Vietnam´s official travel and tourism guide

POPULATION AND PEOPLE
The Vietnamese population was born through a mix of two major ancient cultures: the Chinese and the Indian. Thus a peculiar trait of Viet Nam's culture was formed. As far as anthropology is concerned, the Vietnamese people have their origins in the Mongoloid race, believed to be one of the most ancient races and often found in northern and eastern Asia.
At present, there are 54 different ethnic groups inhabiting Viet Nam. The Kinh people or Viet represent 80% of the whole popula­tion. Many minorities possess its own traditions and language.
On the whole, the Vietnamese speak the languages of eight different groups:

1. The Viet-Muong Group includes four ethnic groups: Chut, Kinh, Muong, Tho.
2. The Tay-Thai Group includes eight ethnic groups: Bo Y, Giay, Lao, Lu, Nung, San Chay, Tay, Thai.
3. The Mon-Khmer Group includes 21 ethnic groups: Ba Na, Brau, Bru-Van Kieu, Cho Ro, Co, Co Ho, Co Tu, Gie Trieng, Hre, Khang, Khmer, Kho Mu, Ma, Mang: M'Nong, 0 Du, Ro Mam, Ta Oi, Xinh Mun, Xo Dang, Xtieng.
4. The Mong-Dao Group includes Dao, Mong, Pa Then.

- The Kadai Group includes four ethnic groups: Co Lao, La Chi, La Ha, Pu Peo.

• The Nam Dao Group includes five ethnic groups: Cham, Chu Ru, E De, Gia Rai, Ra Glai.
• The Han Group includes three ethnic groups: Hoa, Ngai, San Diu.
• The Tang Group includes six ethnic groups: Cong, Ha Nhi, La Hu, Lo Lo, Phu La, Si La.