buddhism is the dominant religion with Roman Catholicism practiced to a much lesser degree. A number of small religious minorities also exist: Cao Dai, Protestantism, Islam, Hoa Hao and other animist religions.