Generated in 2001, this map of present-day Vietnam details the roads, railways, and international borders. Created by the CIA, there are also lays out the cities and transportation routes in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and southern China. Significantly Vietnam amended its constitution in 2001, which had been initially enacted in 1992. The history of Vietnam is rich and storied, dating back to the Paleolithic era. The first colonizers in the region were the Portuguese, who established a presence as early as 1500 and erected a stone stele to mark their discovery. Trade routes were built in the area, and exploration and colonization continued, eventually leading to the French rule of what was then considered Indochina. Divided between North and South, Vietnam was in turmoil following a Japanese occupation during World War II. July 1845 marked the division of the country at the 16th Parallel to allow for a Japanese surrender. By August, the country had devolved into rioting and anarchy with the collapse of Saigon’s administrative capabilities. The ensuing French- Indochina wars would be hard-fought through the 1940s and 1950s until the defeat of the French and loyalists in the 1954 Battle of Dien Bien Phu, which resulted in the creation of Cambodia and Laos as well as the division of the country at the 17th Parallel. The region would then endure the Vietnam war and re-unify in 1976, creating the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. By 2001 Vietnam had made reforms and was on target to become one of the fastest-growing economies in South Asia.
