The capital of Vietnam and formerly the Chinese city of Da Luo, Hanoi sits on the Red River Plain in northern Vietnam; an area of about 3,340 square kilometers while boasting a population of about 8.05 million. Hanoi is the political, cultural, and transportation center of Vietnam, with roads and railroads connecting all parts of Vietnam; though in terms of population and economic-size indicators, it is the second largest city in Vietnam.