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           VIETNAM
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Vietnam is a long narrow
country in southeast Asia,
which runs down the coast of
the South China Sea. It has a
central hilly area that links
broader plains centred on the
Red and Mekong rivers. The
climate is humid, with
tropical conditions in the
south and subtropical in the
north. The far north can be
very cold when polar air blows
over Asia. Agriculture employs
over three-quarters of the
labour force. The main crop is
rice. Rubber, tea and coffee
are grown for export. Vietnam,
however, remains
underdeveloped and is still
recovering from the ravages of
many wars this century.

Area (Sq. Km.): 332,557

Population: 67,084,000

Capital: Hanoi

Language:
Vietnamese

Religion:
Buddhist 55%
Taoist 20%

Government Type:
Communist

Currency: Dong

Embassy:
12 Victoria Road
London
W8 5RD
0171-937-1912

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Foreign Office Advice:

Travel in most parts of
Vietnam is hazardous and in
some areas still forbidden. On
remote roads attacks and
robberies are increasing.
Particular care should be
taken when travelling in areas
along the border with Laos and
China. Violent incidents and
pickpocketing are increasing
in Ho Chi Minh
City.

Careful consideration for
safety reasons should be given
to the need of using internal
air services.

Self-drive and Motorcycle hire
are not recommended. Always
check with the hire company
about accident liability.

DRUG SMUGGLING CARRIES THE
DEATH PENALTY.

The provision of prompt
consular assistance is
difficult outside Hanoi
because of poor infrastructure
throughout Vietnam.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129