History of Vietnam in Timeline
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a Southeast Asian country with a population exceeding 100 million, making it the 15th most populous globally. It spans about 331,000 square kilometers and shares land borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia. Vietnam also has maritime borders with Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Its capital is Hanoi, while Ho Chi Minh City is its largest city.
1908: Hanoi Poison Plot
In 1908, the Hanoi Poison Plot, an attempt to oust the French, was executed, but ultimately failed due to poor coordination and execution.
1930: Yên Bái Mutiny
In 1930, the Yên Bái mutiny by the Vietnamese Nationalist Party (VNQDĐ) occurred but was suppressed by the French. This event caused a split in the independence movement.
1932: Thơ Mới Literary Movement
In 1932, the thơ mới literary movement emerged in Vietnam, marking the first significant transformation in Vietnamese literature influenced by Western styles.
1941: Emergence of the Viet Minh
In 1941, the Viet Minh, a communist-based nationalist liberation movement led by Ho Chi Minh, was formed. They sought independence for Vietnam from France and an end to the Japanese occupation.
March 1945: Japanese Takeover and Vietnamese Famine
In March 1945, Japan took full control of Vietnam, leading to the Vietnamese Famine of 1945 which killed up to two million people.
July 1945: Allied Division of Indochina
In July 1945, the Allies decided to divide Indochina at the 16th parallel, with Chiang Kai-shek of the Republic of China receiving the Japanese surrender in the north and Britain's Lord Louis Mountbatten receiving it in the south. The Allies agreed that Indochina still belonged to France.
1945: Declaration of Independence
In 1945, the nationalist coalition Viet Minh, led by the communist revolutionary Ho Chi Minh, launched the August Revolution and declared Vietnam's independence.
1945: Post-World War II Period
In 1945, with the French weakened by the German occupation, British-Indian forces and the remaining Japanese Southern Expeditionary Army Group were used to maintain order and help France reestablish control.
1945: Adoption of the name 'Việt Nam'
The country was usually called Annam until 1945, when the imperial government in Huế adopted Việt Nam.
1946: Viet Minh Guerilla Campaign
In 1946, the Provisional Government of the French Republic dispatched the French Far East Expeditionary Corps to restore colonial rule, leading to the Viet Minh launching a guerilla campaign against the French in late 1946.
1952: First Summer Olympics Participation
Vietnam participated in the Summer Olympics for the first time in 1952.
1953: Start of North Vietnamese Agrarian Reforms
From 1953, the North Vietnamese government began instituting agrarian reforms including "rent reduction" and "land reform", which resulted in significant political repression.
July 1954: First Indochina War Ends
In July 1954, the First Indochina War came to an end with the defeat of French colonialists and Vietnamese loyalists at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. This allowed Ho Chi Minh to negotiate a ceasefire from a favorable position at the Geneva Conference.
July 1954: Geneva Accords
The Geneva Accords of July 1954 officially ended the colonial administration and dissolved French Indochina into three countries: Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Vietnam was further divided into North and South administrative regions at the Demilitarized Zone, roughly along the 17th parallel north, pending elections scheduled for July 1956.
1954: Partition of Vietnam and Foreign Relations
Following the partition of Vietnam in 1954, North Vietnam aligned with the Eastern Bloc while South Vietnam established relations with the Western Bloc. Despite these ideological differences, Vietnam consistently emphasized its sovereign principles and cultural independence.
1955: Establishment of the Republic of Vietnam
In 1955, South Vietnam's prime minister, Ngo Dinh Diem, overthrew Bao Dai in a fraudulent referendum and proclaimed himself president of the Republic of Vietnam. This move effectively replaced the internationally recognized State of Vietnam with the Republic of Vietnam in the south.
July 1956: Planned Elections for Vietnam Reunification
As per the Geneva Accords, elections were planned for July 1956 to decide on the reunification of Vietnam. However, these elections never took place.
1956: South Vietnam in the Olympics
Following the partition, South Vietnam competed in the 1956 Olympic Games.
1956: Political Repression and Counter-Subversion in Vietnam
In 1956, North Vietnam implemented 'rent reduction' and 'land reform' as part of its agrarian reforms. In South Vietnam, Diem countered North Vietnamese subversion, including the assassination of over 450 South Vietnamese officials, by detaining suspected communists.
November 1957: Repression in North Vietnam
By November 1957, the North Vietnamese government claimed that 2,148 people were killed during the agrarian reforms implemented from 1953 to 1956, which included 'rent reduction' and 'land reform'.
1960: Increased Soviet Support for North Vietnam
Starting in 1960, the Soviet Union and North Vietnam signed treaties that provided for increased military support from the Soviet Union.
1963: Buddhist Unrest and Coup Against Diem
Widespread Buddhist discontent with Diem's Catholic regime erupted into mass demonstrations in 1963. The government responded with a violent crackdown, leading to the collapse of Diem's relationship with the United States and ultimately to a coup in which he and his brother Nhu were assassinated.
1964: Gulf of Tonkin Incident
The Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964 provided the United States with a justification for escalating its military involvement in the Vietnam War.
1965: Increased US Involvement in Vietnam War
In 1965, the United States used the Gulf of Tonkin incident as a pretext to escalate its military presence in South Vietnam, with US forces becoming increasingly involved in ground combat operations.
1965: US Senate Subcommittee Estimation
In 1974 a US Senate subcommittee estimated nearly 1.4 million Vietnamese civilians were killed or wounded between 1965 and 1974—including 415,000 killed.
1967: Thieu Consolidate Power
General Nguyen Van Thieu solidified his control over South Vietnam through fraudulent elections in 1967.
1968: Tet Offensive
In 1968, communist forces launched the Tet Offensive, a series of surprise attacks against South Vietnamese targets during the Vietnamese New Year holiday. Although unsuccessful militarily, the offensive significantly impacted American public opinion and led to a shift in US strategy towards de-escalation.
1971: Thieu's Continued Rule
Thieu maintained his hold on power in South Vietnam after winning another fraudulent election in 1971.
1972: South Vietnam's Second Olympic Appearance
South Vietnam participated in the Olympics for the second time in 1972.
January 1973: Paris Peace Accords
On January 27, 1973, the Paris Peace Accords were signed, paving the way for the withdrawal of all American combat troops from Vietnam.
March 1973: US Combat Troops Withdraw
By March 29, 1973, all American combat troops had been withdrawn from Vietnam in accordance with the Paris Peace Accords.
December 1974: North Vietnamese Offensive Begins
North Vietnam launched a full-scale offensive in December 1974, beginning with the capture of Phuoc Long province.
1974: US Senate Subcommittee Estimation
In 1974 a US Senate subcommittee estimated nearly 1.4 million Vietnamese civilians were killed or wounded between 1965 and 1974—including 415,000 killed.
April 1975: Fall of Saigon
The North Vietnamese offensive culminated in the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War.
1975: Establishment of Nationwide Health Service in Vietnam
After the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, a nationwide health service was established.
1975: North Vietnamese Victory and Reunification
In 1975, North Vietnam achieved victory in the Vietnam War, leading to the reunification of Vietnam.
1975: Establishment of VAST
The Vietnamese government established the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) in 1975 to advance scientific research and development in the country.
1975: US Troops Withdraw from Vietnam
US troops withdrew from Vietnam in 1975, marking the end of direct US military involvement in the Vietnam War. This event had a profound impact on the geopolitical landscape and set the stage for the subsequent evolution of US-Vietnam relations.
July 1976: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
On July 1976, North and South Vietnam are unified into the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
1976: Nationalization and Confiscation of Property Following Reunification
Following the reunification of Vietnam in 1976, the implementation of communist policies led to the nationalization and confiscation of property, particularly from ethnic Chinese (Hoa) communities in the south and affluent urban residents. This resulted in many of them leaving the country.
1976: Reunification as a Socialist State
In 1976, Vietnam was officially reunified as a unitary socialist state under the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).
1976: Reunification and Formation of the Vietnam Olympic Committee
Vietnam was reunified in 1976, leading to the formation of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and its Olympic Committee.
1978: Vietnamese Military Invasion of Cambodia
In 1978, in response to the Khmer Rouge government of Cambodia ordering massacres of Vietnamese residents in the border villages, the Vietnamese military invaded Cambodia and removed them from power after occupying Phnom Penh.
1979: Chinese Incursion into Vietnam
China launched a brief incursion into northern Vietnam in 1979, causing Vietnam to rely even more heavily on Soviet economic and military aid.
1979: Population of Reunified Vietnam
The 1979 census revealed that the total population of reunified Vietnam was 52.7 million.
1979: International Olympic Committee Recognition
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially recognized Vietnam's Olympic Committee in 1979.
1985: Economic Structure Shift
In 1985, agriculture constituted 37.2% of Vietnam's GDP, while industry comprised 26.2%.
December 1986: Sixth National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam
At the Sixth National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in December 1986, reformist politicians replaced the 'old guard' government with new leadership, and implemented a series of free-market reforms known as Đổi Mới ('Renovation').
1986: Economic and Political Reforms
In 1986, the CPV initiated economic and political reforms, transforming Vietnam into a socialist-oriented market economy.
1986: Introduction of Đổi Mới Reforms
In 1986, the Sixth National Congress of the CPV initiated the Đổi Mới reform program, promoting socialist-oriented market economics. This included encouraging private ownership and restructuring state enterprises, leading to the replacement of five-year economic plans with a market-driven approach.
1986: Implementation of the Đổi Mới economic program
In 1986, the Vietnamese government introduced the Đổi Mới economic program, leading to a socialist-oriented market system and the liberalization of property rights. This sparked a surge in Vietnam's urbanization rates.
1986: End of VNPT's Telecom Monopoly
The Vietnam Post and Telecommunications General Corporation (VNPT) held a monopoly on telecommunications services in Vietnam until 1986.
1988: Unified Vietnam in the Olympics
After reunification, Vietnam competed as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the Summer Olympics for the first time in 1988, and has attended every Summer Olympics since.
1989: Agriculture's Dominance in GDP
In 1989, agriculture constituted a substantial 42% of Vietnam's GDP.
1989: End of Pro-Vietnam Cambodian Government
The pro-Vietnam socialist government in Cambodia, the People's Republic of Kampuchea, ruled until 1989.
1990: Start of Economic Growth
Between 1990 and 1997, Vietnam experienced substantial economic growth, averaging about 8% annual GDP growth, as a result of the Đổi Mới reforms.
1992: Freedom of Belief and Religion
Under Article 70 of the 1992 Constitution of Vietnam, all citizens are granted freedom of belief and religion. All religions are treated equally under the law.
1993: Access to Electricity
In 1993, only 14% of Vietnamese households had access to electricity.
1994: End of US Embargo
In early 1994, the United States lifted its economic embargo against Vietnam, allowing for increased trade and economic cooperation.
August 1995: US-Vietnam Diplomatic Relations Improve
In August 1995, relations between the US and Vietnam began to improve, with both countries upgrading their liaison offices to embassy status.
1995: Telecom Sector Reform in Vietnam
In 1995, the Vietnamese government implemented a competitive policy in the telecom sector, creating two domestic telecommunication companies: Viettel and Saigon Post and Telecommunication Company (SPT).
1995: Tenfold Increase in Higher Education Enrollment
Since 1995, higher education enrollment in Vietnam had increased tenfold, reaching over 2.2 million students.
1997: Public Internet Access Regulation
Starting in 1997, Vietnam began regulating public internet access using both legal and technical means, creating what is widely referred to as the 'Bamboo Firewall'.
1997: Economic Slowdown Due to Asian Financial Crisis
The 1997 Asian financial crisis impacted Vietnam's economic growth, leading to a slowdown to 4–5% growth per year.
1999: Economic Recovery Begins
Vietnam's economy began to recover from the Asian financial crisis in 1999, showing signs of renewed growth.
October 2000: Pakistan Reopens Embassy in Hanoi
Pakistan reopened its embassy in Hanoi in October 2000, signifying the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
November 2000: President Bill Clinton's Historic Visit to Vietnam
President Bill Clinton made a historic visit to Vietnam in November 2000. This marked the first official visit by a US president to Hanoi and the first visit by any US leader since the withdrawal of US troops in 1975.
2000: Sustained Economic Growth
From 2000 to 2005, Vietnam achieved around 7% annual GDP growth, making it one of the fastest-growing economies globally.
2000: Growth of Higher Education Institutions
In 2000, Vietnam had 178 colleges and universities.
2000: Hospital Beds per 10,000 People in Vietnam
In 2000, Vietnam had 24.7 hospital beds per 10,000 people.
2000: Founding of Education for Nature - Vietnam
In 2000, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) called Education for Nature – Vietnam was founded to instill in the population the importance of wildlife conservation in the country.
2001: Moped Usage in Hanoi
In 2001, Hanoi, the capital city, had 0.5 million mopeds.
2002: Limited Access to Fresh Water
In 2002, only 12% of households in areas covered by 65 utility companies had access to the water network, indicating a limited reach of fresh water supply.
2003: Solid Waste Generation Baseline
In 2003, Vietnam established a baseline for solid waste generation in urban areas.
2003: Decree Ends VNPT's Monopoly
In 2003, the Vietnamese government officially ended VNPT's monopoly in the telecom sector with the issuance of a decree.
2003: Vietnam Establishes Embassy in Wellington
Vietnam established its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, in 2003, strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.
2004: Law on Publication
In 2004, Vietnam established the Law on Publication, which regulates the country's media sector.
2004: Government Subsidies for Healthcare and US AIDS Relief Funding
In 2004, the Vietnamese government implemented subsidies covering about 15% of healthcare expenses. Additionally, the United States announced that Vietnam would be one of 15 states to receive funding under its global AIDS relief plan.
2004: Vietnamese Government Spending on Biodiversity
The Vietnamese government spent US$49.07 million on the preservation of biodiversity in 2004 alone.
November 2005: Vietnam Opens Trade Office in Karachi
In November 2005, Vietnam expanded its diplomatic and economic presence in Pakistan by opening a trade office in Karachi, further promoting bilateral trade relations.
December 2005: Vietnam Reopens Embassy in Islamabad
Vietnam reciprocated Pakistan's gesture by reopening its embassy in Islamabad in December 2005, solidifying the re-establishment of diplomatic ties.
2005: Beginning of Scientific Publication Growth
Between 2005 and 2014, Vietnam witnessed a considerable increase in scientific publications recorded in Thomson Reuters' Web of Science, exceeding the average rate for Southeast Asia.
2005: Significant Reduction in Malaria Mortality Rate
By 2005, Vietnam's malaria mortality rate had fallen to approximately 5% of its 1990s level due to the implementation of improved antimalarial medications and treatments.
2005: Continued Growth of Higher Education Institutions
By 2005, the number of colleges and universities in Vietnam had increased to 299.
2005: Decline in Hospital Beds per 10,000 People in Vietnam
The number of hospital beds per 10,000 people in Vietnam declined to 23.7 in 2005, as reported by the Vietnamese Health Ministry.
2005: Continued Strong Economic Growth
Vietnam maintained a strong economic growth rate of around 7% per year until 2005.
2005: National Environmental Condition Report
Vietnam's National Environmental Condition Report in 2005 noted the country's uniquely high level of biodiversity.
2006: Decline in Agriculture's GDP Share
By 2006, agriculture's share of Vietnam's GDP had decreased to 20%, reflecting the growth of other economic sectors.
January 2007: Vietnam Joins the WTO
On January 11, 2007, Vietnam officially became the 150th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
2007: Religious Beliefs Survey
A 2007 survey revealed that 81% of the Vietnamese population did not adhere to any god or deity.
2007: Expansion of Fresh Water Access
By 2007, over 70% of the population gained access to the water network, demonstrating improvement in fresh water infrastructure.
2007: Stable HIV Prevalence Rate
In 2007, an estimated 0.4% of Vietnam's population was infected with HIV, a figure that has remained stable since 2005. Increased global aid was being provided through The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to combat the disease's spread.
2008: Survey of Vietnam's Urban Water Supply Systems
A 2008 survey by the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA) found that existing water production capacity exceeded demand, but service coverage remained limited. Clean water supply infrastructure was not widely developed, with only about one-third of district towns having piped water supply.
2008: High National Literacy Rate
By 2008, Vietnam achieved a national literacy rate of 90%, attributed to the construction of numerous public schools across the country.
2008: Economic Structure Shift
By 2008, agriculture's share of Vietnam's GDP had decreased to 18.5%, while industry's contribution rose to 43.2%, reflecting the impact of urbanization.
2008: Increased Solid Waste Generation
By 2008, the amount of solid waste generated in Vietnam's urban areas had increased by over 200% compared to 2003 levels, with industrial solid waste accounting for 181% of the surge.
2009: Increased Access to Electricity
By 2009, over 96% of Vietnamese households had access to electricity, highlighting the positive impact of urbanization on living standards.
2009: Vietnam and Japan Sign High-Speed Railway Deal
In 2009, Vietnam and Japan entered into an agreement to construct a high-speed railway using Japanese shinkansen technology.
2009: Human Rights Issues and Arrests
In 2009, Vietnam faced human rights concerns regarding freedom of association, speech, religion, and press. Lawyer Lê Công Định and associates were arrested on charges of subversion, with Amnesty International labeling them prisoners of conscience.
2009: Increase in Religious Population
In 2009, government findings indicated an increase of 932,000 individuals identifying with a particular religion.
2009: Discovery of Hang Sơn Đoòng Cave
The Hang Sơn Đoòng Cave is considered the largest known cave passage in the world since its discovery in 2009.
December 2010: Economic Challenges in Vietnam
In December 2010, Vietnam experienced an 11.8% inflation rate and three devaluations of its currency, the Vietnamese đồng, despite continued economic growth of 6.8% amidst the global recession.
2010: Vietnam's Extensive Diplomatic Relations
As of 2010, Vietnam had established diplomatic relations with 178 countries, underscoring its active engagement in the international community.
2010: Investment in Science and Technology
In 2010, Vietnam allocated approximately 0.45% of its GDP to state spending on science and technology.
2010: Vietnam's Road System
In 2010, Vietnam's road system comprised a total length of approximately 188,744 kilometers, with 93,535 kilometers paved, encompassing national, provincial, and district roads. The national road system spanned about 15,370 kilometers, of which 15,085 kilometers were paved. The provincial road system included around 27,976 kilometers of paved roads, while 50,474 kilometers of district roads were paved.
2010: Last Javan Rhinoceros in Vietnam
The last individual of the Javan rhinoceros species in Vietnam was reportedly shot in 2010.
2011: PetroVietnam Expands Renewable Energy Operations
In 2011, PetroVietnam began operating five renewable energy power plants, including the Nhơn Trạch 2 Thermal Power Plant, Phú Quý Wind Power Plant, Hủa Na Hydro-power Plant, Dakdrinh Hydro-power Plant, and Vũng Áng 1 Thermal Power Plant.
2011: Vietnam's Oil Production
In 2011, Vietnam produced 318,000 barrels of oil per day, making it the third-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia.
2011: Nguyễn Phú Trọng Becomes General Secretary
Nguyễn Phú Trọng took on the role of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 2011, marking the beginning of his tenure as a key figure in Vietnam's political landscape.
2011: Science Research and Development Investment
Vietnam invested 0.19% of its GDP in science research and development in 2011, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.
2012: Top Telecom Operators in Vietnam
By 2012, Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone emerged as the top three telecom operators in Vietnam.
2012: Agent Orange Clean-up Project Begins
In 2012, the US initiated a US$43 million joint clean-up project with Vietnam to address the environmental legacy of Agent Orange. This project focused on former chemical storage areas and aimed to mitigate the ongoing health problems caused by the herbicide.
2012: Previous Global Innovation Index Ranking
Vietnam was ranked 76th in the Global Innovation Index in 2012.
2013: Increased Moped Usage in Hanoi
By 2013, the number of mopeds in Hanoi had increased to 4.7 million, contributing to traffic congestion and air pollution.
2014: Statistics on Religious Followers
In 2014, official statistics presented by the Vietnamese government to a United Nations special rapporteur estimated approximately 24 million followers of recognized religions, out of a total population of around 90 million.
2014: End of Scientific Publication Growth Period
The period of significant growth in Vietnamese scientific publications recorded in Thomson Reuters' Web of Science concluded in 2014.
2015: Sanitation Access in Vietnam
According to a 2015 survey, 78% of Vietnam's population had access to improved sanitation, with 94% coverage in urban areas and 70% in rural areas. However, approximately 21 million people still lacked access.
2015: Access to Improved Water Sources in Vietnam
By 2015, 97% of Vietnam's population had access to improved water sources.
2015: Vietnam's Proven Oil and Gas Reserves
In 2015, Vietnam had approximately 4.4 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves, ranking first in Southeast Asia, and 0.6 trillion cubic meters of proven gas reserves, ranking third in Southeast Asia after Indonesia and Malaysia.
2015: Tourism Growth
In 2015, Vietnam welcomed 7.94 million foreign visitors, demonstrating the significant contribution of tourism to the country's economic growth.
2015: Vietnam's Military Expenditure
In 2015, Vietnam's military expenditure amounted to approximately US$4.4 billion, which represented around 8% of its total government spending.
May 2016: US Lifts Arms Embargo on Vietnam
In May 2016, US President Barack Obama took a significant step in normalizing relations with Vietnam by lifting the arms embargo on sales of lethal arms to the country. This move underscored the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
2016: Life Expectancy and Infant Mortality Rate in Vietnam
In 2016, Vietnam's national life expectancy was 80.9 years for women and 71.5 years for men. The infant mortality rate was 17 per 1,000 live births.
2016: Vietnam Marine Life Disaster
In 2016, the Vietnam marine life disaster occurred, highlighting the negative environmental impact of rapid industrial development.
2016: Abandonment of Nuclear Reactor Project
In late 2016, the Vietnamese government decided to abandon plans to develop a nuclear reactor, which had been intended as a pathway to establishing an alternative source of electricity from nuclear power. This decision came after a majority of the National Assembly voted against the project due to widespread public apprehensions regarding radioactive contamination.
2016: First Olympic Gold Medal
Vietnam won its first gold medal at the Olympic Games in 2016.
2016: Increased Fisheries Output
Vietnam's total fisheries production increased to 6.7 million metric tons in 2016, largely due to the expansion of aquaculture.
2017: Dominance of Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN)
As of 2017, the state-controlled Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) constituted a significant portion, about 61.4%, of Vietnam's power generation system, boasting a total power capacity of 25,884 MW.
2017: Tourism in Vietnam
In 2017, tourism contributed 7.5% of Vietnam's total GDP, with the country hosting approximately 13 million tourists. This marked a substantial increase of 29.1% compared to the previous year, establishing Vietnam as one of the world's fastest-growing tourist destinations. The majority of tourists, around 9.7 million, originated from Asia, including China (4 million), South Korea (2.6 million), and Japan (798,119). Vietnam also attracted a considerable number of visitors from Europe, reaching almost 1.9 million in 2017.
2017: First Phase of Agent Orange Clean-up Completed
The first phase of the Agent Orange clean-up project in Đà Nẵng was completed in late 2017. Following this, the US pledged to clean up other sites, particularly the heavily impacted area of Biên Hòa.
2017: Vietnam Signs UN Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Vietnam demonstrated its commitment to nuclear disarmament by signing the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2017, joining the international effort to eliminate nuclear weapons.
2017: First FIFA U-20 World Cup Qualification
Vietnam's under-20 football team qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time in 2017.
September 2018: Hanoi People's Committee Urges Citizens to Stop Eating Dog and Cat Meat
In September 2018, the Hanoi People's Committee urged citizens to stop consuming dog and cat meat due to concerns about diseases like rabies and leptospirosis. Over 1,000 stores in Hanoi were found selling these meats.
2018: Study on Illegal Export of Rhino Horns
A study released in 2018 revealed Vietnam is a destination for the illegal export of rhinoceros horns from South Africa due to the demand for them as a medicine and a status symbol.
2018: Hội An Ranked Among the World's Top Destinations
In 2018, Travel + Leisure recognized Hội An as one of the world's top 15 best destinations to visit.
2018: Challenges in Vietnam's Water Supply and Drainage Industry
In 2018, Vietnam's construction ministry acknowledged the application of high-tech methods and IT in sanitation but highlighted challenges such as limited funding, climate change, and pollution.
2018: Decree on University Autonomy
In 2018, a decree granting Vietnamese universities greater autonomy was in its final stages of approval. The decree aimed to allow universities to operate independently without ministerial control.
2018: Agent Orange Soil Treatment Plant Constructed
In 2018, the Japanese engineering firm Shimizu Corporation, in collaboration with the Vietnamese military, constructed a plant specifically designed for the treatment of soil contaminated by Agent Orange. The company funded the construction of the plant, showcasing their commitment to environmental remediation.
2018: Development of National Space Program
Vietnam is working to develop its first national space flight program, particularly after the completion of infrastructure at the Vietnam Space Centre (VSC) in 2018.
June 2019: Establishment of Nationwide Water Inspection Units
Beginning in June 2019, Vietnam's health ministry announced the establishment of water inspection units nationwide to address health issues caused by poor or polluted water supplies and unhygienic conditions.
2019: Population Census and Urban-Rural Distribution
According to the 2019 census, Vietnam's population was 96,208,984. The census also indicated that 65.6% of the population resided in rural areas, while 34.4% lived in urban areas.
2019: Religious Demographics
According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, in 2019, Buddhists accounted for 4.79% of the population, Catholics 6.1%, Protestants 1.0%, Hoahao Buddhists 1.02%, and Caodaism followers 0.58%.
2019: Urbanization in Vietnam
In 2019, 33,122,548 people resided in urban areas, representing an urbanization rate of 34.4%. The urban population grew significantly since 1986 due to the Đổi Mới economic program's influence on property rights and economic structure.
2019: Vietnam's Forest Landscape Integrity Index Ranking
In 2019, Vietnam achieved a mean score of 5.35 out of 10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, ranking 104th globally among 172 countries. This index reflects the country's ongoing efforts in reforestation and ecosystem restoration, particularly in the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
2019: AFC Asian Cup Quarter-finals
Vietnam's national football team reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in 2019.
2020: Forecasted Urbanization Rate
Although the Vietnamese government predicted a 45% urbanization rate by 2020, the 2019 census confirmed a rate of 34.4%.
2020: Vietnam Airlines Fleet Expansion
Vietnam Airlines, the country's state-owned national airline, aims to expand its fleet to 170 aircraft by 2020.
2021: Vietnam's Population Reaches 97.5 Million
As of 2021, Vietnam's population stood at approximately 97.5 million people.
2021: Re-Election of Nguyen Phu Trong
In 2021, General Secretary of the Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, was re-elected for his third term in office.
2021: Phạm Minh Chính Becomes Prime Minister
Phạm Minh Chính assumed the position of Prime Minister of Vietnam in 2021, becoming a part of the collective leadership governing the country.
2022: Economic Indicators
In 2022, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Vietnam's unemployment rate stood at 2.3%, its nominal GDP was US$406.452 billion, and its nominal GDP per capita reached $4,086.
2023: Collective Leadership in Vietnam
In 2023, Vietnam's government was led by a three-person collective leadership: President Võ Văn Thưởng, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (in office since 2021), and Nguyễn Phú Trọng (in office since 2011), who served as the Communist Party of Vietnam's General Secretary.
2023: Global Innovation Index Ranking
Vietnam achieved a ranking of 46th in the Global Innovation Index in 2023, significantly improving from its 76th ranking in 2012.
2024: Võ Thị Ánh Xuân Becomes Acting President
In 2024, Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân became the acting president of Vietnam after President Võ Văn Thưởng resigned due to corruption charges.
2025: Expansion of Vietnam's International Airports
According to a government-approved plan, by 2025, Vietnam will have seven additional international airports, including Vinh International Airport, Phu Bai International Airport, Cam Ranh International Airport, Phu Quoc International Airport, Cat Bi International Airport, Can Tho International Airport, and Long Thanh International Airport. The planned Long Thanh International Airport is projected to have an annual service capacity of 100 million passengers once it reaches full operation in 2025.
2030: UNESCO Science Report: towards 2030
The text in the article is derived from the UNESCO Science Report: towards 2030, published in 2030.
