Tây Ninh Province

Tây Ninh Province
Name	Tây Ninh Province
Native name	Tỉnh Tây Ninh
Settlement type	Province
Coordinates	11, 18, N, 106...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Vietnam
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Southeast
Seat type	Capital
Seat	Tây Ninh City
Leader title	People's Council Chairman
Leader name	Nguyễn Thành Tâm
Leader title1	People's Committee Chairman
Leader name1	Nguyễn Thanh Ngọc
Area total km2	4039.7
Population total	1,169,200
Population as of	2021
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Demographics
Demographics1 title1	Ethnic groups
Demographics1 info1	Kinh, Khmer Krom, Hoa, Cham
Timezone	ICT
Utc offset	+7
Area code	276
Iso code	VN-37
Website	http://www.tayninh.gov.vn/

Tây Ninh Province is a significant administrative region in southern Vietnam, forming a crucial part of the Southeast region. It shares a long international border with Cambodia to the north and west, while being bordered domestically by Bình Dương Province, Bình Phước Province, and Hồ Chí Minh City. The province is nationally and internationally renowned as the spiritual center of Caodaism, a major indigenous Vietnamese religion, and it played a historically pivotal role during the Vietnam War.

Geography

The province's terrain is characterized by relatively flat plains, part of the broader Mekong Delta region, with the dominant feature being the extinct volcano Núi Bà Đen (Black Virgin Mountain), a major cultural and tourist landmark. Key waterways include the Vàm Cỏ Đông River and the Saigon River, which are vital for irrigation and transportation. The climate is typical of southern Vietnam, featuring a distinct tropical monsoon pattern with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April, heavily influencing its agricultural cycles.

History

Historically part of Khmer territory, the area was incorporated into Vietnamese control in the late 18th century. During the First Indochina War, the region was a stronghold for the Việt Minh. Its most prominent historical role came as the headquarters of the Viet Cong's Central Office for South Vietnam (COSVN) during the Vietnam War, making it a frequent target for operations like the Cambodian Campaign by U.S. and ARVN forces. Following the Fall of Saigon in 1975, it was integrated into a unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into nine district-level units, comprising one provincial municipality, two district-level towns, and six rural districts. The capital and largest city is Tây Ninh City. The two towns are Hòa Thành and Trảng Bàng. The six rural districts are Bến Cầu, Châu Thành, Dương Minh Châu, Gò Dầu, Tân Biên, and Tân Châu.

Demographics

With a population exceeding 1.1 million, the province is home to several ethnic groups. The majority are the Kinh (Viet), with significant communities of Khmer Krom, Hoa (ethnic Chinese), and Cham. The population density is moderate compared to neighboring industrial provinces like Bình Dương. The predominant religious landscape is uniquely shaped by Caodaism, alongside Buddhism, Roman Catholicism, Islam, and indigenous beliefs.

Economy

The economy is primarily agricultural, with key products including rubber, tapioca, sugarcane, and fruit orchards. Industrial development is growing, particularly in processing agricultural products, textiles, and construction materials. The province promotes cross-border trade with Cambodia through the Mộc Bài and Xa Mat international border gates. Tourism is a vital sector, focused on the Cao Dai Holy See, Núi Bà Đen, and historical sites related to the Vietnam War.

Culture and religion

The province is the global epicenter of Caodaism, with its magnificent Holy See temple in Tây Ninh City serving as the religion's Vatican. Major annual festivals include the Cao Dai's Grand Festival of Worship and ceremonies at Bà Đen Mountain Pagoda. Traditional cultural expressions are showcased through Southern amateur music (Đờn ca tài tử) and various folk festivals. The local cuisine features specialties such as Trảng Bàng rice paper and fermented fish.

Category:Provinces of Vietnam