The Kinh people mainly inhabit in the low land and deltas. The majority of the other 53 ethnic groups are scattered over mountainous areas and the midland spreading from the North to the South. Most ethnic groups coexist in the same regions, particularly the ethnic minorities in Northern and Northern Central region.

The ethnic minorities have uneven development levels. In the Northern midland and mountainous regions, ethnic groups such as Muong, Thai, Tay, and Nung engage in paddy farming techniques. They also grow upland rice and raise cattle and poultry. Some go hunting, fishing and collecting while others make sophisticated traditional handicrafts. Ethnic minorities living in the South are more separated. Except for the Cham, Chinese and Khmer people living in the Central coast and Southern Vietnam which have high development level, most ethnic minorities living in the Central Highlands reside in clusters of hamlets and subsist mainly on nature. All ethnic groups have their own diverse and unique cultures. Beliefs and religions of Vietnamese ethnic groups are also disparate.

The Vietnamese government pursues a policy of equality, solidarity and mutual assistance for shared development among ethnic groups. In practice, each and every ethnic group is equal in exercising the rights to development. The government gives priority to investment in socio-economic development in mountainous and ethnic minority areas, first and foremost, focusing on improving the transport system and infrastructure, reducing poverty, effectively exploiting potentials and advantages of each region and, at the same time, ensuring sustainable ecological environment protection, preserving and promoting cultural identities and fine traditions of all ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Copyright: Ministry of Foreign Affairs