Vietnam vs Chile
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Chile's 20.2M. Vietnam is 5.0 times more populous than Chile. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 1.4 times larger than Chile's ($330.3B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 2.3 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 6.6 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamChile| Population | +401.5%101.3M | -80.1%20.2M |
| Area | -56.2%331,212 km² | +128.3%756,102 km² |
| GDP | +44.2%$476.4B | -30.7%$330.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -71.8%$4,717.29 | +254.2%$16,709.889 |
| Life Expectancy | -8.1%74.6 yrs | +8.8%81.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +125.8%14.0 | -55.7%6.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -83.0%1.5% | +489.2%9.0% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Santiago |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Spanish |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | CLP ($) |
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 5.0 times more populous than Chile, with 101.3M residents compared to 20.2M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Chile is a nation of 20.2M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Chile.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Chile is classified as a high-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 1.4 times larger than Chile's ($330.3B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Chile are on average 3.5 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 81.2 years in Chile, a gap of 6.6 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 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 126% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Chile borders 3 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Chile's 2 timezones. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Chile is located in South America. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Chile belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Chile is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Chile's 20.2M represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Chile is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Chile's $16,709.889 represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Chile is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Chile's 756,102 km² represents a 56% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Chile's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 3.5x 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 Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 11.4x more densely populated than Chile (306 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 6.6 years longer than those of Vietnam (81.2 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 Chile's 2.6%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Chile for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 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 Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile 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 Chile for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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 Chile Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, 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 Chile's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Chile for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. 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 Chile by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Chile's 20.2M. Vietnam is 5.0 times more populous than Chile.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Chile?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Chile's $330.3B. Vietnam's economy is 1.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Chile?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.6 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Chile's is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Chile?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Chile is 2.3 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Chile?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Chile recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Chile?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Chile's 4.3%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Chile's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Chile better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 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 Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in s...
Is Vietnam or Chile better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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...
Is Vietnam or Chile more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Vietnam or Chile better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...