The unique features of "Kien Giang Gazetteer"

Kien Giang is a province located in the far southwest of Vietnam. It is a relatively new land, developed relatively recently in the nation's history, and holds a strategically important position in terms of national security and defense, as well as economic and social development. Its historical context and geographical location have given Kien Giang unique characteristics compared to other localities.

To introduce the beauty of Kien Giang to a wide readership, the Vietnam Education Publishing House has published the remarkable "Kien Giang Gazetteer," a three-volume set. The book was compiled over 20 years by the Kien Giang Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Committee, and the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda Department, with the collaboration of numerous scientists, organizations, and agencies. The "Kien Giang Gazetteer" comprehensively and systematically reflects the natural features, people, history, economy , culture, and society of the region throughout its history, from the initial settlement of the land around the 17th century to 2015.

The book series " Kien Giang Gazetteer" contains many valuable documents about the development of Kien Giang through various historical periods.

The book series is divided into six parts: Part one: Nature and population. Part two: History. Part three: Economy. Part four: Politics . Part five: Culture. Part six: Education, science and technology, health, physical education and sports.

Each section presents detailed and comprehensive information about the overall development of Kien Giang through various historical periods. Each period includes vivid illustrative documents and images. Therefore, readers can easily gain a comprehensive overview of Kien Giang's geography.

From around the beginning of the Common Era to the 7th century, Kien Giang belonged to the Funan Kingdom. It was originally a vast area of ​​water, dense forests, and very few highlands, resulting in a sparse population. Around the 16th-17th centuries, when the water receded and the town of Ha Tien was established (in 1708), the area gradually became more prosperous, attracting many Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer people to settle there.

Over 300 years have passed since its founding, but due to numerous wars and plunderings by Siam and Cambodia, the Tay Son-Nguyen Anh civil war, nearly 100 years of French colonial rule, 20 years of struggle against the US, and finally the Khmer Rouge invasion, Kien Giang has not had the opportunity to fully utilize its advantages.

Kien Giang is a province located in the far southwest of Vietnam, covering an area of ​​over 6,400 km2 with three cities: Rach Gia, Ha Tien, and Phu Quoc, and 12 districts with a population of over 1.75 million people (2021 statistics). The province's topography includes plains, hills, mountains, and islands, with a hot and humid tropical monsoon climate, divided into rainy and dry seasons. Kien Giang includes the islands of Phu Quoc, Lai Son, Hon Tre, Hon Nghe, and five large archipelagos: An Thoi Archipelago, Tho Chu Archipelago (Tho Chau), Nam Du Archipelago, Hai Tac Archipelago, and Ba Lua Archipelago. The flora and vegetation are very rich with many types of vines and large trees used for medicinal purposes, food, and timber (such as Melaleuca and Tram). The fauna is very diverse with many species such as reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds, and fish, including many rare and endangered animals.

Kien Giang serves as a gateway for localities in the Mekong Delta to expand trade exchanges with other countries and the world.

Located within the area of ​​the ancient Oc Eo culture, which existed thousands of years ago, and with activities related to the exploration, construction, and defense of the territory since the Nguyen dynasty, Kien Giang possesses unique cultural characteristics expressed through its architectural works (temples, pagodas, ancient houses, tombs, etc.), cuisine (soups, grilled dishes, cakes, etc.), costumes, folk songs, dances, traditional music, and traditional festivals.

Kien Giang is developing rapidly, becoming a famous tourist destination with many islands, including Phu Quoc Island.

From 1986 to the present, along with the country's reforms, Kien Giang has made many innovations in implementing socio-economic development policies. The province has focused on developing its strengths in rice export, seafood exploitation, aquaculture, processing, and tourism. Currently, the province is accelerating infrastructure development to promote high-quality beach tourism, ecotourism, and resort tourism, considering these as key economic sectors.

Thanks to the economic restructuring, the material and spiritual lives of the people have improved. Average per capita income reached US$2,500 (in 2015), ranking 12th nationwide and second in the Mekong Delta. The education system has expanded to rural areas and border regions. The healthcare network is constantly expanding, making a significant contribution to the care and protection of people's health. Technological activities are closely linked to the province's economic and technical sectors and have made significant contributions.

The "Kien Giang Gazetteer" book series is not only a valuable source of information for research but also contributes to educating present and future generations about the tradition of loving their homeland.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/Tieu-diem-van-hoa/dac-sac-dia-chi-kien-giang-i761960/