Vietnam vs Guatemala
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Vietnam is 5.6 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 4.2 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 3.0 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 2.0 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
VietnamGuatemala| Population | +460.5%101.3M | -82.2%18.1M |
| Area | +204.2%331,212 km² | -67.1%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +320.8%$476.4B | -76.2%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -23.3%$4,717.29 | +30.4%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.7%74.6 yrs | -2.7%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -21.8%14.0 | +27.9%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -41.5%1.5% | +71.0%2.6% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Guatemala City |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Spanish |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | GTQ (Q) |
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 5.6 times more populous than Guatemala, with 101.3M residents compared to 18.1M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 4.2 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Guatemala are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 2.0 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 17.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guatemala's infant mortality is 28% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 3.0 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Guatemala is located in North America. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Guatemala is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Guatemala is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Guatemala is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 67% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 1.3x 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 Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 1.8x more densely populated than Guatemala (306 vs 166 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Guatemala's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 2.0 years longer than those of Guatemala (74.6 vs 72.6 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 Guatemala's 3.7%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala 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 Guatemala for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala 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 Guatemala Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, 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 Guatemala's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Guatemala 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 Guatemala by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Vietnam is 5.6 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Guatemala?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Vietnam's economy is 4.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Guatemala?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.0 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Guatemala?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Vietnam is 3.0 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Guatemala?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Guatemala'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 Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...
Is Vietnam or Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better va...
Is Vietnam or Guatemala better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Vietnam or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Vietnam or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...