Hải Dương province

Hải Dương province
Name	Hải Dương province
Native name	Tỉnh Hải Dương
Settlement type	Province
Coordinates	20, 56, N, 106...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Vietnam
Seat type	Capital
Seat	Hải Dương City
Leader title	Secretary of the Party Committee
Leader name	Phạm Xuân Thăng
Leader title1	Chairman of the People's Council
Leader name1	Lê Văn Hiệu
Area total km2	1656.0
Population total	1,892,254
Population as of	2021
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Demographics
Demographics1 title1	Ethnic groups
Demographics1 info1	Kinh, Hoa, Sán Dìu
Timezone	ICT
Area code	220
Iso code	VN-61
Website	http://www.haiduong.gov.vn/

Hải Dương province is a key administrative and economic region in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam. It is renowned for its rich historical heritage, vibrant agricultural production, and growing industrial base. The province serves as a crucial transportation nexus, connecting the capital Hanoi with the major port city of Haiphong and other vital economic zones.

Geography

Situated in the heart of the Red River Delta, the province features a landscape dominated by flat alluvial plains, crisscrossed by a dense network of rivers and canals, including the Thái Bình River and the Kinh Thầy River. It shares borders with Bắc Giang province and Bắc Ninh province to the north, Hưng Yên province to the west, Thái Bình province to the south, and Haiphong to the east. The terrain is primarily dedicated to intensive rice cultivation, with scattered limestone hills in areas such as Chí Linh adding topographical variety. The climate is characterized by a tropical monsoon pattern, with distinct hot, rainy summers and cool, dry winters.

History

The area has been a significant cultural and political center since antiquity, part of the ancient Âu Lạc kingdom and later the Chinese domination period, where it was known as Giao Chỉ. During the Lý dynasty and Trần dynasty, it was a vital region for defense and administration. It is famously associated with the military genius Trần Hưng Đạo, who orchestrated victories against the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. In the 15th century, the area produced the renowned scholar Nguyễn Trãi, a key figure in the Lam Sơn uprising against the Ming dynasty. The province was established in its modern form in 1831 under Emperor Minh Mạng of the Nguyễn dynasty.

Administrative divisions

Hải Dương is subdivided into 12 district-level units, comprising two cities and ten rural districts. The provincial capital and largest urban center is Hải Dương City, a grade-I city. The other city is Chí Linh, an important industrial and historical town. The ten rural districts are Bình Giang, Cẩm Giàng, Gia Lộc, Kim Thành, Kinh Môn, Nam Sách, Ninh Giang, Thanh Hà, Thanh Miện, and Tứ Kỳ. Each district is further divided into towns, communes, and wards.

Economy

The economy is a dynamic mix of agriculture, industry, and handicrafts. It is a major national producer of lychee, longan, and rambutan, with famous orchards in Thanh Hà and Chí Linh. Industrial zones, such as Đại An and Phúc Điền, attract significant investment in manufacturing, including automotive parts, electronics, and textiles. Traditional craft villages are celebrated for their ceramics in Chí Linh, conical hats in Chuông Village, and wood carving. The province is a critical component of the northern key economic region, linking the industrial corridors of Hanoi, Haiphong, and Quảng Ninh province.

Demographics

With a population of over 1.8 million, it is one of the more densely populated provinces in the Red River Delta. The dominant ethnic group is the Kinh people, with small communities of Hoa people and Sán Dìu. The population is relatively young, with a high literacy rate and a skilled workforce contributing to its industrial growth. Major population centers are concentrated in Hải Dương City, Chí Linh, and the district towns, while rural areas remain densely settled with a strong agricultural tradition.

Culture

The province is a cradle of Vietnamese culture, home to numerous national historical and cultural relics. Key sites include the Côn Sơn - Kiếp Bạc complex, a sacred site associated with Nguyễn Trãi and Trần Hưng Đạo, and the Thanh Mai Pagoda. It is the birthplace of the traditional Ca trù singing genre and hosts vibrant festivals such as the Kiếp Bạc Temple Festival and the Côn Sơn Pagoda Festival. The local cuisine is noted for specialties like gỏi nhệch (hemibagrus salad), bánh đậu xanh (green bean cake), and bánh gai (thorn leaf cake).

Transport

It holds a strategic position in northern Vietnam's transport network. Major national roadways include National Route 5 and National Route 18, forming vital links between Hanoi, Haiphong, and Quảng Ninh province. The Hanoi–Haiphong railway runs through the province, with stations in Hải Dương City and Phú Thái. The Hải Dương Bridge is a critical crossing over the Thái Bình River. The province is also conveniently accessed via Noi Bai International Airport and is near the deep-water port of Haiphong.

Category:Provinces of Vietnam Category:Red River Delta