Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnamese: Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh; Northern [tʰàjŋ̟ fǒ hò cǐ mīŋ̟] (listen), Southern [tʰàn fǒ hò cǐ mɨ̄n] (listen)), formerly (and still commonly) known as Saigon (Vietnamese: Sài Gòn; Northern [sàj ɣɔ̀n] (listen), Southern [ʂàj ɣɔ̀ŋ] (listen)), is the largest city in Vietnam, with a population of around 9 million in 2019. Situated in the southeast region of Vietnam, the city surrounds the Saigon River and covers about 2,061 km2 (796 sq mi).
Saigon was the capital of French Indochina from 1887 to 1902, and again from 1945 until its cessation in 1954. Following the partition of French Indochina, it became the capital of South Vietnam until the Fall of Saigon in 1975. The communist government renamed Saigon in honour of Hồ Chí Minh shortly after the Fall of Saigon. Beginning in the 1990s, the city underwent rapid modernisation and expansion, contributing to Vietnam's post-war economic recovery.It is known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture and vibrant street life. Its varied cultural institutions, which include historic landmarks, walking streets, museums and galleries, attracts over 8 million international visitors each year.Ho Chi Minh City is a major centre for finance, media, technology, education, and transportation. The city generates nearly a quarter of the country's total GDP, and is home to many multinational companies. Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the main airport serving the city, is the busiest airport in the country by passenger traffic, accounting for nearly half of all international arrivals to Vietnam.Ho Chi Minh City has a Human Development Index of 0.795 (high), ranking second among all municipalities and provinces of Vietnam.

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