Provincial city (Vietnam) facts for kids

A Provincial city (called Thành phố trực thuộc tỉnh in Vietnamese) is a special and important type of city in Vietnam. Think of it as a major city that belongs to a larger area called a province. These cities are a key part of how Vietnam is organized, sitting just below the provinces in importance.

There are many Provincial cities across Vietnam, and they are ranked into different groups: Class-1, Class-2, or Class-3. This ranking depends on how big and important they are. Each Provincial city is then divided into smaller parts. The busy, inner parts are called wards, and the more rural, outer parts are called communes.

What Makes a Provincial City Special?

Provincial cities are usually the main hubs for a province. They are where the government offices are, and they often serve as important centers for business and culture. Even though they are cities, some still have farms and agricultural areas in their outer parts (the communes).

These cities are similar in level to districts or towns in Vietnam, but they are generally larger and play a more significant role. For example, some cities like Hạ Long and Huế are so urban that they don't even have any communes, only wards!

List of Provincial Cities in Vietnam

Vietnam has many Provincial cities, each with its own unique features. Here's a list showing some key facts about them, like their size, how many people live there, and when they became a city.

How Provincial Cities Are Governed

Each Provincial city has its own government to manage its daily life. This includes things like security, economy, and culture.

The People's Council

The main governing body is the City People's Council. This council is made up of representatives. These representatives are chosen by the people living in the city through elections held every five years. The People's Council makes important decisions. They plan for the city's economic growth, cultural activities, and education. The council has a chairman, a vice chairman, and other members. They work under the guidance of Vietnam's National Assembly.

The People's Committee

The City People's Council also chooses the People's Committee. This committee is like the city's management team. They are directly in charge of making sure the city runs smoothly. This includes managing areas like health, education, and finance. The People's Committee also oversees some businesses in the city.

Local Administration

Within each city, there are smaller administrative units. These include the wards and communes we mentioned earlier. The inner city areas (wards) usually have more people living closer together. The outer areas (communes) are often less crowded.