Agriculture and food in Vietnam

Agriculture in Vietnam

Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a country in Southeast Asia. With an estimated 90.3 million inhabitants as of 2016, it is the world's 14th-most-populous country and the ninth-most-populous Asian country. The name Việt Nam ( Vietnamese: ) is a variation of Nam Việt ( Chinese: ), a name that can be traced back to the Triệu Dynasty (2nd century BC, also known as Nanyue Kingdom). The word "Việt" originated as a shortened form of Bách Việt, a group of people then living in southern China and Vietnam. The form "Viet Nam" (literally, "Southern Việt") was first officially used in 1802 by Emperor Gia Long. It was adopted as the official name of the country in 1945 when the emperor Bảo Đại abdicated. Vietnam was then governed by the Việt Minh, a communist front led by Hồ Chí Minh. South Vietnam, an American ally, fought a war against North Vietnam's communist forces until 1975. The war ended with a victory for North Vietnam, and the country was unified under a communist government later that year. Despite the war, both economies flourished and developed rapidly. Vietnam is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, Thailand across a narrow eastern peninsula, and the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei to the east and southeast. Its coastline stretches over 3,400 km (2,112 mi) in length, making it the Eastern Rim's longest coastline. Vietnam's territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) from its coastline. It has a population of over 90 million people and an area of 331,210 square kilometers (128,560 sq mi). The official language is Vietnamese. Vietnamese is spoken by the ethnic Vietnamese majority as well as by many of the country's ethnic minorities. Buddhism, which arrived in Vietnam from China in the 2nd century AD, is the predominant religion. The Viet people, who make up 86% of the population, are descendants of the Han Chinese who began settling in Vietnam in the 2nd century BC. There is a strong Chinese influence on the culture, cuisine, and art. The country's land area is comparable to that of Sweden. Vietnam's terrain is diverse, with lowland plains in the Red River Delta and the Mekong River Delta; highlands and plateaus in the north and northwest; mountains in the west and central Highlands; and forests, sandy beaches, and offshore islands in the east and southeast. The highest point is Phan Xi Păng at 3,143 m (10,312 ft), while the lowest is the South China Sea at 0 m (0 ft). Vietnam's climate is tropical and monsoonal, with a rainy season from May to September and a dry season from October to April. The average annual temperature is 22 °C (72 °F), and the average annual rainfall is 1,650 mm (65 in). Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country on the South China Sea known for its long history, rich culture, and stunning natural scenery. From the verdant mountains and rice fields of the north to the bustling cities and beaches of the south, Vietnam has something to offer everyone. In recent years, Vietnam has become increasingly popular with tourists from all over the world. And it's no wonder why! Vietnam offers a unique blend of traditional Asian culture and stunning natural beauty, all wrapped up in one convenient package. Vietnam is one of the most biologically diverse countries on Earth. It is home to more than 16,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The country's tropical forests are home to some of the world's rarest and most endangered species, including the critically endangered Vietnamese stork, the world's largest antlerless deer, and the recently discovered Saola, one of the world's rarest mammals. Vietnam's freshwater ecosystems are also exceptionally diverse, with more than 1,700 species of fish, most of which are found nowhere else in the world. The country's mangrove forests are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems on Earth. The diversity of Vietnam's wildlife is under threat from habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal wildlife trade. However, the country has committed to protecting its natural heritage and has established a number of national parks and other protected areas. Vietnam is a country of extraordinary biodiversity. It is home to more than 16,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The country's tropical forests are home to some of the world's rarest and most endangered species, including the critically endangered Vietnamese stork, the world's largest antlerless deer, and the recently discovered Saola, one of the world's rarest mammals. Vietnam's freshwater ecosystems are also exceptionally diverse, with more than 1,700 species of fish, most of which are found nowhere else in the world. The country's mangrove forests are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems on Earth. The diversity of Vietnam's wildlife is under threat from habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal wildlife trade. However, the country has committed to protecting its natural heritage and has established a number of national parks and other protected areas. Vietnam's economy has been growing rapidly in recent years, with GDP growth averaging around 7% per year from 2000 to 2008. Inflation has also been well controlled, averaging around 4% per year during the same period. However, the global economic downturn has hit Vietnam hard, with GDP growth falling to just 1.4% in 2009. The country is also facing a number of other challenges, including a large trade deficit, high levels of government debt, and a high level of non-performing loans in the banking sector. Despite these challenges, Vietnam's economy is still expected to grow at a robust pace in the coming years. GDP growth is forecast to rebound to around 6% in 2010 and to continue growing at a similar rate over the next few years. This growth will be driven by strong exports, continued foreign investment, and increased government spending on infrastructure projects. The Vietnamese government has taken a number of measures to try and boost the economy. These include increasing government spending, reducing taxes and interest rates, and providing support to businesses. The government has also implemented a number of reforms, including privatizing state-owned enterprises and deregulating the economy. These measures are expected to help Vietnam's economy continue to grow in the future. Vietnam is a country with a high potential for economic growth. However, the country faces a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to realize this growth. By taking steps to boost the economy and implementing reforms, Vietnam can continue to grow at a strong pace in the years ahead. Vietnam is a country with a rich agricultural tradition. The wet, tropical climate of Vietnam supports a diverse range of crops and livestock, including rice, maize, sweet potatoes, cassava, peanuts, soybeans, and various fruits and vegetables. Vietnam is one of the world's leading producers of coffee and rubber. In recent years, the country has also begun to produce significant quantities of tea, pepper, and jute. Vietnam's agricultural sector employs a large proportion of the country's workforce and plays a vital role in the national economy. In 2011, agriculture accounted for 17% of Vietnam's GDP. The sector is however relatively underdeveloped and suffers from a lack of modern technology and infrastructure. This has resulted in low productivity and incomes for many farmers. The government is working to improve the sector's competitiveness and has set a target of doubling agricultural GDP by 2020. Vietnam's agricultural products are exported to a number of countries, including the United States, Japan, and China. In 2011, agricultural exports were worth US$13.7 billion, making up 11% of Vietnam's total export value. The main products exported are coffee, rice, seafood, and rubber. Vietnam is a country with a rich agricultural tradition. The wet, tropical climate of Vietnam supports a diverse range of crops and livestock, including rice, maize, sweet potatoes, cassava, peanuts, soybeans, and various fruits and vegetables. Vietnam is one of the world's leading producers of coffee and rubber. In recent years, the country has also begun to produce significant quantities of tea, pepper, and jute. Rice is the main crop grown in Vietnam, with around three million hectares devoted to its cultivation. Other important crops include maize, sweet potatoes, cassava, peanuts, soybeans, and rubber. Fishing is also an important part of the agricultural sector, with around three million people employed in the industry. Vietnam's agricultural sector has undergone significant modernization and transformation in recent years. The government has been investing heavily in the sector, and new technologies and practices are being adopted. This has led to increased productivity and efficiency, and a decrease in the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Vietnam is a country rich in culture, tradition, and history. From the ancient kingdom of Dai Viet to the modern Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the country has undergone many changes, but one thing remains constant – the strong influence of Chinese culture. Throughout its history, Vietnam has been strongly influenced by China. This can be seen in many aspects of Vietnamese culture, from the language to the way of life. Even today, Vietnam is still considered a part of the Chinese cultural sphere. The Chinese influence can be seen in the Vietnamese language, which is based on the Chinese script. Many Vietnamese words are actually loanwords from Chinese. The Chinese influence can also be seen in the way of life of the Vietnamese people. For example, the Chinese lunar calendar is still used in Vietnam, and many traditional Vietnamese festivals have their roots in Chinese culture. Even though Vietnam is no longer a part of China, the influence of Chinese culture is still very strong. This can be seen in the way of life of the Vietnamese people and in the Vietnamese language. Vietnam is largely a Buddhist country, with around 85% of the population following the religion. However, there is a significant minority of Catholics – around 7% of the population – as well as smaller numbers of Protestants, Muslims, Hindus, and others. Religion has always been an important part of Vietnamese culture, and it remains so today. Many of the country’s most important festivals and holidays have religious origins, and many of its most famous temples and pagodas are still active places of worship. Buddhism first came to Vietnam from China in the 2nd century AD, and it quickly took root in the country. Over the centuries, Buddhism has evolved in Vietnam to take on a unique form, incorporating elements of both Mahayana and Theravada traditions. There are an estimated 30 million Buddhists in Vietnam, making it one of the largest Buddhist countries in the world. The vast majority of Vietnamese Buddhists belong to the Mahayana tradition, and most follow the teachings of the Zen school. The Cao Dai religion is another faith with a large following in Vietnam. It was founded in the early 20th century and combines elements of Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Cao Dai followers believe in reincarnation and worship a pantheon of saints and divinities. There are also significant numbers of Catholics in Vietnam. The faith first arrived in the country in the 16th century, brought by European missionaries. Today, there are around 6 million Catholics in Vietnam, making up around 7% of the population. The Protestant faith first came to Vietnam in the 19th century, brought by missionaries from Europe and North America. Protestantism has never been as widespread in Vietnam as Catholicism or Buddhism, but it has a significant presence in some parts of the country, particularly in the south. There are also small numbers of Muslims and Hindus in Vietnam. The Muslim community is estimated to number around 70,000, while the Hindu community is thought to be even smaller. Both groups have a long history in Vietnam, dating back to the days of the Silk Road.