Skip to content

Vietnam vs Angola

Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Angola's 36.2M. Vietnam is 2.8 times more populous than Angola. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 4.7 times larger than Angola's ($101.0B). Angola covers 1,246,700 km², 3.8 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 10.0 years higher than Angola's 64.6 years.

Metric
Flag of VietnamVietnam
Flag of AngolaAngola
Population
+180.2%101.3M
-64.3%36.2M
Area
-73.4%331,212 km²
+276.4%1,246,700 km²
GDP
+371.7%$476.4B
-78.8%$101.0B
GDP Per Capita
+77.0%$4,717.29
-43.5%$2,665.874
Life Expectancy
+15.4%74.6 yrs
-13.4%64.6 yrs
Infant Mortality
-63.4%14.0
+173.6%38.3
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-89.2%1.5%
+826.3%14.1%
Capital
Hanoi
Luanda
Region
Asia
Africa
Languages
Vietnamese
Portuguese
Currencies
VND (₫)
AOA (Kz)

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

Vietnam is 2.8 times more populous than Angola, with 101.3M residents compared to 36.2M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Angola is a nation of 36.2M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Angola averages 29 people per km² (sparse). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Angola.

Economy Comparison

Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Angola is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 4.7 times larger than Angola's ($101.0B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Angola's GDP per capita of $2,665.874 is 21% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Angola.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 64.6 years in Angola, a gap of 10.0 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Angola (64.6 years) is 7.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 38.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Angola's infant mortality is 174% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.

Geographic Comparison

Angola (1,246,700 km²) is 3.8 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Angola borders 4 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Angola's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Angola is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Angola belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Vietnam and Angola is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Angola's $101.0B represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Angola is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Angola's 1,246,700 km² represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Angola is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Angola's 36.2M represents a 64% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Angola's lower-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 Angola ($2,665.874). 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

Vietnam is 10.5x more densely populated than Angola (306 vs 29 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Angola's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 10.0 years longer than those of Angola (74.6 vs 64.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.

Economic Momentum

Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to Angola's 4.4%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.

Travel Comparison

Vietnam vs Angola for Families

For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 38.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Angola offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.

Vietnam vs Angola for Budget Travelers

Angola is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,665.874 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Angola 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.

Vietnam vs Angola for Retirees

Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Angola 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.

Vietnam vs Angola Cost of Living

Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Angola, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Angola offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Angola can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.

Vietnam vs Angola for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Angola, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Angola covers 1. Angola'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, Vietnam or Angola by population?

Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Angola's 36.2M. Vietnam is 2.8 times more populous than Angola.

Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Angola?

Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Angola's $101.0B. Vietnam's economy is 4.7 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Angola?

Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Angola's 64.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.0 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Angola's is 7.4 years below the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Angola?

Angola is larger by land area, covering 1,246,700 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Angola is 3.8 times larger than Vietnam.

What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Angola?

Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Angola recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Angola?

Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Angola's 28.2%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Angola's rate is severely elevated at 28.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.

Is Vietnam or Angola better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 38.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Angola offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...

Is Vietnam or Angola cheaper to visit?

Angola is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,665.874 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Angola can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value i...

Is Vietnam or Angola better for retirement?

Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Angola may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...

Is Vietnam or Angola more expensive to live in?

Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Angola, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Angola offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...

Is Vietnam or Angola better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Angola, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Angola covers 1. Angola's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....