Vietnam has a population of roughly 100 million people as of 2025, making it the 16th most populous country in the world and the third most populous in Southeast Asia, behind only Indonesia and the Philippines. Stretched along the eastern edge of the Indochinese Peninsula, this densely settled coastal nation has tripled its population since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, when it had around 48 million people.
How Vietnam's 100 Million People Are Distributed
Vietnam's population is unevenly spread across its long, narrow territory, which curves more than 1,650 kilometres from the Chinese border in the north to the Gulf of Thailand in the south. The vast majority of people live in two great river deltas: the Red River Delta around Hanoi in the north and the Mekong Delta in the far south. These fertile lowlands are among the most densely populated rural regions on Earth, while the mountainous interior and the Central Highlands remain sparsely settled.
Nationally, the population density averages around 300 people per square kilometre, one of the highest figures in mainland Asia. In the heart of the Red River Delta, however, densities can exceed 1,000 people per square kilometre. You can explore more about the country's geography and society in our vietnam country guide.
Population Growth and Demographic Trends
Vietnam's population currently grows at roughly 0.85% per year, a moderate pace by global standards and a steep drop from the 2.2% growth rates seen in the 1980s. This slowdown reflects one of the most dramatic fertility declines in Asia: the average number of children per woman fell from about 5 in the 1970s to around 2.0 today, near the replacement level.
Much of this change followed a government-promoted two-child policy introduced in the 1980s, alongside rising incomes, urbanization, and expanded education for women. As fertility has stabilized and life expectancy has climbed past 73 years, demographers project that Vietnam's population will continue rising gradually, peaking near 110 million around the middle of the century before entering a slow decline. The country is now beginning to relax birth restrictions amid concern about an aging society.
The Largest Cities
Vietnam's urban population is growing fast, with more than 40% of citizens now living in cities compared with under 20% in 1990. Its three largest urban centres anchor the national economy:
- Ho Chi Minh City — the largest city, with roughly 9 million residents in the urban core and about 13 million across the metropolitan area. Formerly Saigon, it is the commercial powerhouse of the south and generates close to a fifth of national GDP.
- Hanoi — the capital and second-largest city, home to around 8.5 million people. It serves as the political and cultural heart of the country, famed for its thousand-year-old Old Quarter and tree-lined boulevards.
- Da Nang — a rising third city of about 1.2 million on the central coast, increasingly known as a technology and tourism hub between the historic towns of Hue and Hoi An.
A Young but Aging Society
Vietnam still has a relatively youthful population, with a median age of around 32 years. The Kinh (ethnic Vietnamese) make up about 86% of the population, while 53 officially recognized ethnic minorities — including the Tay, Thai, Muong, Khmer, and Hmong — account for the rest, many living in the highlands and border regions.
Vietnamese is the sole official language, written in a Latin-based alphabet adapted in the 17th century. In terms of belief, most Vietnamese follow a blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, and traditional folk religion, with significant Catholic (about 8%) and Protestant communities. Vietnam also boasts one of the highest literacy rates in the developing world, exceeding 95%, a legacy of strong public investment in basic education.
Vietnam Population at a Glance
- Population (2025 estimate): ~100 million
- World rank: 16th most populous
- Annual growth rate: ~0.85%
- Population density: ~300 people per km²
- Capital: Hanoi
- Largest city: Ho Chi Minh City
- Median age: ~32 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnam's population still growing?
Yes, but slowly. With an annual growth rate near 0.85% and fertility around the replacement level, Vietnam continues to add people. Forecasters expect the population to climb toward 110 million by roughly 2050 before peaking and gradually declining as the society ages.
What is the largest city in Vietnam by population?
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest, with about 9 million people in the city proper and around 13 million in its wider metropolitan area. Hanoi, the capital, is second with roughly 8.5 million residents.
How does Vietnam's population compare to its neighbours?
Vietnam is the third most populous country in Southeast Asia after Indonesia (over 275 million) and the Philippines (around 115 million). It has more people than Thailand, Myanmar, or Malaysia, despite being smaller in land area than several of them.
What is the ethnic makeup of Vietnam?
About 86% of Vietnam's people are ethnic Kinh (Vietnamese). The remaining share belongs to 53 recognized minority groups, many of whom live in mountainous and border areas and maintain distinct languages and traditions.