Vietnam, located in South East Asia, is bound by the South China Sea to the East and Laos and Cambodia to the West, while China shares the border to the North. The country is shaped like an elongated S with three basic regions:

North - characterized by its mountainous regions and the Red River Delta as well as plains

Central - high plateaus, alluring beaches and lagoons are attractions for many visitors, coupled with the allure of the ancient city of Hue.

South - The Mekong River and the magic of the city of Saigon (previously called Ho Chi Minh City) ensures that visitors to the country travel the length and breadth of Vietnam.

Agriculture has been, and still remains, the primary economic mainstay of Vietnam, with rice being the most important crop and a source of income due to exports. Other crops include tobacco and jute, while fruit trees are also cultivated. Export of seafood adds to the country's coffers. Vietnam is rich in mineral deposits and mining has become a growing Industry.

• Country name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
• Capital: Hanoi
• Currency: Dong
• Population make up: Majority ethnic Vietnamese, along with Chinese, Khmers and others
• Languages spoken: Vietnamese, Russian, French, Chinese & English
• Religion: Buddhism, Taoism