Definition
Tánh Linh district (Vietnamese: Huyện Tánh Linh) is a rural district (huyện) of Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu province in the Southeast region of Vietnam.
Overview
Located in the western part of Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu province, Tánh Linh borders the districts of Đất Đỏ and Long Điền to the east, Xuyên Mộc to the north, and the provinces of Đồng Nai and Lâm Đồng to the west and south. The district covers an area of approximately 450 km². According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, the population was about 95,000 inhabitants in 2020, yielding a low population density relative to the provincial average.
The administrative centre of the district is the township of Lộc An. Tánh Linh is subdivided into one township and several communes, including Lộc An, Xã Bình Mẫu, Xã Phú Nghĩa, and Xã Phước Hải, among others.
Historically, the district was part of the former Phước Long province before administrative reorganisation in 1995, when it became incorporated into the newly created Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu province.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Tánh Linh” derives from Vietnamese words: tánh (pure, clear) and linh (spirit, sacred). The combination is interpreted locally as “pure spirit” or “clear spirit,” reflecting traditional beliefs about the natural environment of the area. No documented historical source specifies a precise origin, and the interpretation is based on common linguistic analysis of the components.
Characteristics
Geography and Environment
Tánh Linh is characterized by a hilly terrain that transitions from the coastal lowlands of the province to the inland highlands of the Southern Central Highlands. The district includes portions of forested land that are part of the broader Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu forest complex. Several small waterways, tributaries of the Long Kiết River, traverse the district, supporting local agriculture.
Economy
The local economy relies primarily on agriculture and forestry. Key agricultural products include rubber, cashew nuts, coffee, and pepper. Small‑scale livestock raising and aquaculture are also practiced. In recent years, the district has attracted limited industrial investment, focusing on wood processing and light manufacturing, while maintaining a predominantly rural character.
Infrastructure
Provincial road 58 connects Tánh Linh with the provincial capital, Bà Rịa, and with the coastal cities of Vũng Tàu and Đất Đỏ. Public services include primary and secondary schools, a district health centre, and basic administrative facilities located in Lộc An.
Demographics
The population is predominantly ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh), with small communities of the Hoa (Chinese) and various minority groups, such as the Chăm, who maintain cultural traditions distinct from the majority.
Related Topics
- Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu province
- Administrative divisions of Vietnam
- Rural districts of Vietnam
- Economy of the Southeast region of Vietnam
- Forests of Southern Vietnam
Note: All information presented is based on publicly available government data and widely recognized geographic references. No unverified claims are included.