Vietnam is the third most populous country in Southeast Asia (after Indonesia and the Philippines), and ranks 16th globally. Since 2019, the population has increased by 4.9 million. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam faces a dual challenge of low birth rates and gender imbalance. If the current sex ratio at birth persists, by 2034 Vietnam will have 1.5 million surplus males aged 15–49, rising to 1.8 million by 2059. (Photo: VNA)
From 2023 to 2024, Vietnam's birth rate showed a sharper decline. In 2024, the urban fertility rate dropped to 1.67 children per woman, and rural areas to 2.08. The Ministry of Health forecasts continued decline in the years ahead. (Photo: VNA)
Under the new Ordinance on Population approved by the National Assembly Standing Committee at its 46th session (June 3, 2025), each couple or individual has the right to decide the timing and number of children. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam is improving population quality through human rights-based and humane policies. In photo: A teacher cares for students in Rang Hamlet, Son Phu School (Hoa Binh). (Photo: VNA)
Health Minister Dao Hong Lan gives vitamin A to children on Micronutrient Day, June 1, 2023, in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)
Leaders and doctors at Tu Du Hospital congratulate the first newborn of 2020. (Photo: VNA)
OriHome Elderly Care Centre in Hanoiis among the city’s models offering comprehensive high-quality elderly care services. (Photo: VNA)
The Committee for Population, Family and Children in coordination with the Ministry of National Defence provide free health checkups, consultations, and medicines for children, the elderly, policy beneficiaries, and disadvantaged households in Ly Son island, Quang Ngai province. (Photo: VNA)
Healthcare workers in border communes of Gia Lai province conduct house-to-house outreach on healthcare programs for ethnic minority communities (2023). (Photo: VNA)
A girl accompanies her mother to receive an award honoring exemplary families with two daughters, held in Hau Giang province (now Can Tho city) (January 5, 2023). (Photo: VNA)
Elderly citizens join the Hanoi Senior Fitness Day 2024 to promote exercise and healthy living in the community (December 13, 2024). (Photo: VNA)
Investing in population work is investing in sustainable development
July 11 is observed annually as the World Population Day, reminding every nation and individual of the risks posed by population explosion. Over the years, Vietnam's population and family planning programs have made significant contributions to the country's socio-economic development, placing fundamental human rights at the center of population policies. This year, the theme of the day is “Reproductive autonomy in a changing world.” Photo: VNA
