1. Socialist Republic of Vietnam

2. Vietnam is shaped like an “S” It is surrounded by Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and China. The major coastline of Vietnam is along the South China Sea. The capitol is Hanoi Largest City is Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)- over 5 million

3. History of Vietnam Chinese conquered the Red River Delta in the 2 nd century B.C. Large numbers of Chinese settlers, officers, and scholars moved south and imposed centralized state system of the Vietnamese people. In 40 A.D. the Trung Sisters rallied the people and revolted and sent the Chinese governor fleeting. During the 3 rd -6 th centuries, Vietnam was a key port of call between China and India which introduced the Vietnamese people to the religions of Confucius, Taoism, and Mahayana Buddhism.

4. Religion Buddhism, which was founded in 500 B.C., is the largest religion. Over 85% of the people call themselves Buddhists. Other religions include Christianity, Catholicism, Muslim and other Indigenous Beliefs.

5. Politics and Government Vietnam is a communist country. What is communism? A revolutionary socialist movement to create a classless, moneyless, and stateless social order. The most powerful positions are the General Secretary who is Head of Government and The Prime Minister – Head of State Ho Chi Minh was their “ideal” leader because he behaved in a fair and egalitarian manner.

6. Etiquette of Vietnamese Important information for teachers. Do not touch someone's head. Do not point with your finger - use your hand. Do not stand with your hands on your hips. Do not cross your arms on your chest. Do not pass anything over someone's head. Do not touch anyone on the shoulder.

7. People of Vietnam Vietnam has a population of over 90 million people with the Vietnamese people making up over 85% of the population. Other smaller populations include: Thai, Muong, Hmong, Chinese and Cambodian.

8. Education The school day in Vietnam is only half a day. Students do not receive letter grades, instead they are ranked first, second, third and so on. Children go to school for six days a week.

9. Holidays and Festivals Human chess is a game played during festivals. Children are the pieces, 16 boys and 16 girls each wearing a different color. The chess board is flat ground that has been painted in squares.

10. Economy Agriculture is the foundation of the economy. Vietnam imports few agriculture resources. Consumable items are usually grown or produced in Vietnam. In the markets, household items are usually sold by women, these include: salt, sugar, soaps, clothing and fabrics.

11. Food of Vietnam Rice is a major part of their diet. They eat rice with every meal. Popular dishes include sautéed vegetables, tofu, a seafood- based broth with vegetables called canh, and a variety of pork, fish, or meat dishes. Vietnamese use chopsticks for eating utensils. The poor consume limited amounts of protein. Leafy vegetables usually accompany their rice dishes.

12. Society and Culture Marriages are no longer arranged by the parents of the bride and groom as before. Funerals last three days and is a very solemn event. The New Year’s celebration lasts for 3 days, starting on the first of January. They have a mid-year celebration on May 5 and mid-autumn celebration on August 15.

13. Climate of Vietnam Vietnam lies in the tropics and has a variety of climates due to its latitude and altitude. Northern Vietnam is has two basic seasons: a cold, humid winter from November to April, and a warm, wet summer for the remainder of the year. Summer temperatures of N.V. average around 70 degrees with occasional typhoons.

14. Climate cont. South Vietnam is warm. Their hottest months are March through May, when temperatures rise into the mid-90's. This is also the dry season in the south. The monsoon season begins in April and goes through October.

15. Web Sources http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/2010/12/ho-chi-minh- man-behind-myth.html http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/2010/12/ho-chi-minh- man-behind-myth.html http://quinnmattingly.photoshelter.com/image/I0000 rnJ7SiXBkGQ http://quinnmattingly.photoshelter.com/image/I0000 rnJ7SiXBkGQ http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100422/full/news. 2010.196.html http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100422/full/news. 2010.196.html http://www.sos-schools.org/asia/vietnam http://blog.myhappyenglish.com/2011/05/english- lesson-still-vs-yet/

16. Web sources cont. http://www.dolcedolce.com/?tag=farmers-marekt http://travelerfolio.com/saigon-ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam- travel-tips/ http://www.vntripguide.com/vietnamese-foods http://www.flickr.com/photos/waltercallens/5658322997/ http://www.english.rfi.fr/asia-pacific/20111212-french-ex- colonel-kills-himself-protest-over-indifference-plight- hmongs http://www.english.rfi.fr/asia-pacific/20111212-french-ex- colonel-kills-himself-protest-over-indifference-plight- hmongs http://www.news.com.au/travel/world/long-tans-trail-of- peace/story-e6frfqb9-1111113392968