Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s most populous metropolis. Home to over 9 million residents, the former capital of French Indochina and later South Vietnam,  was renamed in 1975 to honor the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh.

Today, Ho Chi Minh City serves as the economic powerhouse of Vietnam, contributing over 25% of the nation’s GDP. It is a dynamic hub for finance, media, technology, education, and transportation, hosting offices for numerous multinational corporations. Tan Son Nhat International, the busiest airport in Vietnam, handles nearly half of the country’s international arrivals, underscoring the city’s global connectivity.

The population is predominantly ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh), comprising approximately 93% of residents. The remaining population includes a significant Chinese community, along with Korean, Japanese, American, and South African expatriates, adding to the city’s cosmopolitan character.

Ho Chi Minh City officially recognizes 13 religions, with 2 million residents identifying as religious. Of these, 60% practice Buddhism, followed by Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims. Vietnam’s 2013 constitution guarantees freedom of belief and religion as a fundamental right. The 2016 Law on Beliefs and Religion further strengthened this framework, promoting inclusivity and protecting religious practices.

This religious diversity contributes to Vietnam’s vibrant cultural landscape, with over 8,000 religious festivals celebrated nationwide each year. Religious organizations also play a significant role in social welfare, operating more than 500 medical facilities, 800 social protection centers, and 300 preschools, showcasing the community’s commitment to social development.