and a crossroads of different civilizations. Its rather rugged topography, with mountainous regions, plains and coastal areas, is another factor in its ethnic complexity. Their languages belong to almost all the language families of Southeast Asia, south of the Yangtze river. Fifty- four Vietnam is a point of convergence for various ethnic groups ethnic groups have been identified, and hundreds of small local groups are incorporated in to these under different names and dialects. They often have their own indigenous culture and traditions. Each group is described by population, language, area of habitation, life style, family relationships and spiritual life. An ethno-linguistical map of Vietnam (10" by 15") is included.