VietnamBenin
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Vietnam is 7.7 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 22.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 2.9 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 13.8 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
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Benin wins
Metric
VietnamBenin| Population | 101.3M | 13.2M |
| Area | 331,212 km² | 112,622 km² |
| GDP | $476.4B | $21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,717.29 | $1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | 74.6 yrs | 60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 14.0 | 46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.5% | 1.6% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | French |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | XOF (Fr) |
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 7.7 times more populous than Benin, with 101.3M residents compared to 13.2M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 22.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 3.2 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 13.8 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 231% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 2.9 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Benin is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Benin belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Benin is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Benin is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Benin's 13.2M represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Benin is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Benin'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 3.2x that of Benin ($1,485.38). 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 2.6x more densely populated than Benin (306 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Benin's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 13.8 years longer than those of Benin (74.6 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Vietnam's 7.1%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin 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.
Vietnam vs Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin 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 Benin for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Benin Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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 Benin by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Vietnam is 7.7 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Benin?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Vietnam's economy is 22.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Benin?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.8 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Benin?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Vietnam is 2.9 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Benin?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Vietnam's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Vietnam or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in s...
Is Vietnam or Benin better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Vietnam or Benin more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Vietnam or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...