Bangladesh vs Vietnam
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Bangladesh is 1.7 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 2.2 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 0.1 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
BangladeshVietnam| Population | +67.6%169.8M | -40.3%101.3M |
| Area | -55.4%147,570 km² | +124.4%331,212 km² |
| GDP | -5.5%$450.1B | +5.8%$476.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -45.0%$2,593.416 | +81.9%$4,717.29 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.1%74.7 yrs | -0.1%74.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +74.3%24.4 | -42.6%14.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +148.1%3.8% | -59.7%1.5% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Hanoi |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Bengali | Vietnamese |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | VND (₫) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Bangladesh is 1.7 times more populous than Vietnam, with 169.8M residents compared to 101.3M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 1.1 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 74.6 years in Vietnam, a gap of 0.1 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 74% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Vietnam borders 3 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Vietnam's 1 timezone. Both Bangladesh and Vietnam are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Vietnam is in land area: Bangladesh's 147,570 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km² represents a 55% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Vietnam is in GDP per capita: Bangladesh's $2,593.416 compared to Vietnam's $4,717.29 represents a 45% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Vietnam is in infant mortality: Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 represents a 43% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vietnam has a GDP per capita of $4,717.29, which is 1.8x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Vietnam is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 3.8x more densely populated than Vietnam (1151 vs 306 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Vietnam's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 0.1 years longer than those of Vietnam (74.7 vs 74.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to Bangladesh's 4.2%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Vietnam for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Vietnam's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bangladesh vs Vietnam for Budget Travelers
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Bangladesh vs Vietnam for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Vietnam may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Bangladesh vs Vietnam Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bangladesh can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Bangladesh vs Vietnam for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Vietnam covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Bangladesh or Vietnam by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Bangladesh is 1.7 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Vietnam?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B. Vietnam's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Vietnam?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.1 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Vietnam's is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Vietnam?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Vietnam is 2.2 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Vietnam?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Vietnam recognizes: Vietnamese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Vietnam?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Bangladesh or Vietnam better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...
Is Bangladesh or Vietnam cheaper to visit?
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better...
Is Bangladesh or Vietnam better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Vietnam may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Bangladesh or Vietnam more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Bangladesh or Vietnam better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Vietnam covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...