Huế, the former capital of Vietnam, is a coastal city with a population nearly the same as New Haven. The city is located on the beautiful Perfume River on which live several hundred families on houseboats. It has five universities, including a Medical School. It has been referred to as the cultural center of Vietnam. The New Haven/Huế sister city relationship was established in 1994. In 1995 the Mayor of Huế visited New Haven and was the guest of Mayor DeStefano in a reception at City Hall at which the Ambassador of Vietnam and members of his staff were in attendance.