Vietnamese Religion
Vietnamese religious beliefs have been influenced by the value combination of the three traditional religions forming the Tam Giao (Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism), as well as ancestor worship, Christianity (which includes Catholicism and Protestantism), Caodaism, the Hoa Hao sect, and Islam. Though Vietnam is a communist country, the people are offered religious freedom.
At present, seventy percent of the nation’s population are Buddhists, or their thinking/ behavior is governed by Buddhist philosophies. This religion was first introduced in Vietnam in the 2nd century and remains its influence till today.
These days, the Catholics occupy Bui Chu-Phat Diem in Ninh Binh province in the North. To the South, it occupies Ho Nai-Bien Hoa in Dong Nai Province. Only 10% of the population constitute the Catholics. The Vietnam Religions of Catholicism and Protestantism entered Vietnam in the 17th century. The Protestants now occupy the Central Highlands. The followers of Islam occupy the central region of the central coast of Vietnam. The majority of them are from the Cham ethnic minority group.
Caodaism entered Vietnam in 1926. The followers of this religion live in South Vietnam near the Church Tay Ninh. The Hoa Hao sect entered Vietnam in 1939. The followers of this occupy the north west of the country.