V ietnam

1. Vietnam

2. Land • Located in South-East Asia • Bordered by China, Laos and Cambodia

3. Climate • tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)

4. Population • 86,967,524 (July 2009 est.) • country comparison to the world: 14

5. History • Colonized by France • Declared independence after WWII • Ho Chi Minh – revolutionary leader and president • Stayed under French rule until 1975 – war • Separation of country led to Vietnam war communist versus democratic • 1976 Socialistic Republic of Vietnam – since then economic reforms

6. Religion • Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, HoaHao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census) The Cao Dai Temple, located in Taynigh.

7. Language • Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer;

8. Greetings • Most of the Vietnamese in urban areas no longer bow when they meet each other. In formal gatherings, at religious place, and sometimes in the country areas, one may see the people clasp their hands together in a prayer-like gesture and bow slightly. • The custom of handshaking, formerly considered barbaric to the Vietnamese, is now achieving popularity due to the Western influence in the country. Men will generally shake hands and say the equivalent of "how are you" and tip their hats when greeting people. Women, especially those in the countryside, still shy away from shaking hands, especially with men from their own country. It is best not to offer to shake hands with a woman unless she offers her hand first.

9. Holidays • Tet – the Vietnamese New Year Tet is commonly described as Christmas, Thanksgiving and your birthday all celebrated at once. • Mid Autumn Festival This celebration honors the harvest time and family. • Liberation day - 30th April – Fall of Saigon and reunification in 1975 • International Workers Day – May 1 • National Day September 2, - Vietnam declares independence This celebration honors the harvest time and family. This celebration honors the harvest time and family.

10. Table Manners • . Wait to be shown where to sit. . The oldest person should sit first. . Pass dishes with both hands. . The most common utensils are chopsticks and a flat spoon.. Chopsticks should be placed on the table or a chopstick rest after every few mouthfuls or when breaking to drink or speak. . People hold bowls close to their faces. . Hold the spoon in your left hand while eating soup. . Meals are typically served family-style. . Try to finish everything on your plate. . When you are finished eating, rest your chopsticks on top of your rice bowl. . Cover your mouth when using a toothpick. This celebration honors the harvest time and family. This celebration honors the harvest time and family.

11. Family • o Vietnamese life revolves around the family. o The Vietnamese family consists of the nuclear as well as the extended family.o It is not uncommon for three generations to be living together under one roof.o In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter and make important decisions. o Within the same tradition it is believed that after someone dies their spirit lives on. Descendents will "worship" their ancestors to ensure their good favour. On the anniversary of a person's death, ceremonies are held in their memory. They are also remembered during certain lunar festivals and souls are consulted prior to important decisions or occasions such as a birth or a wedding. This celebration honors the harvest time and family. This celebration honors the harvest time and family.

12. Education • total: 10 years • male: 11 years • female: 10 years (2000). • country comparison to the world: 171