POPULATION ISSUES IN VIETNAM - OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Population plays a pivotal role in sustainable development strategies, as it directly influences all three core pillars: economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. This study explores the relationship between demographic dynamics in Vietnam and sustainable development through an integrated approach that bridges theoretical perspectives and empirical analysis. Drawing on statistical data and relevant literature, the research examines the current demographic landscape, highlighting Vietnam’s ongoing “demographic dividend” period, characterized by a large and active labor force that offers significant economic growth potential. However, alongside these opportunities lie pressing challenges, including rapid population aging, declining fertility rates, gender imbalance at birth, and uneven population distribution. The study proposes a set of policy recommendations aimed at maximizing the benefits of the demographic window, adapting effectively to population aging, maintaining replacement-level fertility, and enhancing the quality of human capital.