Indigenous groups

Ethnic groups in Vietnam

The indigenous people consists of a total of  54 different ethnic groups inhabiting Vietnam, in which Kinh (Viet) people make up nearly 90% of the whole population, and 53 other ethnic groups represent over 10%. The Vietnamese nation and its unique trait of Vietnam culture was formed through a mixture and adaption from two major ancient cultures, the Chinese and the Indian. The 54 different ethnic groups are divided into 8 different groups by the Vietnamese language as shown below:

- The Viet - Muong Group includes 4 ethnic groups: Chut, Kinh, Muong, Tho.
- The Tay - Thai Group includes 8 ethnic groups: Bo Y, Giay, Lao, Lu, Nung, San Chay, Tay, Thai.
- 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, O Du, Ro Mam, Ta Oi, Xinh Mun, Xo Dang, Xtieng.
- The Mong - Dao Group includes 3 groups: Dao, Mong, Pa Then.
- The Kadai Group includes 4 ethnic groups: Co Lao, La Chi, La Ha, Pu Peo.
- The Nam Dao Group includes 5 ethnic groups: Cham, Chu Ru, Ede, Gia Rai, Raglai.
- The Han Group includes 3 ethnic groups: Hoa, Ngai, San Diu.
- The Tang Group includes 6 ethnic groups: Cong, Ha Nhi, La Hu, Lo Lo, Phu La, Si La.

Despite each group of ethnic people having developed their own language and identity, they are bonded with one another in sharing the missions of fighting against invaders, defending their country’s territory as well as fighting for their national independence and self-determination. In fact it is their differences for making the Vietnamese culture, known for a well blended combination of different cultures.

Credits: http://www.vietnamtourism.com/e_pages/news/index.asp

Journey Through Hanoi by Quek Ling Xiang