Đồng Nai

Đồng Nai
Name	Đồng Nai
Native name	Tỉnh Đồng Nai
Settlement type	Province
Coordinates	11, 07, N, 107...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Vietnam
Seat type	Capital
Seat	Biên Hòa
Area total km2	5907.2
Population total	3,097,107
Population as of	2019
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Demographics
Demographics1 title1	Ethnic groups
Demographics1 info1	Kinh, Hoa, Chơ Ro, Mạ
Timezone	Indochina Time
Utc offset	+7
Website	www.dongnai.gov.vn

Đồng Nai is a prominent province in the southeastern region of Vietnam, renowned as a major industrial and economic hub. Its capital, Biên Hòa, is a key urban center within the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area. The province is characterized by its strategic location along vital transportation corridors and its rich natural resources, including the Đồng Nai River system.

Geography

Situated in the Southeast region, it borders Bình Dương and Bình Phước to the north, Lâm Đồng to the east, Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu to the south, and Ho Chi Minh City to the west. The terrain transitions from the Central Highlands in the north to alluvial plains in the south, dominated by the Đồng Nai River and its tributaries like the La Ngà River. Significant natural areas include the Cát Tiên National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, and the Trị An Lake, a large artificial reservoir created by the Trị An Dam.

History

The area was historically part of the Kingdom of Champa and later the Đàng Trong realm of the Nguyễn lords. During the French Indochina period, it was part of Cochinchina and saw development of plantations. It played a crucial role in the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War, hosting key bases like Biên Hòa Air Base and the Long Binh Post. Following the Fall of Saigon and national reunification in 1975, it was organized into its current provincial form, becoming a focal point for post-war industrialization and resettlement programs.

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into eleven units: two cities and nine districts. The provincial capital is Biên Hòa, a first-class city, while Long Khánh is the other city. The districts include Cẩm Mỹ, Định Quán, Long Thành, Nhơn Trạch, Tân Phú, Thống Nhất, Trảng Bom, Vĩnh Cửu, and Xuân Lộc. Major industrial zones are concentrated in Biên Hòa, Nhơn Trạch, and Long Thành, the latter being the location of the future Long Thành International Airport.

Economy

It is one of Vietnam's leading industrial powerhouses, contributing significantly to the national GRDP. The economy is driven by massive industrial zones such as Amata, Nhơn Trạch, and Long Thành, attracting major foreign investment from corporations like Hyosung, Nike, and Pou Chen Group. Key sectors include manufacturing, agro-processing, construction materials, and logistics. Agriculture remains important, with large-scale cultivation of rubber, coffee, pepper, and fruit orchards, alongside robust poultry and livestock farming.

Demographics

With a population exceeding three million, it is one of the most populous provinces in Vietnam. The Kinh (Viet) constitute the majority, with significant communities of Hoa (ethnic Chinese) and indigenous groups such as the Chơ Ro, Mạ, and Stieng. The population is highly concentrated in urban and industrial areas like Biên Hòa and Long Thành, leading to rapid urbanization. The province is also part of the demographic and economic sphere of the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area.

Culture

The cultural landscape blends traditions of the Kinh settlers with those of indigenous groups and the Hoa community. Historical sites include the Đồng Nai Culture and Nature Reserve, the ancient Cát Tiên archaeological site, and the Bửu Phong Pagoda. Traditional festivals of the Chơ Ro and Mạ peoples are preserved, while the province is also known for its distinctive culinary offerings, such as Bánh xèo and various river fish specialties. The annual Biên Hòa ceramics tradition is a recognized national intangible cultural heritage.

Category:Provinces of Vietnam Category:Đồng Nai