HANOI, Oct. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Vietnam's capital city of Hanoi will host the fifth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 5) on Oct. 8-9.

    Covering on acreage of over 918 square kilometers in the centerof the Red River basin, Hanoi comprises nine urban districts and five suburban.

    Situated on a plain far from the sea, the city is characterizedby strong monsoon influence with high humidity during both summer and winter.

    Recognized as "The City for Peace" by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999,this political, economic and cultural center of Vietnam is one of the most beguiling cities in Asia featuring a landscape of lakes, shadowed boulevards, verdant parks, ancient villas and modern skyscrapers.

    Beauty spots attracting most visitors include the Hoan Kiem Lake in the city center, the Temple of Literature, the most ancient university of Vietnam and the One Pillar Pagoda.

    Hanoi displays the traditional culture of the country with temples, monuments, and narrow streets in the downtown Old Quarterarea.

    With a population of more than three million, the city is undergoing rapid development in every respect and resident's living standards have improved substantially.

    The city posted an annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 10.7 percent in the 2001-2003 period and average per capita earnings rose to 990 US dollars in 2003 from 440 dollars in 1990. Enditem