North Vietnam, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, existed from 1945 until 1976. It was led by the Communist Party and its first leader, Ho Chi Minh. The region was characterized by its socialist government and efforts to unify Vietnam under a single communist regime. During the Vietnam War, North Vietnam fought against South Vietnam and its allies, primarily the United States. The conflict lasted from the late 1950s until 1975, culminating in the fall of Saigon and the reunification of Vietnam. Today, the area is part of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.