National Flag of Vietnam
According to aceinland, the national flag of Vietnam is a simple yet symbolic design. It consists of a red background with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center. The flag has been used since 1945, when Vietnam declared its independence from France. The colors on the flag are said to represent the blood shed during the struggle for independence, as well as the country’s bright future. The five-pointed star is said to represent the five main classes of people in Vietnam: peasants, workers, intellectuals, businessmen and military personnel. In addition, it symbolizes the Communist Party’s leadership over all these classes.
The flag has gone through several changes since 1945 but has remained largely unchanged. In 1976 it was slightly altered to include an orange background and a hammer and sickle in place of the five-pointed star. This was done to signify Vietnam’s new status as a socialist republic after reunification with North and South Vietnam in 1975. However, this design was eventually replaced with a slightly different version of the original 1945 flag in 1980. This version restores the red background and removes the hammer and sickle from its center, restoring the original yellow five-pointed star instead. This design has been used ever since and remains one of Vietnam’s most recognizable symbols both domestically and internationally.
Presidents of Vietnam
Vietnam has had nine presidents since its independence from France in 1945. The first president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was Ho Chi Minh, who served from 1945 until his death in 1969. During his tenure, he led the country through a bitter and costly war for independence from French colonial rule and transformed it into a single-party socialist state. After his death, Nguyen Van Thieu became president and served until 1975. He was succeeded by Tran Van Huong, who served until 1981 when he was replaced by Truong Chinh.
Truong Chinh held office until 1987 when he was succeeded by Nguyen Van Linh. During Linh’s tenure, Vietnam underwent significant economic reforms known as doi moi which opened up the country to foreign investment and helped spur economic growth. He was replaced in 1992 by Le Duc Anh who served until 1997 when he was succeeded by Tran Duc Luong. Luong held office for two terms before being replaced in 2006 by Nguyen Minh Triet who served for two terms as well before being replaced in 2016 by current President Tran Dai Quang. Quang is currently serving his first term which is scheduled to end in 2021.
Prime Ministers of Vietnam
Vietnam has had nine prime ministers since its independence from France in 1945. The first prime minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was Pham Van Dong, who served from 1955 until 1987. During his tenure, he oversaw the country’s efforts to build a socialist economy and helped to guide the nation through the Vietnam War. After his death, Nguyen Co Thach became prime minister and served until 1991. He was succeeded by Vo Van Kiet who served until 1997 when he was replaced by Phan Van Khai.
Khai held office until 2006 when he was replaced by Nguyen Tan Dung. During Dung’s tenure, he oversaw the implementation of economic reforms known as doi moi which opened up Vietnam to foreign investment and helped spur economic growth. He was replaced in 2016 by current Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc who is currently serving his first term which is scheduled to end in 2021. Other notable prime ministers include Mai Chi Tho (1991-1996), Vu Khoan (1997-1998), and Nong Duc Manh (1998-2006).