Vietnam vs Brazil
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 2.1 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 4.6 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 25.7 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 1.3 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamBrazil| Population | -52.5%101.3M | +110.6%213.4M |
| Area | -96.1%331,212 km² | +2471.1%8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | -78.2%$476.4B | +358.8%$2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | -54.2%$4,717.29 | +118.6%$10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.7%74.6 yrs | +1.7%75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +12.0%14.0 | -10.7%12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -74.5%1.5% | +292.0%6.0% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Brasília |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Portuguese |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | BRL (R$) |
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
Brazil is 2.1 times more populous than Vietnam, with 213.4M residents compared to 101.3M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Brazil has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 4.6 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. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 1.3 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 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 12% higher than Brazil's 12.5.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 25.7 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Brazil borders 10 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Brazil is located in South America. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Brazil belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Brazil is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Brazil is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Brazil's $2.19T represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Brazil is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Brazil's $10,310.549 represents a 54% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 2.2x 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 Brazil is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 12.2x more densely populated than Brazil (306 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Brazil live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Vietnam (75.8 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 Brazil's 3.4%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 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 Brazil's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil 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 Brazil for Retirees
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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 Brazil Cost of Living
Brazil's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, 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 Brazil's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. 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 Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Brazil is 2.1 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Brazil?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. Brazil's economy is 4.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Brazil?
Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Brazil is 25.7 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Brazil?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Brazil?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 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 countri...
Is Vietnam or Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value in...
Is Vietnam or Brazil better for retirement?
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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 Brazil more expensive to live in?
Brazil's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Vietnam or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...