Vietnam is the easternmost country in Southeast Asia, bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South China Sea to the east. With a population of over 86 million, it is the 13th most populous country in the world.
Since 1986, Vietnam has undergone major economic and political reforms, incorporating elements of a market economy and moving towards international reintegration. The country experienced 8% annual GDP growth between 1990 and 1997, followed by 7% annual growth between 2000 and 2005, making it one of the fastest growing countries in the world. Vietnam became a member of the World Trade Organization in January of 2007.