Vietnam vs China
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to China's 1.41B. China is 13.9 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, China ($18.74T) has a GDP 39.3 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). China covers 9,706,961 km², 29.3 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in China stands at 78.0 years, 3.4 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamChina| Population | -92.8%101.3M | +1289.6%1.41B |
| Area | -96.6%331,212 km² | +2830.7%9,706,961 km² |
| GDP | -97.5%$476.4B | +3834.6%$18.74T |
| GDP Per Capita | -64.5%$4,717.29 | +182.0%$13,303.148 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.3%74.6 yrs | +4.5%78.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +211.1%14.0 | -67.9%4.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -67.0%1.5% | +203.0%4.6% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Beijing |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Chinese |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | CNY (¥) |
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
China is 13.9 times more populous than Vietnam, with 1.41B residents compared to 101.3M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while China is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while China averages 145 people per km² (moderate). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, China has grown at 0.34% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while China is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The China economy ($18.74T) is 39.3 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. China's GDP per capita of $13,303.148 is 19% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of China are on average 2.8 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 78.0 years in China, a gap of 3.4 years. China (78.0 years) is 6.0 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 14.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Vietnam's infant mortality is 211% higher than China's 4.5.
Geographic Comparison
China (9,706,961 km²) is 29.3 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while China borders 16 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to China's 1 timezone. Both Vietnam and China are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and China is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to China's $18.74T represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and China is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to China's 9,706,961 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and China is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to China's 1.41B represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and China's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
China has a GDP per capita of $13,303.148, which is 2.8x 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 China is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 2.1x more densely populated than China (306 vs 145 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. China's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of China live an average of 3.4 years longer than those of Vietnam (78.0 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 China's 5.0%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Vietnam or China by population?
China is larger by population, with 1.41B residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. China is 13.9 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or China?
China has the higher GDP at $18.74T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. China's economy is 39.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and China?
China has a higher life expectancy at 78.0 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.4 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while China's is 6.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or China?
China is larger by land area, covering 9,706,961 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². China is 29.3 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and China?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. China recognizes: Chinese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or China?
China has lower inflation at 0.2%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. China'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%.