Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Nhan Dan newspaper has featured top ten cultural events in 1999. The events include:

1. Hanoi was awarded with the "Cities for Peace" prize by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

2. Construction of the Cultural and Tourist Village of Vietnamese Nationalities started on October 3 by the Ministry of Information and Culture.

3. My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An ancient town in the central province of Quang Nam were recognised as the world heritage sites by UNESCO.

4. Activities to improve cultural life in urban areas were expanded. According to the estimate figures by 56 out of 61 provinces and cities, 5,907 villages, 604 quarters and 4.2 million households were recognised cultural villages, quarters and families.

5. Vietnam won prizes at international literature and arts' contest. Vietnamese photographers won two gold, three silver and two bronze medals at FIAP contests in Austria, Spain and Switzerland. Photo titled