|
PEOPLE
Vietnam has a population of 79 million, 85% of which
are ethnic Vietnamese. 15% of the population is
ethnic-Chinese, Khmers, Chams or members of more
than 60 ethnic-minority peoples who live in the
mountainous regions of the central highlands or
northern regions. The largest ethnic minority groups
are the Tay, the White Thai, the Black Thai and the
H’mong. These groups display similar rural and
agricultural lifestyles, but have different
languages, dress, cultures, and physical features.
LANGUAGE
Vietnamese is a tonal language that uses the Roman alphabet
together with tone and diacritical marks. Much the
language is Sino/Vietnamese, though influences from
French and English are also apparent. Today, English
has replaced French and Russian as the most studied
and spoken foreign language, and is widely spoken in
major cities.
RELIGION
Buddhism is the most common religion in Vietnam,
with about 60% of the population practicing some
form of Buddhism. About 8% of the population is
Catholic. Other religions practiced include
Protestantism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism
and Caodaism.
HEALTH
Vaccination is not required for entry into Vietnam,
but we suggest you check with doctor as some
countries recommend their citizens be inoculated
before embarking on an oversea adventure.
|
