Background:

Once ruled by a series of imperial dynasties, Vietnam was occupied by France until 1954 when they were defeated by the Communist. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew from 1960 until 1973 in a futile attempt to bolster the democratic government.  Since the Vietnam War, economic reconstruction of the reunited country has been hampered by the aging Communist Party leaders.  Before falling into political and military turmoil Vietnam was a country teaming with art and culture.  It's traditional arts have been kept alive by small groups of artisans whose crafts have been passed from one generation to the next.  From women doing traditional weaving to ancient water puppet shows, Vietnamese artist continue in the footsteps of their ancestors.  The dragon is the most widely used and associated symbol in the history of Vietnamese Art.

Geography:

• Area: total: 329,560 sq km. water: 4,200 sq km , land: 325,360 sq km
• Borders: Cambodia, China, Laos
• Climate: tropical in south; monsoonal in north (May to September)
• Terrain: low, flat delta, central highlands, mountainous north

• Population: 81,098,416
• Ethnic Groups: Vietnamese 85%-90%, Other 10%
• Religions: Buddhist, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian, and indigenous beliefs

• Industries: food processing, garments, machine building, mining, cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, coal, steel, paper
• Imports: machinery, fuel, fertilizer, steel products, raw cotton, grain, cement
• Exports: crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea, garments

• Vietnam Ministry of Culture
• Vietnam Embassy, US
• Travel and Tourism
• Art and Culture