Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta (also known as the Nine Dragon river delta) is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southwestern Vietnam of over 40,500 square kilometers. The size of the area covered by water depends on the season.

Geography

The Mekong Delta is the region with the smallest forest area in Vietnam. 300,000 hectares or 7.7% of the total area are forested as of 2011. The region's land used for agriculture consists of rice, catfish and shrimp farming.

Climate

The Mekong Delta has been dubbed as a "biological treasure trove". Over 1,000 animal species were recorded between 1997 and 2007 and new species of plants, fish, lizards, and mammals has been discovered in previously unexplored areas, including the Laotian rock rat, thought to be extinct.

Economy

The Mekong Delta is a major source of fish and seafood for the markets of Ho Chi Minh City. Aquaculture, specifically catfish farming, is a major part of the regional economy.

Culture

The culture of Mekong Delta is a blend of cultures of Vietnamese people and Khmer people, with elements of Cham people and Chinese people.

See also

• Mekong River
• Vietnam
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Khmer people
• Cham people
• Chinese people