The Hmong have a population of more than 558,000 inhabitants living in concentration in the highland regions of the provinces of Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Lai Chau, Son La. There are many Hmong subgroups such as: Black Hmong, White Hmong, Flower Hmong, Red Hmong, Black Meo, Na Mieo.
Many ethnic groups divided their population into social echelons and gathered under the rule of local tribal heads.
