Vietnam, Asia

With a population of over 86 million, Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world. Efforts to resist the French eventually led to their expulsion from the country in the mid-20th century, leaving a nation divided politically into two countries. Fighting between the two sides continued during the Vietnam War (called the 'American War' by Vietnamese), ending with a communist victory in 1975. By 2000, it had established diplomatic relations with most nations. Its economic growth had been among the highest in the world in the past decade. These efforts culminated in Vietnam joining the World Trade Organization in 2007 and its successful bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2008.

Homosexuality is not a crime provided that it involves noncommercial acts between consenting adults in private. In fact many historians believe that homosexuality was never addressed in the nation's criminal code. Male prostitution and public sex are illegal and establishments or people found to be involved in such behavior can be sentenced to long prison terms. The criminal code does prohibit the "undermining public morality". This vague law could be used to harass gay people or gay rights organizations. In both Saigon and Hanoi there are quiet gay communities and venues.