Hà Nam province

Hà Nam province
Name	Hà Nam province
Native name	Tỉnh Hà Nam
Settlement type	Province
Coordinates	20, 35, N, 105...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Vietnam
Seat type	Capital
Seat	Phủ Lý
Leader title	Chairman of the People's Council
Leader name	Lê Thị Thủy
Leader title1	Chairman of the People's Committee
Leader name1	Trương Quốc Huy
Area total km2	860.5
Population total	852,800
Population as of	2021
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Demographics
Demographics1 title1	Ethnic groups
Demographics1 info1	Kinh, Mường, Tày
Timezone	ICT
Area code	226
Iso code	VN-63
Website	www.hanam.gov.vn

Hà Nam province. Located in the heart of the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam, it is a province of significant historical and cultural heritage, positioned south of the national capital Hanoi. Bordered by Hà Nội, Hưng Yên, Thái Bình, Nam Định, Ninh Bình, and Hòa Bình, its landscape is characterized by fertile alluvial plains, limestone mountains, and an extensive network of rivers including the Đáy River and the Red River. The province is renowned for its spiritual sites, traditional craft villages, and its role as a vital agricultural and industrial hub within the region.

Geography

Situated within the expansive Red River Delta, the terrain is predominantly flat with low-lying plains ideal for wet-rice cultivation, interspersed with notable karst formations in areas like Kim Bảng District. The Đáy River flows through the province, linking to the larger Red River system which defines its northern border, while the southern reaches are marked by the foothills of the Trường Sơn Range. Key ecological areas include the Ba Sao Lake and the scenic landscapes surrounding the Tam Chúc Pagoda complex. The climate is characterized by a tropical monsoon pattern, with a distinct rainy season influenced by the East Asian monsoon.

History

The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence from the Đông Sơn culture. During the period of Chinese domination of Vietnam, it was part of the Giao Chỉ commandery. It rose to prominence in the 10th century under the Đinh dynasty and early Lê dynasty, with the ancient capital of Hoa Lư located in the adjacent region. The province was formally established in 1890 during the French protectorate of Tonkin, carved from the southern part of Hà Nội province. It was a site of resistance during the First Indochina War and later sustained significant bombing during the Vietnam War due to its proximity to Hanoi and key transportation routes like National Route 1A.

Administrative divisions

Hà Nam is subdivided into six district-level units, comprising one city and five rural districts. The provincial capital and only city is Phủ Lý, a major administrative and economic center. The five districts are Bình Lục, Duy Tiên, Kim Bảng, Lý Nhân, and Thanh Liêm. These are further divided into 116 commune-level subdivisions, including townships, wards, and communes. Notable towns include Quế in Kim Bảng District and Bình Mỹ in Bình Lục District.

Economy

The economy has transformed from a primarily agricultural base to a more diversified structure with strong industrial growth. It remains a key rice-producing area within the Red River Delta, alongside other crops like maize and sweet potatoes. The province hosts several major industrial zones, including Đồng Văn Industrial Park and Hòa Mạc Industrial Park, attracting investment from companies like Panasonic and Pegatron. Traditional handicrafts, such as silk weaving in Vạn Phúc and rattan products in Phú Vinh, continue to be important. The service sector is bolstered by tourism centered on spiritual destinations like Tam Chúc Pagoda and the Bà Chúa Kho Temple.

Demographics

According to the 2019 census, the population was approximately 852,800, with a density among the highest in the country. The dominant ethnic group is the Kinh, with small communities of Mường and Tày residing mainly in the western districts. The majority of the population practices Mahayana Buddhism and Vietnamese folk religion, with significant Catholic communities following the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi. The annual growth rate has been steady, influenced by migration to industrial zones from neighboring provinces like Thái Bình and Nam Định.

Culture

The cultural landscape is rich with festivals, historical relics, and traditional crafts. Major annual events include the Trường Yên Festival commemorating the Đinh dynasty and the lively Hương Sơn Pagoda Festival. The province is home to numerous national historical sites, such as the Đọi Sơn Temple and the ancient battlefield of Bạch Đằng River. UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage includes the practice of Ca trù singing and elements of the Nhã nhạc tradition. Local culinary specialties include gỏi nhệch (eel salad) from Kim Bảng District and the renowned cá kho làng Vũ Đại (Vũ Đại village braised fish) immortalized in literature by writer Nam Cao.

Category:Provinces of Vietnam Category:Red River Delta