Hanoi

Hanoi
Name	Hanoi
Native name	Hà Nội
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	21, 01, 42, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Vietnam
Established title	Founded
Established date	1010 (as Thăng Long)
Leader title	Secretary of the Party Committee
Leader name	Đinh Tiến Dũng
Leader title1	Chairman of the People's Council
Leader name1	Nguyễn Ngọc Tuấn
Leader title2	Chairman of the People's Committee
Leader name2	Trần Sỹ Thanh
Area total km2	3358.6
Population total	8,435,700
Population as of	2023
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Indochina Time
Utc offset	+7
Website	https://english.hanoi.gov.vn/

Hanoi. It is the capital and second-largest city of Vietnam, serving as the nation's political, cultural, and educational heart. Situated on the banks of the Red River in northern Vietnam, the city boasts a rich history spanning over a millennium, blending ancient architecture with modern urban development. As a major economic hub, it is a key driver of the country's growth and a focal point for international diplomacy and trade.

History

The area was first selected as a capital in 1010 by Emperor Lý Thái Tổ of the Lý dynasty, who named it Thăng Long (Ascending Dragon). It served as the political center of successive Vietnamese dynasties, including the Trần dynasty and the Lê dynasty, witnessing pivotal events like the Mongol invasions of Vietnam. In 1802, Emperor Gia Long moved the capital to Huế, and the city was renamed Hanoi in 1831 under Emperor Minh Mạng. The French colonial period began with the Capture of Hanoi in 1882, and the city became the capital of French Indochina, leaving a lasting architectural legacy. Key 20th-century events include the August Revolution in 1945, when Hồ Chí Minh proclaimed the Democratic Republic of Vietnam at Ba Đình Square, and it later became the capital of North Vietnam during the Vietnam War, enduring significant bombing during Operation Linebacker II. Following the Fall of Saigon in 1975, it was established as the capital of a reunified Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Geography

Hanoi is located in the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam, with its core centered around the Red River. The city's topography is characterized by flat plains interspersed with lakes, such as the iconic Hoàn Kiếm Lake in the historic center and the larger West Lake, alongside several low hills. It borders provinces including Bắc Ninh and Hưng Yên to the east, Hà Nam and Hòa Bình to the south, and Phú Thọ and Vĩnh Phúc to the north and west. The climate is classified as a humid subtropical climate, featuring a distinct cool, dry winter influenced by the northeast monsoon and a hot, humid summer with heavy rainfall.

Demographics

With a population exceeding 8.4 million as of 2023, Hanoi is one of the most populous cities in Southeast Asia. The vast majority of residents are ethnic Kinh (Viet), with small communities of other groups such as the Hmong, Tay, and Muong. The city has experienced rapid population growth due to significant migration from other regions of Vietnam, particularly since the advent of Đổi Mới economic reforms. While Vietnamese is the official language, there is a growing presence of English speakers, especially among the youth and within business and academic circles centered around institutions like the Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Economy

Hanoi is a major economic engine of Vietnam, with a diverse economy transitioning from heavy industry to high-tech manufacturing and services. It is a national center for finance and banking, hosting the headquarters of major state-owned banks like the State Bank of Vietnam and the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. Key industrial sectors include electronics, supported by giants like Samsung Electronics and Canon, as well as automotive assembly and garment production. The city is a hub for information technology and startups, with numerous parks like the Hòa Lạc Hi-Tech Park. Tourism is also a significant contributor, with major attractions including the Old Quarter, the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, and the Temple of Literature.

Culture

As the cultural capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is renowned for its centuries-old traditions and artistic heritage. The city is home to iconic performing arts such as water puppetry, often staged at the Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre, and the classical ca trù singing. Culinary culture is profound, with famous dishes like phở, bún chả, and cà phê trứng (egg coffee) originating here. Major cultural sites include the One Pillar Pagoda, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The city hosts important festivals like Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival, and its literary scene is anchored by historic institutions like the National Library of Vietnam.

Government

Hanoi is a municipality under the direct administration of the central government of Vietnam, with status equivalent to a province. The city's governance follows the socialist model, led by the Communist Party of Vietnam through the Hanoi Party Committee, with the current Secretary being Đinh Tiến Dũng. The state apparatus consists of the People's Council of Hanoi, the legislative body led by Chairman Nguyễn Ngọc Tuấn, and the executive People's Committee of Hanoi, led by Chairman Trần Sỹ Thanh. The city is divided into 12 urban districts, such as Hoàn Kiếm District and Ba Đình District, one district-level town (Sơn Tây), and 17 rural districts. It hosts all major national political institutions, including the National Assembly building and the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Security.

Category:Capital cities in Asia Category:Populated places established in the 11th century Category:Hanoi