The Hmong are part of a large people group.  About 780,000 are found in 12 of the northern provinces of Vietnam.  But  the Hmong are part of the Miao people, which totals about 9.5 million.  The term "Miao" is most common within China, but "Hmong" is usually used elsewhere.  There are many subgroups of the Miao and many speak mutually unintelligible dialects.

The Hmong are a friendly, affectionate people who enjoy music, festivals and entertaining guests.  It is a paradox that they are also known as fierce warriors.  They live in close-knit communities, usually made up of a single clan, or at most two.  Extended families live in wooden houses that stand on stilts -- short on the uphill side and long on the downhill side.  Many homes have three stories, the top for grain storage, the middle for the family, and the lower for animals and storage.

 

The Hmong are related to the Yao people group.  Though the languages are linguistically close, they are not close enough to be mutually understood.

The Hmong are mountain people.  Where possible, they live at the top of the highest mountain in the area where they live.  This is partly due to their ancient practice of opium poppy cultivation, which is best done at high elevations.

The Hmong are not an unreached people.  Many Hmong are believers, but many more are still without a Savior.  Hmong that are Christians often need Scriptures, discipleship and New Testament churches.