Vietnam is a republic of Southeast Asia. Area is 329,707 sq. km (127,301 sq. mi.). Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City is the country's largest city. The cultural life of Vietnam is strongly influenced by that of China and Western, especially French characteristics. Cultural interests include The Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts in Hanoi exhibits tools and costumes of more than 60 ethnic groups in Vietnam and The National Library in Ho Chi Minh City.