Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City[lower-alpha 1] (abbreviated HCMC), formerly known as Saigon,[lower-alpha 2] is the most populous city in Vietnam, with a population of around 9 million in 2019.[5] Situated in the Southeast region of Vietnam, the city surrounds the Saigon River and covers about 2,061 km2 (796 sq mi).

Ho Chi Minh City
Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Saigon (Sài Gòn)
Official seal of Ho Chi Minh City
Nicknames: 
Thành phố mang tên Bác
(lit.'The city bears the name of Uncle Ho')

Paris of the Orient (historical)[1]
Motto(s): 
Paulatim crescam (historical)[2]
Meaning: Little by little we grow
Map
Interactive map outlining Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is located in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Location within Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is located in Southeast Asia
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Location within Southeast Asia
Ho Chi Minh City is located in Asia
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Location within Asia
Coordinates: 10°46′32″N 106°42′07″E
Country Vietnam
RegionSoutheast
Founded1698
Founded byNguyễn Hữu Cảnh
Districts16 urban districts, 5 rural districts and 1 sub-city
Government
  TypeMunicipality
  BodyHo Chi Minh City People's Council [vi]
  Secretary of CPVNguyễn Văn Nên
  Chairwoman of People's CouncilNguyễn Thị Lệ
  Chairman of People's CommitteePhan Văn Mãi
Area
  Municipality2,061.2 km2 (795.83 sq mi)
  Metro
30,595 km2 (11,813 sq mi)
Elevation
19 m (63 ft)
Population
 (2021)[4]:93
  Municipality9,166,800 (1st)
  Density4,375/km2 (11,330/sq mi)
  Metro
21,281,639 (1st)
  Metro density697.2/km2 (1,806/sq mi)
DemonymSaigonese
Time zoneUTC+07:00 (ICT)
Postal code
700000–740000
Area codes28
ISO 3166 codeVN-SG
License plate41, 50–59
GRP (Nominal)2022
– TotalUS$63.6 billion[5]
– Per capitaUS$6,890
GRP (PPP)2022
– TotalUS$199.7 billion[6]
– Per capitaUS$21,640
HDI (2020)0.795 (2nd)[7]
International airportsTan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Rapid transit systemHo Chi Minh City Metro
Websitehochiminhcity.gov.vn

Saigon was the capital of French Indochina from 1887 to 1902, and again from 1945 until its cessation in 1954. Following the partition of French Indochina, it became the capital of South Vietnam until the fall of Saigon in 1975. The communist government renamed Saigon in honour of Hồ Chí Minh shortly after the fall of Saigon. Beginning in the 1990s, the city underwent rapid modernisation and expansion, contributing to Vietnam's post-war economic recovery.[8]

It is known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture and vibrant street life.[9] Its varied cultural institutions, which include historic landmarks, walking streets, museums and galleries, attracts over 8 million international visitors each year.[10][11]

Ho Chi Minh City is a major centre for finance, media, technology, education, and transportation. The city generates around a quarter of the country's total GDP, and is home to many multinational companies.[12] It has a Human Development Index of 0.795 (high), ranking second among all municipalities and provinces of Vietnam.[7] Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport, the main airport serving the city, is the busiest airport in the country by passenger traffic, accounting for nearly half of all international arrivals to Vietnam.[13]


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