The Vietnamese nation was formed through a process of two major ancient cultures, the Chinese and the Indian. Thus a peculiar trait of Vietnam's culture was formed. As far as anthropology is concerned the Vietnamese people have their origin in the Mongolid race, believed to be one of the major or races of the world and often found in northern and eastern Asia.
* 54 different ethnic groups inhabiting Vietnam can divide eight different groups by the Vietnamese language:
- The Viet - Muong Groupincludes 4 ethnic groups: Chut, Kinh, Muong, Tho.
- The Tay - Thai Groupincludes 8 ethnic groups: Bo Y, Giay, Lao, Lu, Nung, San Chay, Tay, Thai.
- The Mon - Khmer Groupincludes 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 Groupincludes 3 groups: Dao, Mong, Pa Then.
- The Kadai Groupincludes 4 ethnic groups: Co Lao, La Chi, La Ha, Pu Peo.
- The Nam Dao Groupincludes 5 ethnic groups: Cham, Chu Ru, Ede, Gia Rai, Raglai.
- The Han Groupincludes 3 ethnic groups: Hoa, Ngai, San Diu.
- The Tang Groupincludes 6 ethnic groups: Cong, Ha Nhi, La Hu, Lo Lo, Phu La, Si La.
In the core of the history of national development, all these groups of people have been closely attached to one another in sharing the same tasks of fighting against foreign invaders, defending the country's territory, gaining the right to live and the right to national independence and self-determination. Each group of ethnic people have developed their own language and identity, thus making the Vietnamese culture, long known for its variety, a well blended combination of different cultures.
