Vietnam (vê-èt¹näm¹), officially Socialist Republic of
Vietnam, republic (1990 est. pop. 65,500,000), 128,401 sq
mi (332,559 sq km), SE Asia, bordered by Cambodia and
Laos (W), China (N), and the South China Sea (E, S).
Major cities are HANOI (the capital) and HO CHI MINH
CITY (formerly Saigon). The terrain is generally rugged; the
two principal regions, the Red R. delta in the north and the
Mekong R. delta in the south, are linked by a narrow,
mountainous strip. Agriculture, primarily the growing of rice,
is the basis of the economy, engaging more than 80% of the
work force; Vietnam is a major rice exporter. Peanuts, corn,
cassava, and sweet potatoes, and beans are also grown for
subsistence; cash crops include cotton, jute, coffee, and tea.
Fishing is also important. Mining, particularly of coal, heavy
industry, and most of the timber resources are concentrated
in the north. Offshore petroleum deposits have been
developed, and crude oil is exported. About 80%......
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