Vietnam is often described as a "bamboo rod with two rice baskets". Its 4,000-year-old culture is traditionally characterised by wet rice-growing. Therefor the rice but also cultural and educational traditions of its multiethnic society are themes at Vietnam's EXPO presentation. Four-fifths of the Vietnamese population are still engaged in farming today. The densely populated Mekong Delta in the south and Red River Delta in the north of this long country (stretching 1,600 kilometres along the eastern coastline of South-East Asia) have remained rice-growing centres. About 15 per cent of Vietnam's population belong to 53 ethnic minorities. Vietnam has been able to preserve its cultural independence despite many years of foreign rule. It has been pursuing a successful policy of economic liberalisation in recent years.

FOOD & DRINK

Very popular - Vietnamese fast food

Specials
"Krupuk" - prawn crackers
Baked duck or chicken with noodle dish
Glass noodles with soya-bean sprouts
Rice with duck

Dessert
Lychees

Beverages
Plum wine with lychee
Coconut milk