Vietnam

Vietnam has been shaped by a history of long-running conflicts. As early as 111 BC China's Han dynasty conquered the Red River Delta. The French conquest lasted nearly 30 years until they controlled the entire region by 1885. The Japanese military occupation during World War II lasted until 1945, when independence was declared. The French continued to rule until 1954, when Vietnam was divided into the Communist North and the anti-Communist South during the Geneva Convention. The United States economic and military aid to South Vietnam increased during the 1960s, until forces finally pulled out in 1973 after a cease-fire agreement. Small-scale protests from various groups within the country, primarily about land-use issues, continue to challenge the country. Since 2001, the government has affirmed its dedication to economic liberalization and international integration, and is working to create jobs to meet the country's rapidly growing labor force. Counterpart International (Counterpart) partners with local Red Cross and Health Departments in Vietnam to build a comprehensive emergency medical and injury prevention service.

Map and country information, The World Factbook 2009. Washington, DC: Central Intelligence Agency, 2009.