Vietnam vs Dominican Republic
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Vietnam is 9.4 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 3.8 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 6.8 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 0.9 years higher than Dominican Republic's 73.7 years.
VietnamDominican Republic| Population | +840.9%101.3M | -89.4%10.8M |
| Area | +580.5%331,212 km² | -85.3%48,671 km² |
| GDP | +283.3%$476.4B | -73.9%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -56.6%$4,717.29 | +130.5%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.2%74.6 yrs | -1.2%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -50.7%14.0 | +102.9%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -70.1%1.5% | +234.3%5.1% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Spanish |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | DOP ($) |
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 9.4 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 101.3M residents compared to 10.8M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Dominican Republic.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 3.8 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Dominican Republic are on average 2.3 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 0.9 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 103% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 6.8 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Dominican Republic is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Dominican Republic is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 74% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of $10,875.662, which is 2.3x 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 Dominican Republic is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 1.4x more densely populated than Dominican Republic (306 vs 221 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Dominican Republic's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 0.9 years longer than those of Dominican Republic (74.6 vs 73.7 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 Dominican Republic's 5.0%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, 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 Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Vietnam is 9.4 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Dominican Republic?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B. Vietnam's economy is 3.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Dominican Republic?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Dominican Republic's 73.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.9 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Dominican Republic?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Vietnam is 6.8 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Dominican Republic?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Dominican Republic's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Vietnam's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. ...
Is Vietnam or Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic m...
Is Vietnam or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare ac...
Is Vietnam or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of livin...
Is Vietnam or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for ...