Quang Tri Province

Quang Tri Province
Name	Quang Tri Province
Native name	Tỉnh Quảng Trị
Settlement type	Province
Coordinates	16, 45, N, 107...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Vietnam
Seat type	Capital
Seat	Đông Hà
Leader title	People's Council Chairman
Leader name	Nguyễn Đức Chính
Leader title1	People's Committee Chairman
Leader name1	Võ Văn Hưng
Area total km2	4745.7
Population total	632,375
Population as of	2019
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Demographics
Demographics1 title1	Ethnic groups
Demographics1 info1	Kinh, Bru, Tà Ôi
Timezone	ICT
Area code	233
Iso code	VN-25
Website	www.quangtri.gov.vn

Quang Tri Province. Located in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam, it is bordered by Thừa Thiên-Huế Province to the south and Quảng Bình Province to the north. The province is historically significant as the site of some of the fiercest fighting during the Vietnam War, including the Battle of Khe Sanh and the Easter Offensive. Its landscape ranges from coastal plains along the South China Sea to the mountainous Annamite Range in the west.

Geography

The topography is defined by narrow coastal plains and the rugged Trường Sơn Mountains, with the Bến Hải River forming part of the former Demilitarized Zone. Major rivers include the Thạch Hãn River and the Hiếu River, which flow eastward to the sea. The climate features a hot, dry season influenced by the Laotian wind and a rainy season prone to flooding. Notable natural features include the Vịnh Mốc tunnel complex and the beaches of Cửa Việt.

History

Historically part of the Champa kingdom, it was later incorporated into Đại Việt under the Lê dynasty. During the First Indochina War, the area saw conflict near the Đông Hà railroad. Its modern history is dominated by the Vietnam War, where it was bisected by the DMZ following the 1954 Geneva Accords. The province endured the Battle of Đồng Hới, the prolonged Siege of Khe Sanh Combat Base, and the 1972 Battle of Quảng Trị. Post-1975, extensive UXO clearance has been undertaken by organizations like the Mines Advisory Group.

Administrative divisions

The provincial capital is Đông Hà, a major transportation hub. Other important towns include the historic Quảng Trị town and the coastal Cửa Việt. The province is subdivided into eight district-level units: the municipalities of Đông Hà and Quảng Trị, and the districts of Cam Lộ, Cồn Cỏ, Đa Krông, Gio Linh, Hải Lăng, Hướng Hóa, Triệu Phong, and Vĩnh Linh.

Economy

Economic activities include agriculture, with key products like pepper, cassava, and coffee cultivated in the western highlands. The coastline supports fishing and aquaculture, particularly near Cửa Tùng. Industrial zones in Đông Hà and Quảng Trị focus on construction materials. The province is developing wind power projects and promotes tourism centered on war history, with sites such as the Hien Luong Bridge and the Khe Sanh Combat Base.

Demographics

As of 2019, the population was approximately 632,375. The majority are Kinh, with significant ethnic minority communities including the Bru and Tà Ôi in the mountainous Hướng Hóa and Đa Krông districts. Population density is highest in the eastern plains around Đông Hà and Hải Lăng. Religious practice includes Buddhism, Catholicism, and indigenous beliefs.

Culture

The province is known for its poignant folk music traditions, such as the "Hò khoan" of Vĩnh Linh. Cultural landmarks include the ancient Citadel of Quảng Trị and the Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, an important Catholic pilgrimage site. Traditional festivals celebrate the Tà Ôi and Bru cultures, featuring gong performances. The local cuisine utilizes ingredients from the mountains and sea, with dishes like "bánh ướt" and fermented fish sauces.

Category:Provinces of Vietnam