Title: Vietnam: population dynamics and prospects.

POPLINE Document Number: 076511

Author(s):

Banister J

Source citation:

Washington, D.C., Bureau of the Census, Center for International Research, 1992 Jul. xii, 108 p. (CIR Staff Paper No. 65)

Abstract:

The demography of Vietnam is population growth, age-sex distributions, mortality, marriage, family planning (FP), fertility, international migration, urbanization and internal migration, education and literacy, labor force and occupation, and future population trends. Background information is given for the political situation and economy since 1975 and the 1992 population count. Appendices include an evaluation of census coverage, 1989 census special enumeration groups, the council of ministries decision no. 162 on population and FP policy, and supplementary tables. The conclusion is that Vietnam's data have improved along with the government's and the international community responsiveness. Estimated population for 1992 is 70 million of whom 49% are male and 51% female; the sex ratio is gradually improving. 50% are <21 years old. Mortality is low but trends cannot be ascertained. Infant mortality is 50 deaths/1000 live births. Fertility growth is about 1.9%/year. The labor force population will increase greatly before leveling off. Primary levels of education are prevalent. The population is employed primarily in agriculture. There is some unemployment in urban areas (13%); rural unemployment is 4%. Urbanization has occurred primarily since 1982 in small towns of 2,000-20,000 population. 80% reside in rural areas. The demographic transition is more advanced than the economic transition. Political orthodoxy and economic structure prevent rapid modernization. Family planning is poorly funded and there is unmet demand for suitable contraception. There is pressure from the government to limit childbearing. 50% use birth control (IUDs, withdrawal, and period abstinence). Desired number of children is 2.5. Life expectancy is 65 years. 13% are disabled, i.e., 1.14 million invalids are out of the labor force. As 100,000 emigrate annually and many are Hoa (Chinese). 3 million urbanites and 2 million hill dwelling minorities have been relocated to new economic zones, 13% of the population are minorities and have a higher fertility rate.

Keywords:

Vietnam
Data Aggregation
Demographic Transition
Age Factors
Ethnic Groups
Mortality
Marriage Patterns
Contraceptive Usage
International Migration
Urbanization
Educational Status
Labor Force
Fertility
Migration, Internal
Political Factors
Agricultural Workers
Fertility Decline
Developing Countries
Asia, Southeastern
Asia
Research Methodology
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Population Characteristics
Cultural Background
Marriage
Nuptiality
Contraception
Family Planning
Migration
Urban Population Distribution
Population Distribution
Geographic Factors
Socioeconomic Status
Socioeconomic Factors
Economic Factors
Human Resources
Fertility Changes