Vietnam vs Japan
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 1.2 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 8.5 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 1.1 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 9.5 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamJapan| Population | -17.7%101.3M | +21.6%123.2M |
| Area | -12.4%331,212 km² | +14.1%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -88.2%$476.4B | +745.4%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -85.5%$4,717.29 | +588.7%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -11.2%74.6 yrs | +12.7%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +677.8%14.0 | -87.1%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -37.9%1.5% | +60.9%2.5% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Tokyo |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Japanese |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | JPY (¥) |
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
Japan is 1.2 times more populous than Vietnam, with 123.2M residents compared to 101.3M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 8.5 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 6.9 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 9.5 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 678% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Both Vietnam and Japan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Japan is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Japan is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Japan is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Japan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 6.9x 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 Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Japan is 1.1x more densely populated than Vietnam (326 vs 306 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Vietnam's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 9.5 years longer than those of Vietnam (84.0 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 Japan's 0.1%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Vietnam or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Japan is 1.2 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. Japan's economy is 8.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.5 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Japan's is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Japan?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Japan is 1.1 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Japan?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Japan'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%.