Vietnam’s fast-growing economy is driven primarily by tourism and exports. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam continues to experience political repression and a lack of respect for basic human rights. Economic liberalization began in 1986 but Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization in 2007. Corruption is due in large part to a lack of transparency and media freedom. Government spending is equivalent to 30.3 percent of GDP. Vietnam was colonized by France in the nineteenth century and was occupied by Japan during World War II. It gained independence in 1954 and was divided into the Republic of South Vietnam and the Communist-ruled Democratic Republic of Vietnam in the north. Vietnam is ranked 144th out of 155 countries on this measure that is supposed to capture the environment for investment and growth. 

justice and intellectual pursuits."