Vietnam vs Canada
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Canada's 41.7M. Vietnam is 2.4 times more populous than Canada. Economically, Canada ($2.24T) has a GDP 4.7 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Canada covers 9,984,670 km², 30.1 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Canada stands at 81.6 years, 7.1 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamCanada| Population | +143.3%101.3M | -58.9%41.7M |
| Area | -96.7%331,212 km² | +2914.6%9,984,670 km² |
| GDP | -78.8%$476.4B | +371.0%$2.24T |
| GDP Per Capita | -91.3%$4,717.29 | +1051.9%$54,340.348 |
| Life Expectancy | -8.6%74.6 yrs | +9.5%81.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +218.2%14.0 | -68.6%4.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -77.9%1.5% | +353.5%6.9% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Ottawa |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Vietnamese | English, French |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | CAD ($) |
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 2.4 times more populous than Canada, with 101.3M residents compared to 41.7M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Canada is a nation of 41.7M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Canada averages 4 people per km² (sparse). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Canada.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Canada is classified as a high-income economy. The Canada economy ($2.24T) is 4.7 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. Canada's GDP per capita of $54,340.348 is 303% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Canada are on average 11.5 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 81.6 years in Canada, a gap of 7.1 years. Canada (81.6 years) is 9.6 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 218% higher than Canada's 4.4.
Geographic Comparison
Canada (9,984,670 km²) is 30.1 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Canada borders 1 country. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Canada's 6 timezones. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Canada is located in North America. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Canada belongs to Americas (North America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Canada is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Canada's 9,984,670 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Canada is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Canada's $54,340.348 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Canada is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Canada's $2.24T represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Canada's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Canada has a GDP per capita of $54,340.348, which is 11.5x 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 Canada is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 73.3x more densely populated than Canada (306 vs 4 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Canada's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Canada live an average of 7.1 years longer than those of Vietnam (81.6 vs 74.6 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 Canada's 1.6%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Canada for Families
For family travel, Canada generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.4 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 Canada's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Canada 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 Canada. However, Canada 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 Canada for Retirees
Canada's life expectancy of 81.6 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 Canada Cost of Living
Canada's GDP per capita is 11.5x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Canada, 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 Canada's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Canada for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Canada, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Canada covers 6. 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 Canada by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Canada's 41.7M. Vietnam is 2.4 times more populous than Canada.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Canada?
Canada has the higher GDP at $2.24T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. Canada's economy is 4.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Canada?
Canada has a higher life expectancy at 81.6 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.1 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Canada's is 9.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Canada?
Canada is larger by land area, covering 9,984,670 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Canada is 30.1 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Canada?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Canada recognizes: English, French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Canada?
Canada has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Canada'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 Canada better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Canada generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.4 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 Canada 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 Canada. However, Canada may offer better value in...
Is Vietnam or Canada better for retirement?
Canada's life expectancy of 81.6 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 Canada more expensive to live in?
Canada's GDP per capita is 11.5x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Canada, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Vietnam or Canada better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Canada, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Canada covers 6. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...