Da Nang, << dah nahng >> (pop. 988,561), is one of the largest cities in Vietnam. Da Nang is also called Tourane << too RAHN >>. The city’s location on the South China Sea has made it an important trading center since the 1600’s. The city produces clothing, construction materials, and seafood products.
Da Nang became a city of South Vietnam in 1954, when that country was created. Da Nang was a key city during the Vietnam War (1957-1975) because of its location near North Vietnam. United States military forces established bases there, and the city became a favorite target of the North Vietnamese forces. The North Vietnamese Communists took control of South Vietnam in 1975. They unified North and South Vietnam into the single nation of Vietnam in 1976.
