Egypt vs Vietnam
Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Egypt is 1.1 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Egypt's ($389.1B). Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 3.0 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 3.0 years higher than Egypt's 71.6 years.
EgyptVietnam| Population | +5.8%107.3M | -5.5%101.3M |
| Area | +202.7%1,002,450 km² | -67.0%331,212 km² |
| GDP | -18.3%$389.1B | +22.4%$476.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -29.2%$3,338.474 | +41.3%$4,717.29 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.0%71.6 yrs | +4.1%74.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +15.0%16.1 | -13.0%14.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +345.2%6.8% | -77.5%1.5% |
| Capital | Cairo | Hanoi |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Vietnamese |
| Currencies | EGP (£) | VND (₫) |
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
Egypt is 1.1 times more populous than Vietnam, with 107.3M residents compared to 101.3M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense). While Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade, Vietnam has grown at 1.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 1.2 times larger than Egypt's ($389.1B). Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Egypt.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 74.6 years in Vietnam, a gap of 3.0 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Egypt (71.6 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 16.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Egypt's infant mortality is 15% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 3.0 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Vietnam borders 3 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Vietnam's 1 timezone. Egypt lies in Africa, while Vietnam is located in Asia. Egypt is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Vietnam belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Egypt and Vietnam is in land area: Egypt's 1,002,450 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km² represents a 67% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Vietnam is in GDP per capita: Egypt's $3,338.474 compared to Vietnam's $4,717.29 represents a 29% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Vietnam is in GDP: Egypt's $389.1B compared to Vietnam's $476.4B represents a 18% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vietnam has a GDP per capita of $4,717.29, which is 1.4x that of Egypt ($3,338.474). 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 2.9x more densely populated than Egypt (306 vs 107 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Egypt's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 3.0 years longer than those of Egypt (74.6 vs 71.6 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 Egypt's 2.4%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Egypt vs Vietnam for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 16.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Egypt 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.
Egypt vs Vietnam for Budget Travelers
Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt 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.
Egypt vs Vietnam for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Egypt 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.
Egypt vs Vietnam Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Egypt, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Egypt offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Egypt can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Egypt vs Vietnam for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Vietnam covers 1. Egypt'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, Egypt or Vietnam by population?
Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Egypt is 1.1 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Vietnam?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Egypt's $389.1B. Vietnam's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Vietnam?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Egypt's 71.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.0 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Vietnam's is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Egypt or Vietnam?
Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Egypt is 3.0 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Egypt and Vietnam?
Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Vietnam recognizes: Vietnamese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or Vietnam?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Egypt's 28.3%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Egypt's rate is severely elevated at 28.3%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Egypt or Vietnam better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 16.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Egypt offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Egypt or Vietnam cheaper to visit?
Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in ...
Is Egypt or Vietnam better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Egypt 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 Egypt or Vietnam more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Egypt, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Egypt offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Egypt or Vietnam better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Vietnam covers 1. Egypt's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...