Vietnam vs Zimbabwe
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Vietnam is 5.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 11.5 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 1.2 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 11.8 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
VietnamZimbabwe| Population | +493.6%101.3M | -83.2%17.1M |
| Area | -15.2%331,212 km² | +18.0%390,757 km² |
| GDP | +1046.8%$476.4B | -91.3%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +88.9%$4,717.29 | -47.1%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +18.8%74.6 yrs | -15.8%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -65.5%14.0 | +190.0%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -83.6%1.5% | +510.2%9.3% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Harare |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | ZWL ($) |
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 5.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 101.3M residents compared to 17.1M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 11.5 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 1.9 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 11.8 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 40.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Zimbabwe's infant mortality is 190% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Zimbabwe is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Zimbabwe is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 represents a 66% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vietnam has a GDP per capita of $4,717.29, which is 1.9x that of Zimbabwe ($2,497.203). 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 7.0x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (306 vs 44 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zimbabwe's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 11.8 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (74.6 vs 62.8 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 Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe 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.
Vietnam vs Zimbabwe for Budget Travelers
Zimbabwe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,497.203 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zimbabwe 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.
Vietnam vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Zimbabwe can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe'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 Zimbabwe by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Vietnam is 5.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Zimbabwe?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Vietnam's economy is 11.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Zimbabwe?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.8 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe's is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Zimbabwe is 1.2 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Zimbabwe?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Zimbabwe recognizes: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Vietnam's inflation rate is 3.6%.
Is Vietnam or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Vietnam or Zimbabwe cheaper to visit?
Zimbabwe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,497.203 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zimbabwe can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better val...
Is Vietnam or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Vietnam or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Vietnam or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...