Vietnam population: What to know to have a deeper look at the country

Going on a Vietnam travel journey, many tourists will be surprised when they see how populous this country is. Vietnam population is about to exceed 100 million, and the country now ranks fifteenth on the world population map. Read on to learn more about the demographics of Vietnam, its size and structure, as well as the forecast for the upcoming years.

1. Current Vietnam population and an estimated number for 2023

1.1. Overview of Vietnam population

• Vietnam population size: according to the most recent data of the United Nations, Vietnam population is 99,694,037 as of Tuesday, March 14, 2023.
• Regardless of the quite small acreage (331,211 square kilometers), Vietnam is among the nations with the highest population densities and is the fifteenth most populous nation in the world. 
• The population of Vietnam today makes up 1.25 percent of the world's population.
• The population density of Vietnam is 314 per square kilometer.
• People in urban areas account for 37.7 percent of the total Vietnam population. In 2020, there were estimated to be 36,727,248 people living in cities.
• 32.5 years old is the average age in Vietnam. However, Vietnam population is aging fast.
• Vietnamese people’s life expectancy is 73.7 years for both sexes.

1.2. Vietnam population by region

Populous as the whole country might seem, there are disparities in Vietnam population's distribution around the nation. Historically, due to advantageous conditions for significant economic pursuits like agriculture and fishing, the Red River and Mekong River Deltas have the highest populations. Heavy urbanization after the Doi Moi economic reform in the 1980s further cemented these areas as the most populous urban hubs in Vietnam.

1.3. Vietnam population by age

As of the beginning of 2023, 69.3 percent of the total Vietnam population is at the age of between 15 and 64 years old. People below 15 and above 65 years old account for 25.2 and 5.5 percent of the population, respectively. 

The dependency ratio of Vietnam population is currently 44.4 percent, which means fewer than half of the population is dependent on others (the labor force). It also indicates that there is very little strain on Vietnam's productive population.

1.4. Vietnam population by gender

Vietnam is one of the top three nations with regard to birth sex ratio imbalance. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Vietnam's imbalance rate in 2021 was 111.6 boys for 100 girls, trailing only China and India, the world's two most populous nations. 

The imbalance between Vietnam female population and male has existed since 2006 and is believed to be the result of biased gender selection. Vietnam is a country where many families prefer to have a son to handle ancestor worship and inherit the family home when their parents pass away. Man is expected to be the breadwinner of the whole family. It is also the son who is expected to take care of the parents when they get old. Therefore, most families expect at least one son. Many families have taken use of technological advancements to choose the gender of their offspring. 

1.5. Vietnam population by religion

Regarding Vietnam population by religion, Roman Catholicism and Buddhism were the two religions with the biggest proportion among Vietnam population as of 2019, accounting for around 14 percent of those who are identified as religious. Despite the fact that the majority of Vietnamese claimed to be atheists, a sizable proportion practice traditional beliefs and folk religions that are historically inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

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2. Look back at Vietnam population history from 1960 to 2022

In 1960, Vietnam population was 30.17 million, ranking seventh in the world. In 2022, the number has exceeded 99 million and the nation is now the fifteenth most populous country on Earth. Check out the table below to see how the population of Vietnam has changed throughout the years. 

3. Vietnam population forecast for the period 2025 - 2050

Below is the prediction for Vietnam population in the upcoming years according to the United Nations:  

4. The top 10 provinces and cities with the largest population in Vietnam

Regarding Vietnam population by province, below are the top 10 provinces and cities with the highest population, according to the data in 2021:

As Vietnam is a populous country, the tradition and culture of this land are vibrant without a doubt. Exploring the local people and their lifestyle is hence an interesting thing to do when you visit this S-shaped land. And do not forget to spend your time discovering its irresistible natural appeal and experiencing fascinating activities. Some wonderful destinations to visit in Vietnam are Ha Long, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Da Nang, just to name a few. They all have spectacular natural settings and rich culture, promising to bring unforgettable traveling experiences to tourists. 

In addition to determining where to go, choosing good accommodation is also essential when you plan for a Vietnam trip. If you are unsure where to stay, consider Vinpearl’s luxury hotels and resorts. Proud to be Vietnam’s leading hospitality brand, Vinpearl has footprints in most Vietnam famous destinations, providing travelers with a wide range of lodging options for a comfortable stay.

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• Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An: With a prime location by the pristine beach, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An provides the best lodging options with excellent rooms and villas, top-notch dining options, and a plethora of cultural activities.

• Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long: A fancy resort on an island, offering a wide range of amenities, along with entertainment and relaxation.

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Vietnam population has always been among the top of the world. As a developing country with more than half of the population in the labor force, Vietnam has seen some recent changes in the median age, sex ratio, and life expectancy. Hopefully, this article will help you have a better comprehension of the demographics of Vietnam.

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