Vietnam vs Peru
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Peru's 34.4M. Vietnam is 3.0 times more populous than Peru. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 1.6 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 3.9 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 3.2 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamPeru| Population | +195.0%101.3M | -66.1%34.4M |
| Area | -74.2%331,212 km² | +288.0%1,285,216 km² |
| GDP | +64.7%$476.4B | -39.3%$289.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -44.2%$4,717.29 | +79.2%$8,452.372 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.1%74.6 yrs | +4.2%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +3.7%14.0 | -3.6%13.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -70.2%1.5% | +236.0%5.1% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Lima |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | PEN (S/ ) |
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 3.0 times more populous than Peru, with 101.3M residents compared to 34.4M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Peru is a nation of 34.4M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 1.6 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 77.7 years in Peru, a gap of 3.2 years. Peru (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 4% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 3.9 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Peru borders 5 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Peru's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Peru is located in South America. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Peru belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Peru is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Peru's 1,285,216 km² represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Peru is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Peru's 34.4M represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Peru is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Peru's $8,452.372 represents a 44% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Peru's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 1.8x 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 Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 11.4x more densely populated than Peru (306 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 3.2 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 Peru's 3.3%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Peru for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru 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 Peru for Retirees
Peru'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 Peru Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, 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 Peru's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Peru for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Peru 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 Peru by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Peru's 34.4M. Vietnam is 3.0 times more populous than Peru.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Peru?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Peru's $289.2B. Vietnam's economy is 1.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Peru?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.2 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Peru's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Peru?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Peru is 3.9 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Peru?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Peru recognizes: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Peru?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Vietnam's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Peru better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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...
Is Vietnam or Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in spe...
Is Vietnam or Peru better for retirement?
Peru'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 Peru more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Vietnam or Peru better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...