Download Saigon, Vietnam (Ho Chi Mihn City) Nickname: Pearl of the Far East

Saigon, Vietnam (Ho Chi Mihn City)
Nickname: Pearl of the Far East
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Most commonly referred to as Saigon, it is the largest city in Vietnam
Under the name of Saigon, it was the capital of the French colony of
Cochinchiina and later of the Independent Republic of Vietnams (1955-75)
Officially renamed Ho Chi Mihn City on July 2, 1976, after the
revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Mihn.
Population of metropolitan area is 10 million people and is expected to
grow to 13.9 million by the year 2025.
The area was first conquered by France and Spain in 1859.
Saigon was influenced by the French during colonial occupation, which
can be seen reflected by many classical Western-style buildings and
French villas.
Inhabitants of the city are known as "Saigonese".
The most prevalent religions in the area are: Mahayana Buddhism,
Taoism and Confucianism. About 10% of the city are Roman Catholic.
Ho Chi Mihn City is the economic center of Vietnam.