Vietnam has a population of 84,9 million people, most of whom live in rural areas. There are fifty-seven provinces, plus four major cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City; Danang and Hai Phong. There are fifty-four distinct ethnic groups in Vietnam, but almost 90% of the population belong to the Viet or Kinh majority.
Vietnam is a one-party state, with the Communist party as the dominant political force. The past decade has seen a period of Doi Moi, or renovation, in Vietnam, which has led to remarkable improvements in the nation's economy, and significant improvements in quality of life for many Vietnamese.