Vietnam vs Turkey
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Turkey's 85.7M. Vietnam is 1.2 times more populous than Turkey. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 2.9 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 2.4 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Turkey stands at 77.2 years, 2.6 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamTurkey| Population | +18.3%101.3M | -15.5%85.7M |
| Area | -57.7%331,212 km² | +136.6%783,562 km² |
| GDP | -64.9%$476.4B | +185.3%$1.36T |
| GDP Per Capita | -70.3%$4,717.29 | +236.9%$15,892.716 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.3%74.6 yrs | +3.4%77.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +53.8%14.0 | -35.0%9.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -82.1%1.5% | +459.4%8.5% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Ankara |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Turkish |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | TRY (₺) |
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 1.2 times more populous than Turkey, with 101.3M residents compared to 85.7M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Turkey has grown at 1.14% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Turkey is classified as a high-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 2.9 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. Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Turkey are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 77.2 years in Turkey, a gap of 2.6 years. Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 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 54% higher than Turkey's 9.1.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Turkey borders 8 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Turkey's 1 timezone. Both Vietnam and Turkey are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Turkey is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Turkey's $15,892.716 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Turkey is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Turkey's $1.36T represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Turkey is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Turkey's 783,562 km² represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Turkey's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkey has a GDP per capita of $15,892.716, which is 3.4x 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 Turkey is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 2.8x more densely populated than Turkey (306 vs 109 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Turkey's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Turkey live an average of 2.6 years longer than those of Vietnam (77.2 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 Turkey's 3.3%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Turkey for Families
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Turkey's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey 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 Turkey for Retirees
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Vietnam 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 Turkey Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, 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 Turkey's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Turkey for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Turkey, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Turkey 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 Turkey by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Turkey's 85.7M. Vietnam is 1.2 times more populous than Turkey.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Turkey?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. Turkey's economy is 2.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Turkey?
Turkey has a higher life expectancy at 77.2 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.6 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Turkey's is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Turkey?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Turkey is 2.4 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Turkey?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Turkey recognizes: Turkish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Turkey?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Vietnam or Turkey better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Vietnam or Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in...
Is Vietnam or Turkey better for retirement?
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Vietnam 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 Turkey more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Vietnam or Turkey better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Turkey, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Turkey covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...