People
+26
Unreached people group
Vietnamese
Minimally reached
1.5%
Evangelicals
Where the gospel has not yet reached this people
87.7M people from this group live in countries where they remain unreached or minimally reached:
-
Vietnam Minimally reached
84.559.000 people -
Cambodia Unreached
871.000 people -
Japan Minimally reached
600.000 people -
France Minimally reached
332.000 people -
Australia Minimally reached
308.000 people -
Taiwan Minimally reached
289.000 people -
Germany Minimally reached
188.000 people -
Thailand Minimally reached
125.000 people -
Malaysia Minimally reached
113.000 people -
Hong Kong SAR China Minimally reached
47.000 people -
Czechia Minimally reached
39.000 people -
China Unreached
33.000 people -
United Kingdom Minimally reached
28.000 people -
Netherlands Minimally reached
26.000 people -
Norway Minimally reached
25.000 people -
Laos Minimally reached
22.000 people -
Finland Minimally reached
11.000 people -
Denmark Minimally reached
10.000 people -
Sweden Minimally reached
9.500 people -
Cyprus Minimally reached
8.300 people -
Russia Minimally reached
7.800 people -
New Zealand Minimally reached
7.600 people -
Slovakia Minimally reached
6.800 people -
Hungary Minimally reached
5.700 people -
New Caledonia Minimally reached
2.800 people -
Vanuatu Minimally reached
1.600 people
Who they are
The Vietnamese, historically known as the Kinh, form the cultural and demographic heart of Vietnam and maintain active communities in many parts of the world. With an identity shaped by millennia of life between fertile plains and the coast, they cherish a deep attachment to their homeland and the continuity of their traditions.
Their tonal language, rich in nuance and poetic expression, reflects centuries of history and oral literature. Family ties and community solidarity underpin their social organization, in which respect for ancestors and collective honor shape relationships and a sense of duty.
Amid rapid economic modernization, the Vietnamese people preserve distinctive community customs, combining a strong capacity for work and resilience with a constant pursuit of harmony and serenity in everyday life.
History and origin
Originating in the Red River basin in the northern Indochinese Peninsula, the ancestors of the Vietnamese developed sophisticated farming techniques and organized close-knit communities. Over the centuries, they resisted successive imperial pressures and occupations, strengthening a spirit of steadfast patriotism and a distinct identity.
The twentieth century left a deep mark on the people through colonialism, painful wars, and political division. Following reunification and the adoption of economic reforms late in the century, Vietnam opened its doors to global trade, becoming a productive nation connected to the rest of the world.
Where they live
29
Countries
89.7M
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
|
Vietnam Minimally reached
|
94.2%
|
84.559.000 |
United States Partially reached
|
1.9%
|
1.745.000 |
|
Cambodia Unreached
|
1%
|
871.000 |
|
Japan Minimally reached
|
0.7%
|
600.000 |
|
France Minimally reached
|
0.4%
|
332.000 |
|
Australia Minimally reached
|
0.3%
|
308.000 |
|
Taiwan Minimally reached
|
0.3%
|
289.000 |
|
Germany Minimally reached
|
0.2%
|
188.000 |
Canada Partially reached
|
0.2%
|
174.000 |
South Korea Partially reached
|
0.2%
|
152.000 |
|
Thailand Minimally reached
|
0.1%
|
125.000 |
|
Malaysia Minimally reached
|
0.1%
|
113.000 |
|
Hong Kong SAR China Minimally reached
|
0.1%
|
47.000 |
|
Czechia Minimally reached
|
0%
|
39.000 |
|
China Unreached
|
0%
|
33.000 |
|
United Kingdom Minimally reached
|
0%
|
28.000 |
|
Netherlands Minimally reached
|
0%
|
26.000 |
|
Norway Minimally reached
|
0%
|
25.000 |
|
Laos Minimally reached
|
0%
|
22.000 |
|
Finland Minimally reached
|
0%
|
11.000 |
|
Denmark Minimally reached
|
0%
|
10.000 |
|
Sweden Minimally reached
|
0%
|
9.500 |
|
Cyprus Minimally reached
|
0%
|
8.300 |
|
Russia Minimally reached
|
0%
|
7.800 |
|
New Zealand Minimally reached
|
0%
|
7.600 |
|
Slovakia Minimally reached
|
0%
|
6.800 |
|
Hungary Minimally reached
|
0%
|
5.700 |
|
New Caledonia Minimally reached
|
0%
|
2.800 |
|
Vanuatu Minimally reached
|
0%
|
1.600 |
How they live
Vietnamese daily life reflects great energy and a strong spirit of cooperation. In rural areas, rice farming and fishing continue to shape family calendars. In urban centers, trading begins at dawn, with lively street markets where people enjoy traditional dishes, such as fragrant soups with fresh herbs, while taking a break and chatting.
The extended family plays a decisive role in individual decisions. Traditional celebrations, especially Tet, the Lunar New Year, draw people throughout society back to their family homes for cleaning rituals, shared meals, and tributes to the memory of parents and grandparents.
What they believe
Vietnamese spiritual life combines elements of Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, sustained by ongoing devotion to ancestors. Almost every home and business has an altar dedicated to the deceased, where incense is burned and regular offerings are made in the hope of blessings and harmony.
Buddhism provides the concepts of karma and moral merit, while Confucianism governs hierarchy, filial piety, and social duties. Rituals associated with spirits of nature and the land are also common, reflecting a constant desire to ward off misfortune and ensure peace at home.
Religions of the unreached
Buddhism66%
Non-religious19%
Other / Small11%
Christianity3%
Islam1%
Language and the Bible
The complete Bible has been translated into Vietnamese for about a century, with traditional editions and accessible contemporary versions available. Resources such as the audio New Testament, radio programs, and mobile apps are widely accessible, allowing people to explore Scripture discreetly at home and at work.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Vietnamese
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)9.9%
Evangelicals1.5%
Barriers to the gospel
The greatest spiritual barrier lies in the close association between family identity and ancestor veneration: abandoning these rituals is often seen as ingratitude and dishonor to the family line. Decades of government restrictions also foster caution toward religious movements that operate without official supervision. In large cities, the rapid advance of secularism and the pursuit of financial success often stifle interest in eternal truths.
Needs
The rapid pace of economic growth has created visible social pressures, including the weakening of traditional community networks, urban loneliness, and inequality between rural and urban areas. Families seeking to balance modern life with moral values lack emotional support and guidance.
Spiritually, the people need to experience the grace and forgiveness that free them from the burden of seeking merit through their own efforts. Small local Christian congregations lack literature, discipleship materials, and solid biblical training to welcome new converts and help them become firmly rooted in their faith.
Signs of hope
Despite official limitations, the presence of the gospel has grown steadily, especially through networks of house churches and small informal groups. Testimonies of transformed lives have drawn entire families to Christ, and digital Bible resources allow many people to discover the message of salvation in their own language.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pelo fortalecimento dos cristãos vietnamitas que enfrentam pressão familiar por deixarem o culto aos antepassados.
Por sabedoria, discernimento e proteção para os pastores e líderes de igrejas nos lares.
Pela cura emocional e espiritual de famílias marcadas pelas lembranças de conflitos históricos.
Por abertura ao evangelho entre jovens universitários e profissionais imersos no ritmo intenso das cidades.
Pelo alcance da Palavra de Deus por meio de aplicativos, áudios e recursos digitais em língua vietnamita.
Pelo testemunho corajoso dos crentes que compartilham o amor de Cristo com parentes e vizinhos.
Pray for Vietnamese
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar