When it was still under colonial rule, Vietnam had 95% of the population illiterate, the country was poor and backward, more than 2 million people had starved to death in 1944-1945. Since independence, Vietnam has eliminated illiteracy, 98% of its people have a high school education, and is a major exporter of agricultural products.
Since the 18th century, Ao Dai has undergone many changes with many different design styles and colors. But the white ao dai is the most popular design and is used most often in the daily activities of Vietnamese women.