(self-designation, Bunung), a people living in the northern part of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (more than 350,000, according to a 1970 estimate) and in China, where they are known as the Chuang ethnic group. The Nung language is one of the Thai languages. Ancient animistic beliefs survive. The main occupations of the Nung are agriculture (rice), livestock raising (water buffalo), and various crafts.