Vietnam vs Iran
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Iran's 86.0M. Vietnam is 1.2 times more populous than Iran. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than Iran's ($475.3B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 5.0 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 3.1 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamIran| Population | +17.9%101.3M | -15.2%86.0M |
| Area | -79.9%331,212 km² | +397.6%1,648,195 km² |
| GDP | +0.2%$476.4B | -0.2%$475.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -9.1%$4,717.29 | +10.0%$5,190.17 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.9%74.6 yrs | +4.1%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +30.8%14.0 | -23.6%10.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -81.7%1.5% | +445.0%8.3% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Tehran |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Persian (Farsi) |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | IRR (﷼) |
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 Iran, with 101.3M residents compared to 86.0M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 1.0 times larger than Iran's ($475.3B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 77.7 years in Iran, a gap of 3.1 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 31% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 5.0 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Iran borders 7 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Iran's 1 timezone. Both Vietnam and Iran are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Iran is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Iran's 1,648,195 km² represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Iran is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 represents a 24% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Iran is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Iran's 86.0M represents a 15% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Iran's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 1.1x 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 Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 5.9x more densely populated than Iran (306 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 3.1 years longer than those of Vietnam (77.7 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 Iran's 3.7%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Iran for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran 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 Iran for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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 Iran Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, 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 Iran's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Iran for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Iran 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 Iran by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Iran's 86.0M. Vietnam is 1.2 times more populous than Iran.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Iran?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Iran's $475.3B. Vietnam's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Iran?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.1 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iran's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Iran?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Iran is 5.0 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Iran?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Iran recognizes: Persian (Farsi). The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Iran?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Vietnam or Iran better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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...
Is Vietnam or Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in spe...
Is Vietnam or Iran better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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 ...
Is Vietnam or Iran more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Vietnam or Iran better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Iran covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...