Vietnam vs South Africa
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to South Africa's 63.1M. Vietnam is 1.6 times more populous than South Africa. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than South Africa's ($401.1B). South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 3.7 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 8.4 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
VietnamSouth Africa| Population | +60.6%101.3M | -37.7%63.1M |
| Area | -72.9%331,212 km² | +268.7%1,221,037 km² |
| GDP | +18.8%$476.4B | -15.8%$401.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -24.7%$4,717.29 | +32.9%$6,267.187 |
| Life Expectancy | +12.8%74.6 yrs | -11.3%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -42.6%14.0 | +74.3%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -95.3%1.5% | +2026.8%32.4% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Pretoria |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | ZAR (R) |
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 1.6 times more populous than South Africa, with 101.3M residents compared to 63.1M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while South Africa averages 52 people per km² (moderate). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Africa.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 1.2 times larger than South Africa's ($401.1B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of South Africa are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 66.1 years in South Africa, a gap of 8.4 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Africa's infant mortality is 74% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 3.7 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while South Africa borders 6 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to South Africa's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while South Africa is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas South Africa belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and South Africa is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to South Africa's 1,221,037 km² represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and South Africa is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to South Africa's 24.4 per 1,000 represents a 43% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and South Africa is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to South Africa's 63.1M represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and South Africa's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267.187, which is 1.3x that of Vietnam ($4,717.29). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in South Africa is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 5.9x more densely populated than South Africa (306 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 8.4 years longer than those of South Africa (74.6 vs 66.1 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 South Africa's 0.5%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs South Africa 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. South Africa 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 South Africa for Budget Travelers
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Africa. However, South Africa 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 South Africa for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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 South Africa Cost of Living
South Africa's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Vietnam can approach or exceed average costs in South Africa's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs South Africa for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and South Africa, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while South Africa covers 1. Vietnam'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 South Africa by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to South Africa's 63.1M. Vietnam is 1.6 times more populous than South Africa.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or South Africa?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to South Africa's $401.1B. Vietnam's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and South Africa?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.4 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while South Africa's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or South Africa?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². South Africa is 3.7 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and South Africa?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. South Africa recognizes: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or South Africa?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to South Africa's 4.4%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while South Africa's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or South Africa 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. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...
Is Vietnam or South Africa cheaper to visit?
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Africa. However, South Africa may offer bet...
Is Vietnam or South Africa better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Vietnam or South Africa more expensive to live in?
South Africa's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Vietnam or South Africa better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and South Africa, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while South Africa covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching r...