Looking back at history, the "merging and separating" of provincial-level administrative units has taken place through many stages, reflecting changes in the State's management strategy. From the French colonial period with 61 provinces, to the period of national unification with 72 provincial-level administrative units, and then many adjustments and separations to suit the actual situation. To date, Vietnam has 63 provincial-level administrative units, including 57 provinces and 6 centrally-run cities.
History of mergers and splits
Vietnam has gone through many periods of reorganization, separation and merger of provincial administrative units in each historical period.
Before 1945 (French colonial period): Under the Nguyen Dynasty (before the French colonialists completely ruled), the whole country had 31 provinces and 1 Thua Thien prefecture (equivalent to a province). After the French established their governing apparatus, Vietnam was divided into three regions: North, Central, and South. The total number of provinces changed over time.
Period 1945 - 1954 (Resistance War against France) : In 1945, after gaining independence, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam maintained the old provincial system but with adjustments. By 1954, the whole country had 70 provinces and cities (including provinces in the North, Central and some provinces in the South).
Period 1954 - 1975 (division of North and South) : North: The Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam made some adjustments. During this period, there were about 30 - 32 provinces/cities. South: The Government of the Republic of Vietnam also made administrative changes. By 1975, the South had 44 provinces and 1 capital (Saigon).
Period 1975 to present: After the country's reunification (April 1975), Vietnam had 72 provincial-level administrative units, of which the North had 25 units and the South had 47 units. After many adjustments, from 2008 to present, Vietnam has maintained 63 provincial-level administrative units, including 57 provinces and 6 centrally-run cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, Hai Phong and Hue City (to be converted from Thua Thien Hue province to a centrally-run city in 2024).
History of mergers and splits
Vietnam has gone through many periods of reorganization, separation and merger of provincial administrative units in each historical period.
- Before 1945 (French colonial period): Under the Nguyen Dynasty (before the French colonialists completely ruled), the whole country had 31 provinces and 1 Thua Thien prefecture (equivalent to a province). After the French established their governing apparatus, Vietnam was divided into three regions: North, Central, and South. The total number of provinces changed over time.
- Period 1945 - 1954 (Resistance War against France) : In 1945, after gaining independence, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam maintained the old provincial system but with adjustments. By 1954, the whole country had 70 provinces and cities (including provinces in the North, Central and some provinces in the South).
- Period 1954 - 1975 (division of North and South) : North: The Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam made some adjustments. During this period, there were about 30 - 32 provinces/cities. South: The Government of the Republic of Vietnam also made administrative changes. By 1975, the South had 44 provinces and 1 capital (Saigon).
- Period 1975 to present: After the country's reunification (April 1975), Vietnam had 72 provincial-level administrative units, of which the North had 25 units and the South had 47 units. After many adjustments, from 2008 to present, Vietnam has maintained 63 provincial-level administrative units, including 57 provinces and 6 centrally-run cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, Hai Phong and Hue City (to be converted from Thua Thien Hue province to a centrally-run city in 2024).
However, up to now, according to the assessment of the Central Government and the opinions of many scientists and researchers, the number of districts and provinces in Vietnam compared to the area and population size is too large. The administrative management apparatus is cumbersome, multi-layered, and ineffective.
Therefore, the requirement to reorganize and merge provinces and eliminate intermediate administrative levels (districts) is inevitable and urgent. However, merging provinces and eliminating districts is not just a simple addition and subtraction on the administrative map. This is a revolution whose ultimate goal is to unleash potential, unlock resources, and create a more flexible and effective operating system.
This is a challenging journey, requiring strategic vision, high determination, and above all, consensus from the whole society; along with a reasonable roadmap in accordance with the direction of the Central Government.
Quang Nam - Da Nang and the history of establishment and separation:
1889: After invading all of Vietnam, the French colonialists separated Da Nang from Quang Nam, changed its name to Tourane and placed it under the direct control of the Governor-General of Indochina.
Early 20th century: France built Tourane into a Western-style city, becoming an important commercial center.
1950: France returned Da Nang to the Bao Dai government.
1965: US Marines landed, turning Da Nang into a military base.
1967: Da Nang was designated as a centrally-governed city of the Republic of Vietnam government.
November 6, 1996: At the 10th session, the 9th National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam passed a resolution allowing Quang Nam - Da Nang province to split into Quang Nam province and Da Nang city under the Central Government.
Administrative restructuring goals:
- Streamline the organization, reduce costs, increase operating efficiency.
- Create momentum for socio-economic development in key economic regions.
- Improve state management capacity to meet development requirements...
Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/viet-nam-qua-cac-lan-thanh-lap-sap-nhap-tinh-3149426.html
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