Gia Lai is a province in South Central Coast and Central Highlands region of Vietnam, at an average altitude of above sea level, with an area of and a population of 3,583,693 people in 2025. It borders Quảng Ngãi in the north, East Sea to the east, Đắk Lắk in the south and Ratanakiri of Cambodia in the west.
As of 2025, Gia Lai province is the 18th most populous administrative unit in Vietnam with a population of 4,182,700 people. It ranks 30th in terms of Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), 33rd in per capita GRDP, and 33rd in GRDP growth rate. In 2020, the GRDP reached 80,000.32 billion VND, with a per capita GRDP of 51.9 million VND and a GRDP growth rate of 8.00%.
Under Resolution 202/2025/QH15, a restructuring took place in 2025, with the former Gia Lai and Bình Định provinces officially merged into one single administrative unit. The unified province retained the name Gia Lai. This merger created Vietnam's second-largest province, covering over 21,576 km2 with a population exceeding 3.5 million people. The administrative center is located in Quy Nhơn (the former capital of Bình Định), while Pleiku remains a cultural and economic hub.
Name Its name Gia-lai or Giá-rai in Kinh language from an ancient name Yăgrai in Jarai language. It was often known as "the water dragon" what is the official name of Jarai people. However, it was also the title of Po Klaung Yăgrai, who was worshiped by Jarai clans during thousands years. According to the indigenous tradition, the Jarai community often organizes the festival to honor his unexpected attack on the Khmer empire. This area is still thought to be a pedal and a logistics gathering place to serve the glorious victory.
Transport The province has 2 airports: Phu Cat Airport (serving Quy Nhon city) Pleiku Airport (serving Pleiku)
Ethnic groups Kinh: 814,056 Tay: 11,412 Thai: 5,440 Hoa: 515 Khmer: 326 Muong: 8,283 Nung: 12,420 Mong: 3,386 Dao: 4,825 Gia Rai: 459,738 Ngai: 32 E De: 904 Ba Na: 189,367 Xo Dang: 964 San Chay: 388 Co Ho: 23 Cham: 759 San Diu: 133 Hre: 278 Mnong: 45 Raglay: 19 Xtieng: 12 Bru Van Kieu: 12 Tho: 204 Giay: 12 Co Tu: 21 Gie Trieng: 70 Ma: 2 Kho Mu: 60 Co: 46 Ta Oi: 8 Cho Ro: 13 Khang: 3 Xinh Mun: – Ha Nhi: 1 Chu Ru: 6 Lao: – La Chi: 1 La Ha: – Phu La: – La Hu: 2 Lu: 1 Lo Lo: – Chut: 6 Mang: 1 Pa Then: 2 Co Lao: 16 Cong: – Bo Y: 1 Si La: – Pu Peo: – Brau: – O Du: – Ro Mam: 3 Aboard: 20 Unknown: 11
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