Vietnam’s Population Insights from the 2024 Mid-Term Census

As of April 1, 2024, Vietnam’s population has reached over 101.1 million, as reported by the General Statistics Office (GSO). This makes it the third largest population in Southeast Asia and the 16th largest globally. Since 2019, the population has grown by 4.9 million.

The population density in the country stands at 305 individuals per square kilometer, marking an increase of 15 individuals since 2019. Vietnam’s density ranks third in the Southeast Asian region, behind Singapore (8,539 people/km²) and the Philippines (386 people/km²).

The highest population densities are found in the Red River Delta and Southeast regions, with 1,126 and 814 people/km², respectively. In contrast, the Northern Midlands and Mountainous Area, along with the Central Highlands, have the lowest densities at 140 and 114 people/km².

In terms of total population, the Red River Delta leads with 24 million inhabitants, which constitutes 23.7% of the national total, while the Central Highlands is the least populated area with only 6.2 million, accounting for 6.2%.

Recent reports indicate that life expectancy in Vietnam has increased to 74.5 years, with 77.2 years for women and 72.1 years for men. The country has been experiencing an aging population since 2011, a trend that is expected to accelerate, potentially resulting in Vietnam becoming an aging society by 2036 and a super-aged society by 2049.

Between 2019 and 2024, the average population growth rate has been 0.99%, a decline from the previous period’s 1.22%. The Southeast region has shown the highest growth rate at 1.46% annually, while the Mekong Delta has the lowest at 0.29%.

There are 19 provinces in Vietnam with populations below 1 million; 37 provinces with populations ranging from 1 to 2 million; and 7 provinces that exceed 2 million. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the most populous cities, with populations of over 8.68 million and 9.52 million respectively, while Bac Kan has the smallest population at 328,609, highlighting a stark contrast in population distribution.

Fertility Trends

In 2024, Vietnam’s total fertility rate (TFR) is recorded at 1.91 children per woman, falling below the replacement level of 2.1. For over 15 years, from 2009 to 2022, Vietnam maintained a TFR close to the replacement rate, but there has been a significant drop recently, from 1.96 in 2023 to 1.91 in 2024.

Urban areas show a TFR of 1.67, significantly lower than that of rural areas, which stands at 2.08. The Northern Midlands and Mountainous Area, along with the Red River Delta and Central Highlands, present higher fertility rates, whereas the Southeast and Mekong Delta regions reflect lower than replacement rates, at 1.48 and 1.62 respectively.

Gender Imbalance and Health Issues

The GSO’s report also highlights a concerning gender imbalance at birth, with a ratio of 111.4 boys for every 100 girls, surpassing the natural norm of about 106 boys per 100 girls. This imbalance persists despite gender selection prohibitions, indicating a deep-rooted cultural issue.

At a recent event in December 2024, Deputy Health Minister Tran Van Thuan acknowledged these challenges. According to Matt Jackson, representative of UNFPA in Vietnam, the deliberate selection of gender remains a major concern, contributing to this ongoing imbalance.

Moreover, disparities in health care access are evident, with maternal mortality rates in remote and ethnic minority areas being 3 to 4 times higher than the national average. The unmet need for modern contraception among unmarried young individuals stands at 40%, significantly more than that of married couples. Additionally, gender-based violence continues to be a serious issue, with 62.9% of women reporting experiences of violence from a partner during their lifetime.