Russia vs Vietnam
Russia has a population of 146.0M, compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Russia is 1.4 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 4.6 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 51.6 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 1.3 years higher than Russia's 73.3 years.
RussiaVietnam| Population | +44.1%146.0M | -30.6%101.3M |
| Area | +5062.3%17,098,246 km² | -98.1%331,212 km² |
| GDP | +356.3%$2.17T | -78.1%$476.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +215.6%$14,889.019 | -68.3%$4,717.29 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.8%73.3 yrs | +1.8%74.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -73.6%3.7 | +278.4%14.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +40.1%2.1% | -28.6%1.5% |
| Capital | Moscow | Hanoi |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Russian | Vietnamese |
| Currencies | RUB (₽) | 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
Russia is 1.4 times more populous than Vietnam, with 146.0M residents compared to 101.3M. Russia 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, Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense). While Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade, Vietnam has grown at 1.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Russia is classified as a high-income economy, while Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 4.6 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Russia are on average 3.2 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Russia is 73.3 years, compared to 74.6 years in Vietnam, a gap of 1.3 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 14.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Vietnam's infant mortality is 278% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 51.6 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Russia shares borders with 14 countries, while Vietnam borders 3 countries. Russia spans 9 timezones, compared to Vietnam's 1 timezone. Both Russia and Vietnam are located in Europe and Asia. Russia is categorized within the Europe region (Eastern Europe), whereas Vietnam belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Russia and Vietnam is in land area: Russia's 17,098,246 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Vietnam is in GDP: Russia's $2.17T compared to Vietnam's $476.4B represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Vietnam is in infant mortality: Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 compared to Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 represents a 74% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Russia's high-income economy and Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Russia has a GDP per capita of $14,889.019, which is 3.2x 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 Russia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 35.8x more densely populated than Russia (306 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Russia (74.6 vs 73.3 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 Russia's 4.3%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Russia vs Vietnam for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Russia vs Vietnam 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 Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Russia vs Vietnam for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Russia 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.
Russia vs Vietnam Cost of Living
Russia's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, 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 Russia's smaller cities.
Russia vs Vietnam for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Vietnam 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, Russia or Vietnam by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Russia is 1.4 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Russia or Vietnam?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. Russia's economy is 4.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Russia and Vietnam?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Russia's 73.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Russia's life expectancy is 1.3 years above 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, Russia or Vietnam?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Russia is 51.6 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Russia and Vietnam?
Russia recognizes the following official language: Russian. Vietnam recognizes: Vietnamese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Russia or Vietnam?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Russia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.4 times the global median.
Is Russia or Vietnam better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 countrie...
Is Russia or Vietnam 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 Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in...
Is Russia or Vietnam better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Russia 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 Russia or Vietnam more expensive to live in?
Russia's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Russia or Vietnam better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Vietnam covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...