Exchange rates:
dong per US dollar - 15,325.8 (2002), 14,725.2 (2001), 14,167.7
(2000), 13,943.2 (1999), 13,268 (1998)
Fiscal year:
calendar year
Communications Vietnam
Telephones - main lines in use:
2.6 million (2000)
Telephones - mobile cellular:
730,155 (2000)
Telephone system:
general assessment: Vietnam is putting considerable effort into
modernization and expansion of its telecommunication system, but its
performance continues to lag behind that of its more modern neighbors
domestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to
Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or
microwave radio relay networks; since 1991, main lines in use have
been substantially increased and the use of mobile telephones is
growing rapidly
international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian
Ocean region)
Radio broadcast stations:
AM 65, FM 7, shortwave 29 (1999)
Radios:
8.2 million (1997)
Television broadcast stations:
at least 7 (plus 13 repeaters) (1998)
Televisions:
3.57 million (1997)