The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a multiethnic state with 79 Mill. inhabitants (87% Kinh, 13% other nationalities) and an area of about 329.566 km2. With an average income of about 200 US$ per person, Vietnam is one of the poorest of the Asian countries. The population increases 2,2% every year.
The objective of the national planning for the future is an income of 400 US$ per person and a reduced increase of population of 1,7%. The agriculturally utilized area of 70.000 ha (1993) shall be increased to 122.000 ha.
In 1994, the economic growth of the vietnamese industry was 11,5% and in 1995 13,1%. The growth in the service sector was 9,7% (1994) and 11,9% (1995).
25 million tons of grain were produced in 1993. Predominant exports are rice, latex, coffee, tea, peanuts, meat, cashews and silk-yarn.