Vietnam vs Cameroon
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Vietnam is 3.4 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 8.9 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 1.4 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 10.9 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
VietnamCameroon| Population | +244.2%101.3M | -70.9%29.4M |
| Area | -30.3%331,212 km² | +43.5%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +793.8%$476.4B | -88.8%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +157.8%$4,717.29 | -61.2%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.1%74.6 yrs | -14.6%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -66.0%14.0 | +194.3%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -57.7%1.5% | +136.5%3.6% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Yaoundé |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | English, French |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | XAF (Fr) |
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 3.4 times more populous than Cameroon, with 101.3M residents compared to 29.4M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Cameroon has grown at 2.86% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 8.9 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 2.6 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 10.9 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 194% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Cameroon is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Cameroon belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Cameroon is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Cameroon is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Cameroon's 29.4M represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Cameroon is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 represents a 66% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vietnam has a GDP per capita of $4,717.29, which is 2.6x that of Cameroon ($1,830.008). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Vietnam is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 4.9x more densely populated than Cameroon (306 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cameroon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 10.9 years longer than those of Cameroon (74.6 vs 63.7 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 Cameroon's 3.5%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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 Cameroon for Budget Travelers
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam 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 Cameroon for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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 Cameroon Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cameroon can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon'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 Cameroon by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Vietnam is 3.4 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Cameroon?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Vietnam's economy is 8.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Cameroon?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.9 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Cameroon?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Cameroon is 1.4 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Cameroon?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Cameroon?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Vietnam or Cameroon cheaper to visit?
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better val...
Is Vietnam or Cameroon better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Vietnam or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Vietnam or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...