Viet

The Viet, commonly called the Kinh by researchers, are the largest ethnic group in Vietnam, forming about 85 percent of the population. They constitute the core of the Vietnamese nation and language, with regional variations in customs, dress, and speech.

Language: The Vietnamese language (Tiếng Việt) belongs to the Vietic branch of the Austroasiatic family. It is the national language and is written today using the Latin-based quốc ngữ script; earlier scripts included chữ Hán (Chinese characters) and chữ Nôm.

Traditionally concentrated in the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam, the Viet expanded southward in a process known as Nam tiến, reaching central and southern regions by the 17th–18th centuries. They established centralized dynasties and modern Vietnamese statehood after French colonization and the eventual reunification in 1975.

Culture and society: Confucian-influenced social norms, strong family ties, and ancestor worship have shaped customary life. The major religious landscape blends Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and local folk beliefs. Tet, the Lunar New Year, is the most important festival; Vietnamese cuisine emphasizes rice, herbs, fish sauce, and fresh ingredients; traditional arts include water puppetry and folk music.

Diaspora and demographics: Significant Vietnamese communities exist abroad, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and France, formed through migration and refugee movements in the 20th century. Diaspora communities maintain language and cultural practices while engaging with host societies.