History of Vietnam in Timeline

Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is located on the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia. It has an area of approximately 331,000 square kilometers and a population exceeding 100 million, making it the world's fifteenth-most populous country. A Marxist–Leninist state, Vietnam borders China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and shares maritime borders with Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Hanoi is its capital, and Ho Chi Minh City is its largest city.

1908: Hanoi Poison Plot

In 1908, increasing dissatisfaction led to plots to oust the French, like the infamous Hanoi Poison Plot.

1930: Yên Bái Mutiny

In 1930, The Yên Bái mutiny by the Vietnamese Nationalist Party (VNQDĐ) was quashed by the French. The mutiny split the independence movement, as many leading members converted to communism.

1932: Emergence of thơ mới literary movement

In 1932, Vietnamese literature was influenced by Western styles, with the first literary transformation movement of thơ mới emerging.

1940: Japanese Invasion of French Indochina

In 1940, the war in the Pacific led to the Japanese invasion of French Indochina.

1941: Việt Minh Emerges

In 1941, the Việt Minh, a nationalist liberation movement based on a communist ideology, emerged under Hồ Chí Minh.

March 1945: Full-Scale Takeover by Japan

In March 1945, Japan had a full-scale takeover of Vietnam, which led to the Vietnamese Famine of 1945.

July 1945: Allies Decide to Divide Indochina

In July 1945, the Allies decided to divide Indochina at the 16th parallel.

August 1945: Việt Minh Occupies Hanoi

In August 1945, after Japan's defeat, Saigon's administrative services collapsed, and the Việt Minh occupied Hanoi, proclaiming national independence on September 2nd.

1945: British-Indian Forces and Japanese Maintain Order

In 1945, British-Indian forces and the remaining Japanese Southern Expeditionary Army Group were used to maintain order and help France reestablish control through the 1945–1946 War in Vietnam.

1945: Vietnam Declares Independence

In 1945, the nationalist coalition Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, launched the August Revolution and declared Vietnam's independence from the Empire of Japan.

1945: Country Called Annam until 1945, When The Imperial Government Adopted Vietnam

The country was usually called Annam until 1945, when the imperial government in Huế adopted Việt Nam.

1946: Việt Minh Launches Guerrilla Campaign

In late 1946, the Việt Minh launched a guerrilla campaign against the French, resulting in the First Indochina War.

1952: Vietnam participates in Summer Olympic Games

In 1952, Vietnam participated in the Summer Olympic Games for the first time.

1953: Agrarian Reforms Instituted

From 1953 to 1956, the North Vietnamese government instituted agrarian reforms including "rent reduction" and "land reform", which resulted in significant political repression.

July 1954: Geneva Accords Dissolve French Indochina

In July 1954, French Indochina was dissolved under the Geneva Accords into three countries: Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Vietnam was divided into North and South administrative regions.

July 1954: Ceasefire Negotiated

In July 1954, the defeat of French colonialists and Vietnamese loyalists in the 1954 battle of Điện Biên Phủ allowed Hồ to negotiate a ceasefire from a favourable position at the subsequent Geneva Conference.

1954: Partition of Vietnam

After the partition of Vietnam in 1954, only South Vietnam competed in the Olympic Games.

1954: Vietnam Emerges Victorious

In 1954, Vietnam emerged victorious in the First Indochina War. As a result of treaties signed between the Viet Minh and France, Vietnam was separated into two parts.

1955: Ngô Đình Diệm Proclaims Republic of Vietnam

In 1955, Ngô Đình Diệm toppled Bảo Đại in a referendum and proclaimed himself president of the Republic of Vietnam.

July 1956: Elections Scheduled

In July 1956, Elections were scheduled for Vietnam.

1956: Political Repression and Detainment of Suspected Communists

In 1956, Diệm countered North Vietnamese subversion by detaining tens of thousands of suspected communists in "political reeducation centers".

1956: South Vietnam competed in the games

In 1956, South Vietnam competed in the Olympic Games.

November 1957: North Vietnamese Government Claims of Casualties

By November 1957, the North Vietnamese government claimed that 2,148 people were killed in the process.

1960: Soviet Support for North Vietnam

From 1960, the Soviet Union and North Vietnam signed treaties providing for further Soviet military support.

1963: Buddhist Discontent and Government Crackdown

In 1963, Buddhist discontent with Diệm's regime led to mass demonstrations and a violent government crackdown, leading to his assassination.

1964: Gulf of Tonkin Incident

In 1964, the United States used the Gulf of Tonkin incident as a pretext for increasing its contribution of military advisers.

1965: US Senate Subcommittee Estimates Vietnamese Casualties

A 1974 US Senate subcommittee estimated nearly 1.4 million Vietnamese civilians were killed or wounded between 1965 and 1974.

1965: US Forces Involved in Ground Combat Operations

By 1965, US forces became involved in ground combat operations.

1967: Fraudulent Elections

In 1967, Thiệu cemented his grip on power in fraudulent elections.

1968: Tết Offensive

In 1968, the communists attacked South Vietnamese targets during the Tết Offensive which failed militarily, but turned US public opinion against the war.

1971: Thiệu Cemented His Grip On Power

In 1971, Thiệu cemented his grip on power in fraudulent elections.

1972: South Vietnam competed in the games

In 1972, South Vietnam competed in the Olympic Games.

January 1973: Paris Peace Accords

Following the Paris Peace Accords of 27 January 1973, all American combat troops were withdrawn by 29 March 1973.

March 1973: Withdrawal of American Combat Troops

By 29 March 1973, all American combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam.

December 1974: North Vietnam Captures Phước Long

In December 1974, North Vietnam captured the province of Phước Long and started a full-scale offensive.

1974: US Senate Subcommittee Estimates Vietnamese Casualties

A 1974 US Senate subcommittee estimated nearly 1.4 million Vietnamese civilians were killed or wounded between 1965 and 1974.

April 1975: Fall of Saigon

In April 1975, the offensive culminated in the fall of Saigon.

1975: Nationwide Health Service Established in 1975

After the national reunification in 1975, a nationwide health service was established.

1975: Establishment of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology

In 1975, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) was established by the government.

1975: Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam

U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam in 1975.

1975: North Vietnamese Victory

Upon the North Vietnamese victory in 1975, Vietnam reunified as a unitary socialist state.

July 1976: North and South Vietnam Merge

On 2 July 1976, North and South Vietnam were merged to form the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

1976: Reunification and Communist Policies in 1976

Following reunification in 1976, an increase of communist policies nationwide resulted in the nationalisation and confiscation of property especially from the Hoa in the south and the wealthy in cities which led many to leave Vietnam.

1976: Reunification of Vietnam and Formation of Vietnam Olympic Committee

Following the reunification of Vietnam in 1976, it competed as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The present Vietnam Olympic Committee was also formed in 1976.

1976: Vietnam Reunified

In 1976, Vietnam reunified as a unitary socialist state under the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

1978: Vietnamese Military Invades Cambodia

In 1978, the Vietnamese military invaded Cambodia and removed the Khmer Rouge from power.

1979: Chinese Incursion into Northern Vietnam

In 1979, China launched a brief incursion into northern Vietnam.

1979: Recognition of Vietnam Olympic Committee

In 1979, the present Vietnam Olympic Committee was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

1979: 1979 Census

The 1979 census showed the total population of reunified Vietnam to be 52.7 million.

1985: Agriculture's Contribution to GDP in 1985

In 1985, agriculture made up 37.2% of Vietnam's GDP.

December 1986: Sixth National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam

In December 1986, at the Sixth National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), reformist politicians replaced the "old guard" government with new leadership, led by Nguyễn Văn Linh, who became the party's new general secretary and implemented Đổi Mới reforms, transitioning Vietnam to a "socialist-oriented market economy".

1986: Economic and Political Reforms Initiated

In 1986, the CPV initiated economic and political reforms transforming the country to a socialist-oriented market economy.

1986: CPV introduces Đổi Mới reform programme

In 1986, the Sixth National Congress of the CPV introduced socialist-oriented market economic reforms as part of the Đổi Mới reform programme, encouraging private ownership and restructuring state enterprises.

1986: VNPT Retains Monopoly Until 1986

In 1986, the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications General Corporation (now VNPT Group) retained its monopoly over telecommunications services in Vietnam.

1986: Vietnam retreated from totalitarianism to authoritarianism

Since 1986, Vietnam retreated from totalitarianism to authoritarianism.

1986: Implementation of Đổi Mới Economic Program in 1986

Since 1986, Vietnam's urbanisation rates have surged rapidly after the Vietnamese government implemented the Đổi Mới economic programme.

1988: Vietnam Attends Summer Olympics

In 1988, Vietnam has competed as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, attending every Summer Olympics onwards.

1989: Agriculture's share of GDP

In 1989, agriculture's share of Vietnam's GDP was 42%.

1989: People's Republic of Kampuchea Ruled Until

The People's Republic of Kampuchea Ruled Until 1989.

1990: Economic Growth

From 1990 to 1997, as a result of the economic reforms, Vietnam achieved approximately 8% annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

1992: 1992 Constitution of Vietnam

Under Article 70 of the 1992 Constitution of Vietnam, all citizens enjoy freedom of belief and religion.

1993: Access to Electricity in 1993

In 1993, access to electricity grew to 14% of total households with electricity.

1994: US ends economic embargo

In early 1994, the United States ended its economic embargo against Vietnam.

August 1995: US and Vietnam upgraded to embassy status

In August 1995, relations between the United States and Vietnam began improving with both states upgrading their liaison offices to embassy status.

1995: Telecom Sector Reform in 1995

In 1995, the Vietnamese government reformed the telecom sector by implementing a competitive policy and creating two domestic telecommunication companies: the Military Electronic and Telecommunication Company (Viettel) and the Saigon Post and Telecommunication Company (SPT or SaigonPostel).

1995: Growth in Higher Education Since 1995

Since 1995, enrolment in higher education has grown tenfold to over 2.2 million with 84,000 lecturers and 419 institutions of higher education.

1997: Asian financial crisis causes economic slowdown

In 1997, the Asian financial crisis caused an economic slowdown in Vietnam to 4–5% growth per year.

1997: Public internet access regulated

Since 1997, Vietnam has regulated public internet access extensively using both legal and technical means, resulting in the "Bamboo Firewall".

1999: Economy begins to recover

In 1999, Vietnam's economy began to recover from the Asian financial crisis.

October 2000: Pakistan reopened its embassy in Hanoi

In October 2000, Pakistan reopened its embassy in Hanoi.

November 2000: Bill Clinton's visit to Vietnam

In November 2000, President of the United States, Bill Clinton, made a historic visit to Vietnam.

2000: Economic growth

From 2000 to 2005, Vietnam's economy grew at around 7% per year.

2000: Hospital Beds per 10,000 People in 2000

In 2000, Vietnam had only 24.7 hospital beds per 10,000 people.

2000: Under-17 achieves fourth place

In 2000, Vietnam's under-17 achieved fourth place at the AFC U-16 Championship.

2000: Founding of Education for Nature – Vietnam

In 2000, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) called Education for Nature – Vietnam was founded.

2000: Number of Colleges and Universities in 2000

In the 2000s, there were 178 colleges and universities in Vietnam.

2001: Number of Mopeds in Hanoi in 2001

In 2001, the number of mopeds in Hanoi was 0.5 million.

2002: Access to Water Network in 2002

Data from 65 utility companies shows that only 12% of households in the area covered by them had access to the water network in 2002.

2003: Solid Waste Increase 2003-2008

From 2003 to 2008, the amount of solid waste generated in urban areas of Vietnam increased by more than 200%.

2003: Vietnam established an embassy in Wellington

In 2003, Vietnam established an embassy in Wellington.

2003: End of VNPT Monopoly in 2003

In 2003, the Vietnamese government ended VNPT's monopoly by issuing a decree.

2004: Law on Publication enacted

In 2004, Vietnam's media sector is regulated by the government under the Law on Publication.

2004: United States announces Vietnam to receive AIDS relief funding

In 2004, the United States announced that Vietnam would be one of 15 states to receive funding as part of its global AIDS relief plan.

2004: Government spending on biodiversity preservation

In 2004, the Vietnamese government spent US$49.07 million on the preservation of biodiversity.

November 2005: Vietnam reopened trade office in Karachi

In November 2005, Vietnam reopened its trade office in Karachi.

December 2005: Vietnam reopened its embassy in Islamabad

In December 2005, Vietnam reopened its embassy in Islamabad.

2005: Scientific publications increase

Between 2005 and 2014, the number of Vietnamese scientific publications recorded in Thomson Reuters' Web of Science increased at a rate well above the average for Southeast Asia.

2005: Hospital Beds per 10,000 People in 2005

By 2005, Vietnam had 23.7 hospital beds per 10,000 people, according to the annual report of the Vietnamese Health Ministry.

2005: Malaria mortality rate falls, HIV cases diagnosed

By 2005, Vietnam's malaria mortality rate had fallen to about five per cent of its 1990s equivalent due to improved antimalarial drugs and treatment. Also, by 2005, Vietnam had diagnosed 101,291 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases.

2005: Number of Colleges and Universities in 2005

By 2005, the number of colleges and universities in Vietnam had increased to 299.

2005: Economic growth continues

From 2000 to 2005, Vietnam's economy grew at around 7% per year.

2005: National Environmental Condition Report

In 2005, Vietnam's National Environmental Condition Report noted the country's uniquely high level of biodiversity.

2006: Agriculture's share of GDP decreases

By 2006, agriculture's share of Vietnam's GDP had fallen to 20%.

January 2007: Vietnam joins the WTO

On January 11, 2007, Vietnam became the 150th member of the WTO (World Trade Organization).

2007: Survey on Religious Beliefs in 2007

According to a 2007 survey, 81% of Vietnamese people did not believe in a god.

2007: Access to Water Network in 2007

By 2007, more than 70% of the population was connected to the water network.

2007: Vietnam reaches AFC Asian Cup

In 2007, Vietnam's national football team reached the AFC Asian Cup.

2007: HIV infection rate stable

In 2007, it was estimated that 0.4% of the population was infected with HIV, and the figure has remained stable since 2005.

2008: Water Production Capacity Exceeds Demand

Based on a 2008 survey by the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA), existing water production capacity exceeded demand, but service coverage was still sparse.

2008: Industry's Contribution to GDP in 2008

By 2008, industry made up 43.2% of Vietnam's GDP, which was an increase from 26.2% in 1985.

2008: Industrial Solid Waste Increase 2003-2008

From 2003 to 2008, industrial solid waste accounted for 181% of the increase in solid waste in urban areas.

2008: Vietnam wins ASEAN Football Championship

In 2008, Vietnam's national football team won the ASEAN Football Championship.

2008: Literacy Rate in 2008

In 2008, the national literacy rate in Vietnam stood at 90%.

2009: Increase in Religious People in 2009

Based on government findings in 2009, the number of religious people increased by 932,000.

2009: Access to Electricity in 2009

By 2009, access to electricity had grown to above 96% of total households.

2009: High-speed railway deal with Japan

In 2009, Vietnam and Japan signed a deal to build a high-speed railway—shinkansen (bullet train)—using Japanese technology.

2009: Arrest of Vietnamese lawyer Lê Công Định

In 2009, Vietnamese lawyer Lê Công Định was arrested and charged with the capital crime of subversion.

2009: Discovery of Hang Sơn Đoòng Cave

In 2009, the Hang Sơn Đoòng Cave was discovered and considered the largest known cave passage in the world.

December 2010: Inflation and currency devaluation

In December 2010, Vietnam's year-on-year inflation rate reached 11.8% and the Vietnamese đồng was devalued three times.

2010: Vietnam's diplomatic relations

As of 2010, Vietnam had established diplomatic relations with 178 countries.

2010: Crude petroleum production ranking

In 2010, Vietnam was ranked as the eighth-largest crude petroleum producer in the Asia and Pacific region.

2010: Road system length

In 2010, Vietnam's road system had a total length of about 188,744 kilometres (117,280 mi) of which 93,535 kilometres (58,120 mi) are asphalt roads comprising national, provincial and district roads.

2010: State spending on science and technology

In 2010, Vietnam's total state spending on science and technology amounted to roughly 0.45% of its GDP. Ngô Bảo Châu won the 2010 Fields Medal for his proof of fundamental lemma in the theory of automorphic forms.

2010: Last Javan rhinoceros shot in Vietnam

In 2010, the last individual of the Javan rhinoceros species in Vietnam was reportedly shot in Cát Tiên National Park.

2011: Spending on research and development

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, in 2011 Vietnam devoted 0.19% of its GDP to science research and development.

2011: Oil production

In 2011, Vietnam was the third-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia with a total output of 318,000 barrels per day.

2011: Nguyễn Phú Trọng became General Secretary

Since 2011, Nguyễn Phú Trọng was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

2011: PetroVietnam operates renewable energy power plants

Since 2011, PetroVietnam also operates five renewable energy power plants including the Nhơn Trạch 2 Thermal Power Plant (750 MW), Phú Quý Wind Power Plant (6 MW), Hủa Na Hydro-power Plant (180 MW), Dakdrinh Hydro-power Plant (125 MW) and Vũng Áng 1 Thermal Power Plant (1,200 MW).

2012: Top Telecom Operators in 2012

By 2012, the top three telecom operators in Vietnam were Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone, with other companies including EVNTelecom, Vietnammobile, and S-Fone.

2012: Global Innovation Index ranking

In 2012, Vietnam was ranked 76th in the Global Innovation Index.

2012: US clean-up project in former chemical storage areas

In 2012, approximately 50 years after the war, the US began a US$43 million joint clean-up project in the former chemical storage areas in Vietnam.

2013: Number of Mopeds in Hanoi in 2013

By 2013, the number of mopeds in Hanoi had increased to 4.7 million.

2014: Religious Followers in 2014

According to the Vietnamese government in 2014, the overall number of followers of recognised religions was about 24 million of a total population of almost 90 million.

2014: Scientific publications increase

Between 2005 and 2014, the number of Vietnamese scientific publications recorded in Thomson Reuters' Web of Science increased at a rate well above the average for Southeast Asia.

2015: Survey on Access to Improved Sanitation in 2015

According to a 2015 survey, 78% of Vietnam's population had access to "improved" sanitation; however, about 21 million people in the country still lacked access.

2015: Access to Improved Water Sources in 2015

By 2015, 97% of the population in Vietnam had access to improved water sources.

2015: Crude oil reserves

In 2015, Vietnam's crude oil reserve was approximately 4.4 billion barrels, ranking first in Southeast Asia.

2015: Vietnam's military expenditure

In 2015, Vietnam's military expenditure totalled approximately US$4.4 billion.

2015: Tourism

In 2015, tourism contributed significantly to Vietnam's economic growth with 7.94 million foreign visitors recorded.

May 2016: US lifted arms embargo on Vietnam

In May 2016, US President Barack Obama further normalised relations with Vietnam after he announced the lifting of an arms embargo on sales of lethal arms to Vietnam.

2016: Vietnam wins first gold medal at the Olympics

In 2016, Vietnam won their first gold medal at the Olympics.

2016: Life Expectancy in 2016

In 2016, Vietnam's national life expectancy stood at 80.9 years for women and 71.5 for men, and the infant mortality rate was 17 per 1,000 live births.

2016: 2016 Vietnam Marine Life Disaster

In 2016, the Vietnam marine life disaster occurred, caused by factories polluting the air and water.

2016: Fisheries production increases

In 2016, the overall fisheries production of Vietnam from capture fisheries and aquaculture was 6.7 million MT.

2016: Nuclear reactor plan abandoned

In late 2016, the Vietnamese government abandoned its plan to develop a nuclear reactor due to public concern over radioactive contamination.

2017: Power generation

As of 2017, the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) made up about 61.4% of the country's power generation system with a total power capacity of 25,884 MW.

2017: Completion of first phase of clean-up project in Đà Nẵng

Following the completion of the first phase in Đà Nẵng in late 2017, the US announced its commitment to clean other sites, especially in the heavily impacted site of Biên Hòa.

2017: Tourism

In 2017, Vietnam hosted roughly 13 million tourists, an increase of 29.1% over the previous year.

2017: Vietnam signed UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

In 2017, Vietnam signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

2017: Under-20 team qualifies for FIFA U-20 World Cup

In 2017, Vietnam's under-20 football team managed to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time.

September 2018: Hanoi urges citizens to stop eating dog and cat meat

In September 2018, the Hanoi People's Committee urged the citizens of the country to stop eating dog and cat meat, citing the risk of diseases like rabies and leptospirosis.

2018: Vietnam as destination for illegal export of rhinoceros horns

A study released in 2018 revealed that Vietnam is a destination for the illegal export of rhinoceros horns from South Africa.

2018: Hội An ranked as top destination

In 2018, Travel + Leisure ranked Hội An as one of the world's top 15 best destinations to visit.

2018: Vietnam wins ASEAN Football Championship and Under-23 team runners-up

In 2018, Vietnam's national team won the ASEAN Football Championship, and the under-23 team became the runners-up of the AFC U-23 Championship and reached fourth place in the Asian Games.

2018: Decree on University Autonomy in 2018

In 2018, a decree on university autonomy allowing them to operate independently without ministerial control is in its final stages of approval.

2018: Vietnam Space Centre Completion

In 2018, after the completion of the infrastructure at the Vietnam Space Centre (VSC), the country is working to develop its first national space flight programme.

2018: Construction of plant for treatment of soil polluted by Agent Orange

In 2018, the Japanese engineering group Shimizu Corporation, working with Vietnamese military, built a plant for the treatment of soil polluted by Agent Orange.

2018: Water Supply and Drainage Industry Applying Hi-Tech Methods in 2018

In 2018, the construction ministry said the country's water supply, and drainage industry had been applying hi-tech methods and information technology (IT) to sanitation issues but faced problems like limited funding, climate change, and pollution.

June 2019: Establishment of Water Inspection Units in June 2019

In June 2019, the health ministry announced that water inspection units would be established nationwide to conduct unannounced inspections due to health issues caused by poor or polluted water supplies.

2019: 2019 Census Results

According to the 2019 census, Vietnam's population was 96,208,984, with 65.6% living in rural areas and 34.4% in urban areas.

2019: Religious Demographics in 2019

According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam in 2019, Buddhists account for 4.79% of the total population, Catholics 6.1%, Protestants 1.0%, Hoahao Buddhists 1.02%, and Caodaism followers 0.58%.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index

In 2019, Vietnam had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 5.35/10, ranking it 104th globally out of 172 countries.

2019: Vietnam reaches quarter-finals of AFC Asian Cup

In 2019, Vietnam's national football team reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup.

2019: Urban Population in 2019

In 2019, the number of people living in urbanised areas in Vietnam was 33,122,548, with an urbanisation rate of 34.4% according to the 2019 census.

2020: Forecasted Urbanisation Rate by 2020

The Vietnamese government, through its construction ministry, forecasted the country would have a 45% urbanisation rate by 2020, though it was confirmed to only be 34.4% according to the 2019 census.

2020: Vietnam Airlines fleet target

Vietnam Airlines, the state-owned national airline, aims to operate 170 passenger aircraft by 2020.

2021: Population of Vietnam in 2021

As of 2021, the population of Vietnam stands at approximately 97.5 million people.

2021: Nguyen Phu Trong re-elected

In 2021, Nguyen Phu Trong, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, was re-elected for his third term.

2021: Phạm Minh Chính became Prime Minister

Since 2021, Phạm Minh Chính has been the Prime Minister of Vietnam.

2022: Unemployment rate

According to findings by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2022, the unemployment rate in Vietnam was 2.3%, the nominal GDP US$406.452 billion, and a nominal GDP per capita $4,086.

2023: Collective leadership in Vietnam

In 2023, a three-person collective leadership was responsible for governing Vietnam, including President Võ Văn Thưởng, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, and General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng.

2023: Women's national football team first appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup

In 2023, the women's national football team had their first appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

May 2024: Tô Lâm voted as president of Vietnam

On 22 May 2024, Tô Lâm, previously Minister of Public Security, was voted as the president of Vietnam by the National Assembly.

July 2024: Death of Nguyen Phu Trong

In July 2024, Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, died and was followed by To Lam as General Secretary of the Communist Party.

August 2024: Tô Lâm elected as general secretary

On 3 August 2024, Tô Lâm was elected as the general secretary by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

October 2024: Lương Cường appointed as president

On 21 October 2024, the National Assembly appointed army general Lương Cường as president, succeeding Tô Lâm.

2024: Vietnam wins ASEAN Football Championship

In 2024, Vietnam's national football team won the ASEAN Football Championship.

2024: Global Innovation Index ranking

Vietnam was ranked 44th in the Global Innovation Index in 2024.

2025: Planned airport expansions

By 2025, Vietnam plans to have another seven international airports, and the planned Long Thanh International Airport will have an annual service capacity of 100 million passengers once it becomes fully operational.