VietnamIsrael
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Vietnam is 10.0 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 15.1 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 8.6 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
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Vietnam wins
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Israel wins
Metric
VietnamIsrael| Population | 101.3M | 10.1M |
| Area | 331,212 km² | 21,937 km² |
| GDP | $476.4B | $540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,717.29 | $54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | 74.6 yrs | 83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 14.0 | 2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.5% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Jerusalem |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | ILS (₪) |
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 10.0 times more populous than Israel, with 101.3M residents compared to 10.1M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 1.1 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. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel 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 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 8.6 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 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 419% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 15.1 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Both Vietnam and Israel are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Israel is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Israel is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Israel is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Israel's 10.1M represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, 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 Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 1.5x more densely populated than Vietnam (462 vs 306 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Vietnam's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Israel live an average of 8.6 years longer than those of Vietnam (83.2 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 Israel's 0.9%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel 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 Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Israel Cost of Living
Israel'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 Israel, 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 Israel's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Israel 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 Israel by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Vietnam is 10.0 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. Israel's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.6 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Israel?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Vietnam is 15.1 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Israel?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Israel?
Israel has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Israel'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 Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Vietnam or Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in...
Is Vietnam or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel'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 Israel, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Vietnam or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...
Population Growth
Vietnam, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Israel, 1994 to 2023