World Happiness Report for Vietnam 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Vietnam: 54
- Happiness Score Vietnam:6.043
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Vietnam. VN.
Vietnam
- Located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a socialist republic with a single-party system.
- Notable cultural aspects include traditional Vietnamese cuisine, including pho and banh mi, and the vibrant Ao Dai traditional dress.
- Vietnam has a rapidly growing economy, with a large focus on manufacturing and agriculture.
- Vietnam is the world’s second largest exporter of coffee.
- Halong Bay in Vietnam is a UNESCO World Heritage site and known for its stunning natural beauty.
- Vietnam has a long history of conflict, including the Vietnam War, and has undergone significant economic and social reforms in recent decades.
Vietnam – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History: The earliest known inhabitants of present-day Vietnam were the Xuan Viet people, who settled in the Red River Delta region around 2000 BC. The Dong Son culture, which flourished from around the 7th century BC to the 3rd century AD, is considered one of the most influential ancient civilizations in Southeast Asia.
Kingdoms and Empires: Vietnam has a rich history of kingdoms and empires. The Ngo, Dinh, Early Le, and Ly dynasties ruled over various regions of Vietnam from the 6th to the 13th century AD. The Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) successfully repelled Mongol invasions, while the Later Le Dynasty (1428-1788) saw the expansion of Vietnamese territory.
Colonial Period: From the 16th century, Vietnam faced colonization attempts by various European powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and Spanish. In 1858, France launched a military campaign that led to the establishment of French Indochina, which included Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
Independence and Modern Era: Vietnam’s struggle for independence against French colonial rule culminated in the First Indochina War (1946-1954). After the Geneva Accords in 1954, Vietnam was temporarily divided into North and South. The Vietnam War (1955-1975) between North Vietnam, supported by communist allies, and South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other anti-communist allies, ended with the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule in 1976.
Current Political Situation: Vietnam is a unitary Marxist-Leninist one-party socialist republic, led by the Communist Party of Vietnam. The current President is Vo Van Thuong, and the Prime Minister is Pham Minh Chinh. Recent elections have maintained the dominance of the Communist Party.
International Relations: Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with most countries and is a member of various international organizations, including ASEAN, the United Nations, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). It has ongoing territorial disputes with China over the South China Sea islands.
Human Development and Economy: Vietnam has experienced rapid economic growth and development over the past few decades, with a focus on export-oriented industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. It has achieved significant progress in reducing poverty and improving human development indicators.
Cultural Highlights: Vietnam boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by Chinese, Indian, and French cultures. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism have played significant roles. The country is known for its vibrant cuisine, traditional arts like water puppetry, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ha Long Bay and Hoi An Ancient Town.
Challenges and Opportunities: Vietnam faces challenges such as environmental degradation, urbanization, income inequality, and corruption. At the same time, it has opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and technological innovation to further its economic and social development.
Travel Tips for Vietnam
• Best times to visit: Spring (February to April) and Autumn (August to October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Cultural etiquette: Respect Buddhist temples, remove shoes when entering homes, dress modestly, and use both hands when giving or receiving items.
• Safety: Vietnam is generally safe, but exercise caution with petty crime, traffic, and natural disasters like typhoons and flooding.
• Must-see landmarks: Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and My Son Sanctuary.
• Culinary experiences: Try pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), and local delicacies like bun cha and cao lau.
Living in Vietnam
• Cost of living: Vietnam offers a relatively low cost of living, especially in smaller cities and rural areas.
• Housing: Rental prices vary widely, with modern apartments in major cities being more expensive than traditional houses in smaller towns.
• Healthcare: Vietnam has a public healthcare system, but expatriates often opt for private healthcare facilities with higher standards.
• Education: Public education is affordable but may not meet international standards. International schools are available in major cities.
• Lifestyle: Vietnam offers a vibrant blend of traditional and modern lifestyles, with bustling cities and tranquil rural areas.
• Cultural norms: Respect for elders, hierarchy, and traditional values is important. Learning basic Vietnamese phrases is appreciated.
Doing Business in Vietnam
• Business culture: Personal relationships and networks (quan he) are crucial. Hierarchy and respect for superiors are important.
• Economic climate: Vietnam has a rapidly growing economy, driven by exports and foreign investment in sectors like manufacturing and tourism.
• Key industries: Textiles, electronics, agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy are major industries.
• Legal frameworks: Vietnam has laws governing foreign investment, taxation, labor, and intellectual property rights.
• Negotiation strategies: Patience, building trust, and avoiding confrontation are key. Use intermediaries if needed.
• Building relationships: Invest time in developing personal relationships and understanding local customs and cultural norms.
Studying in Vietnam
• Educational system: Vietnam has a national education system with public and private institutions, including universities and vocational schools.
• Top universities: Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, are among the top-ranked institutions.
• Student life: Campus life offers a vibrant mix of academic, cultural, and social activities.
• Visa requirements: International students need a valid student visa and may need to provide proof of admission and financial support.
• Opportunities: Vietnam offers opportunities to study diverse subjects, including Vietnamese language and culture, business, engineering, and more.
Main facts
Location
Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by the Gulf of Thailand, the Gulf of Tonkin, and the South China Sea, with a coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It shares borders with China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the maritime borders of Malaysia and Indonesia across the South China Sea.
Map References
Vietnam is situated in the Southeast Asian region on the eastern edge of the Indochinese peninsula.
Area – Comparative
With a total area of 331,210 sq km, Vietnam is slightly larger than the state of New Mexico in the United States.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Vietnam has a total land boundary length of 4,639 km, shared with the following countries:
Coastline
Vietnam has a coastline of 3,444 km along the South China Sea and the Gulf of Tonkin, with several notable bays and inlets, including Ha Long Bay (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Maritime Claims
Vietnam claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles or the edge of the continental margin.
Climate
Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, with a hot and humid season from May to October, and a warm and dry season from November to April. The northern and central regions experience more distinct seasonal variations, while the southern region is generally hot and humid throughout the year.
Terrain
Vietnam’s terrain is diverse, consisting of hills, mountains, deltas, and coastal lowlands. The country is divided into three distinct regions: the northern highlands, the central highlands, and the southern plains. Major mountain ranges include the Annamite Range along the western border and the Truong Son Range running along the narrow central region.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Vietnam is Fan Si Pan (Phan Xi Pang) at 3,144 meters, located in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in the northwest. The lowest point is the East Sea (South China Sea) at 0 meters.
Natural Resources
Vietnam’s major natural resources include phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromium, offshore oil and gas deposits, forests, and hydropower potential.
Major Bodies of Water
Significant water bodies in Vietnam include the Mekong River (shared with Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and China), the Red River (shared with China), and several major lakes, such as Ba Be Lake, Ho Tay (West Lake), and Ho Xuan Huong.
Natural Hazards
Vietnam is prone to various natural hazards, including destructive typhoons, flooding, landslides, and occasional droughts. The country is also located along major fault lines, making it susceptible to earthquakes.
Geography – Notes
Vietnam’s geography is characterized by its long coastline and numerous rivers, making it vulnerable to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. The country’s diverse geography also supports a rich biodiversity, with several national parks and protected areas.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 48.10%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 192,668. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 39.30%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 14.058324108.277199.
- Capital: The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi
- Major Cities:
- Hanoi – Population: 7.7 million
- Ho Chi Minh City – Population: 8.4 million
- Da Nang – Population: 1.1 million
- Haiphong – Population: 2.0 million
- Population: 96,462,106
- Area(Km2): 331210
- Population Density( P/Km²):314. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:84
- Official Language(s):Vietnam is Vietnamese with 85% of the population speaking it as their primary language.
- Currency: VND
Main Economic Indicators
Vietnam has a rapidly developing mixed economy, fueled by an export-oriented industrial and agricultural base. The country has transitioned from a centrally planned economy to a market-based system, emphasizing economic liberalization and international integration. Vietnam faces challenges including inefficient state-owned enterprises, high levels of non-performing loans, infrastructure constraints, and dependence on exports. Notable economic policies include promoting foreign investment, privatization efforts, and regional and global trade agreements.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 1.84%
2022: 3.66%
(Source: General Statistics Office of Vietnam)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BB (Stable)
Moody’s: Ba3 (Positive)
Standard & Poor’s: BB+ (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 13.6%
Industry: 37.6%
Services: 48.8%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Rice, coffee, rubber, cashew nuts, pepper, tea, fruits, vegetables, pork, poultry, seafood
Industrial Products: Crude oil, coal, steel, textiles, clothing, footwear, food products, furniture, plastics, electronics, vehicles
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 56.9 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 8th largest in the world
Current Account Balance
2021: $9.7 billion (surplus)
2022: $5.8 billion (surplus)
Comparative Ranking: 26th in the world (2022 est.)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $368.1 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany
Main Exports: Machinery, textiles, electronics, footwear, seafood
Imports: $370.4 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: China, South Korea, Japan, United States, Thailand
Main Imports: Machinery, electronics, fuel, iron and steel, plastics
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $113.2 billion (2022 est.)
Gold Reserves: 9.3 tons (2022 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$261,921,244,843. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 19.10%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 37.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.80. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.73. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 2.01%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality: noun – Vietnamese (singular and plural), adjective – Vietnamese
2. Ethnic Groups
– Kinh (Viet) 85.3%
– Tay 1.9%
– Thai 1.9%
– Muong 1.5%
– Khmer 1.4%
– Mong 1.4%
– Nung 1.1%
– Others 5.5%
3. Religions
– Buddhist 7.9%
– Catholic 6.6%
– Hoa Hao 1.7%
– Cao Dai 0.9%
– Protestant 0.9%
– Muslim 0.1%
– None 81.8%
4. Age Structure
– 0-14 years: 23.04%
– 15-64 years: 69.05%
– 65 years and over: 7.91%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 44.7
Youth Dependency Ratio: 33.4
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 11.3
6. Median Age
Total: 32.5 years
Male: 31.4 years
Female: 33.6 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity Rate: 2.1% of the population (2016)
Alcohol Consumption: 8.3 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016)
Tobacco Use: 37.6% of adults aged 15 and over (2016)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.3. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 94.5%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:16.75. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.9. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 69.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 35,332,140. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):43.50%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Vietnam’s military forces consist of the People’s Army of Vietnam, which encompasses the Vietnam People’s Ground Forces, Vietnam People’s Navy, Vietnam People’s Air Force and Air Defense Force, and Vietnam People’s Coast Guard. There is also an elite special operations unit known as the Vietnam Marine Police.
The People’s Public Security Forces serve as the national police force and are responsible for maintaining internal security and public order.
Military Expenditures
Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2021: 2.3%
- 2020: 2.3%
- 2019: 2.2%
- 2018: 2.4%
- 2017: 2.4%
Vietnam is ranked 27th globally in terms of military spending.
Personnel Strengths
Total active-duty military personnel: 475,000
- Vietnam People’s Ground Forces: 412,000
- Vietnam People’s Navy: 42,000
- Vietnam People’s Air Force and Air Defense Force: 45,000
Other security services include the People’s Public Security Forces with approximately 500,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Vietnam’s military equipment includes domestically produced and imported hardware such as:
- Main battle tanks (T-54/55, T-62, T-90S)
- Artillery pieces (D-30, M-30, M-1938)
- Fighter aircraft (Su-27, Su-30MK2)
- Naval vessels (Gepard-class frigates, Kilo-class submarines)
Significant future acquisitions include the planned procurement of additional maritime patrol aircraft, submarines, and surface combatants.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service is compulsory for males aged 18-25. The service obligation is 18-24 months for the army and air force, and 3 years for the navy.
Military Deployments
Vietnam currently has military personnel deployed as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in the following locations:
- United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
- United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA)
Strategic Military Notes
Vietnam’s defense strategy focuses on territorial defense, with particular emphasis on maritime security in the South China Sea region due to ongoing territorial disputes with China.
The military plays a role in international security and peacekeeping operations through its participation in UN missions. Vietnam is a member of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and has strategic partnerships with countries like Russia, India, and Japan.
- Armed Forces Size: 600000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.82
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 77.40%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.