An Giang

An Giang
Name	An Giang
Native name	Tỉnh An Giang
Settlement type	Province
Coordinates	10, 30, N, 105...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Vietnam
Seat type	Capital
Seat	Long Xuyên
Leader title	Chairman of the People's Committee
Leader name	Nguyễn Thanh Bình
Area total km2	3536.8
Population total	1,904,532
Population as of	2021
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Demographics
Demographics1 title1	Ethnic groups
Demographics1 info1	Kinh, Khmer, Hoa, Cham
Timezone	Indochina Time
Utc offset	+7
Website	www.angiang.gov.vn

An Giang. It is a southwestern border province of Vietnam, strategically positioned where the Bassac River and the Mekong River enter the country from Cambodia. The province is renowned for its fertile Mekong Delta plains, significant agricultural output, and rich cultural tapestry shaped by the Kinh, Khmer, Hoa, and Cham communities. Its capital, Long Xuyên, is a major economic hub, while the province is also famous for the sacred Sam Mountain and its vibrant network of rivers and canals.

Geography

An Giang is characterized by a diverse topography that includes vast alluvial plains, a complex network of rivers such as the Hậu River and numerous canals, and notable hills like Núi Cấm and Núi Dài. It shares a long international border with Cambodia's Kandal Province and Takeo Province, and domestically borders Đồng Tháp Province and Cần Thơ. The province's landscape is dominated by the fertile Mekong Delta, with key water bodies including the Vàm Nao River and the Cái Sắn Canal, which are vital for irrigation and transport. The unique ecosystem of the Trà Sư Cajuput Forest is an important wetland area, and the region experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

History

The area of modern An Giang was historically part of the Funan and later Chenla kingdoms, and it became a territory of Vietnam during the southward expansion under the Nguyễn lords. In the early 19th century, Emperor Gia Long established the province, and it later became a center of resistance, notably as a stronghold for the Tây Sơn dynasty. During the colonial period, it was part of French Indochina, and in the 20th century, it was a significant area of operation during the Vietnam War, including events related to the Hòa Hảo religious sect. The province was also the site of early revolutionary activity by figures like Châu Văn Liêm.

Administrative divisions

An Giang is subdivided into two provincial cities and nine rural districts. The capital, Long Xuyên, and the city of Châu Đốc are the two primary urban centers. The districts include An Phú District, Châu Phú District, Châu Thành District, Chợ Mới District, Phú Tân District, Thoại Sơn District, Tịnh Biên District, Tri Tôn District, and the island district of Long Xuyên City. Key towns serve as district seats, such as Cái Dầu and Nhà Bàng, facilitating local governance and services.

Economy

The economy is predominantly agricultural, with An Giang being a national leader in rice production, alongside significant outputs of catfish and prawn from its extensive aquaculture systems. Major industrial activities include rice milling, food processing, and textile manufacturing, centered in areas like Long Xuyên and the Long Xuyên Industrial Park. The province is a crucial trade gateway with Cambodia through border gates like the Tịnh Biên International Border Gate, and its economy is bolstered by a growing services sector, including tourism focused on sites like Sam Mountain and the Châu Đốc floating markets.

Demographics

With a population exceeding 1.9 million, An Giang is one of the most densely populated provinces in the Mekong Delta. The majority ethnic group is the Kinh (Vietnamese), with substantial communities of Khmer, who are concentrated in districts like Tri Tôn District and Tịnh Biên District, as well as Hoa (Chinese) and Cham minorities. This diversity is reflected in the plurality of religious practices, including Buddhism, Hòa Hảo, Caodaism, Islam, and Catholicism, particularly in centers like Châu Đốc.

Culture

The cultural landscape is a vibrant fusion of traditions from its multi-ethnic population. Major festivals include the Chol Chnam Thmay and Sene Dolta celebrations of the Khmer people, and the revered Vía Bà Chúa Xứ festival at the Sam Mountain temple complex. The province is known for its distinctive folk music forms like Hò An Giang and Lý An Giang, and traditional crafts such as silk weaving in Châu Đốc. Culinary specialties reflect its riverine geography, featuring dishes like *bún cá* (fish noodle soup) and *mắm thái* (fermented fish salad), and historical figures like the scholar Thủ Khoa Nghĩa are celebrated in local lore.

Category:Provinces of Vietnam Category:Mekong Delta