Vietnam: Overview

Based on the Human Development Report 2005, Vietnam ranks No. 108 out of 172 countries in terms of the human development index. Since introducing market reforms at the end of 1980’s, Vietnam has sustained growth rates in excess of 5% a year—one of the highest in the world.  Participation in trade has been critical, providing producers with access to new markets and new technologies. Human development advances have accompanied the trade success.  During the 1990s, income poverty levels fell from 58% to 28%, life expectancy increased by 6 years and child mortality has been cut in half.  However, inequality has risen, but from a low base.  Nevertheless, despite significant gains in the recent past, Vietnam’s economic growth path is not yet on a securely sustainable footing, and the incidence of poverty remains high.  

Our commitment:

ADRA is committed to supporting the Vietnamese people in their fight against poverty and furthering the economic and social gains they made in the recent past. 

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has embarked upon an ambitious five year socio - economic development plan. Included in this plan are poverty reduction and social developments targets to be achieved by 2010. A summary of the goals is provided below:

1. To reduce the proportion of poor households
2. To universalize and improve education quality
3. To implement gender equality, improve the position of women and
ensure the rights of female children.
4.Reduce the birth rate, death rate and children malnutrition rate
5. Improve mother's reproductive health
6. Prevent HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7.Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Ensure vital infrastructure works for poor people, poor communities
and communes
9.Generate jobs
10.Developing information, culture, improve people's spiritual life;
preserve the culture of ethnic minorities
11. Reduce vulnerability and develop social welfare networks to
support the disadvantaged adn the poor
12. Push up administrative reforms, provide the poor with legal
knowledge

Click here to see a detail description of the targets to be achieved by 2010

Brief facts about Vietnam

Population: 83.6 million (UN, 2005)

Capital: Hanoi

Area: 329,247 sq km (127,123 sq miles)

Life expectancy: 68 years (men), 72 years (women) (UN)

Major religion: Buddhism

Main exports: Petroleum, rice, coffee, clothing, fish

GNI per capita: US $620 (World Bank, 2006)

Click here to continue the tour and learn more about ADRA Vietnam's activities and how they are working cooperatively with the government of Vietnam to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in Vietnam