VietnamBolivia
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Vietnam is 8.9 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 8.7 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 3.3 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 6.0 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
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Vietnam wins
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Bolivia wins
Metric
VietnamBolivia| Population | 101.3M | 11.4M |
| Area | 331,212 km² | 1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | $476.4B | $54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,717.29 | $4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | 74.6 yrs | 68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 14.0 | 20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.5% | 3.0% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Sucre |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | BOB (Bs.) |
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 8.9 times more populous than Bolivia, with 101.3M residents compared to 11.4M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Bolivia has grown at 1.37% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 8.7 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Bolivia's GDP per capita of $4,421.166 is 67% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Bolivia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 6.0 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia (68.6 years) is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bolivia's infant mortality is 43% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 3.3 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Bolivia is located in South America. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Bolivia belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Bolivia is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Bolivia's 11.4M represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Bolivia is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Bolivia is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Bolivia's 1,098,581 km² represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Bolivia'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 1.1x that of Bolivia ($4,421.166). 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 29.6x more densely populated than Bolivia (306 vs 10 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Bolivia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 6.0 years longer than those of Bolivia (74.6 vs 68.6 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 Bolivia's -1.1%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 20.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bolivia 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 Bolivia for Budget Travelers
Bolivia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,421.166 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bolivia 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 Bolivia for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bolivia 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 Bolivia Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bolivia can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia'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 Bolivia by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Vietnam is 8.9 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Bolivia?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Vietnam's economy is 8.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Bolivia?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.0 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia's is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Bolivia is 3.3 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Bolivia?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Bolivia?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Bolivia's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 20.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bolivia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Vietnam or Bolivia cheaper to visit?
Bolivia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,421.166 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bolivia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value...
Is Vietnam or Bolivia better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bolivia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Vietnam or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Vietnam or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...
Population Growth
Vietnam, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Bolivia, 1994 to 2023