VietnamNetherlands
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Netherlands's 18.1M. Vietnam is 5.6 times more populous than Netherlands. Economically, Netherlands ($1.21T) has a GDP 2.6 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 7.9 times larger than Netherlands's 41,865 km². Life expectancy in Netherlands stands at 81.9 years, 7.3 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
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Vietnam wins
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Netherlands wins
Metric
VietnamNetherlands| Population | 101.3M | 18.1M |
| Area | 331,212 km² | 41,865 km² |
| GDP | $476.4B | $1.21T |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,717.29 | $67,520.422 |
| Life Expectancy | 74.6 yrs | 81.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 14.0 | 3.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.5% | 3.9% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Amsterdam |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Dutch |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | EUR (€) |
Last updated: April 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 Netherlands, with 101.3M residents compared to 18.1M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Netherlands is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Netherlands averages 432 people per km² (dense). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Netherlands has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Netherlands is classified as a high-income economy. The Netherlands economy ($1.21T) is 2.6 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. Netherlands's GDP per capita of $67,520.422 is 141% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Netherlands are on average 14.3 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 81.9 years in Netherlands, a gap of 7.3 years. Netherlands (81.9 years) is 9.9 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 300% higher than Netherlands's 3.5.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 7.9 times larger by land area than Netherlands (41,865 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Netherlands borders 2 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Netherlands's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Netherlands is located in Europe. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Netherlands belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Netherlands is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Netherlands's $67,520.422 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Netherlands is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km² represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Netherlands is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Netherlands's 18.1M represents a 82% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Netherlands's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Netherlands has a GDP per capita of $67,520.422, which is 14.3x 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 Netherlands is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Netherlands is 1.4x more densely populated than Vietnam (432 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 Netherlands live an average of 7.3 years longer than those of Vietnam (81.9 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 Netherlands's 1.1%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Netherlands for Families
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Netherlands's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Netherlands 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 Netherlands. However, Netherlands 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 Netherlands for Retirees
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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 Netherlands Cost of Living
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 14.3x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, 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 Netherlands's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Netherlands for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Netherlands, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Netherlands 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 Netherlands by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Netherlands's 18.1M. Vietnam is 5.6 times more populous than Netherlands.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Netherlands?
Netherlands has the higher GDP at $1.21T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. Netherlands's economy is 2.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Netherlands?
Netherlands has a higher life expectancy at 81.9 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.3 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Netherlands's is 9.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Netherlands?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km². Vietnam is 7.9 times larger than Netherlands.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Netherlands?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Netherlands recognizes: Dutch. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Netherlands?
Netherlands has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Netherlands's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Vietnam's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Netherlands better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Vietnam or Netherlands 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 Netherlands. However, Netherlands may offer bette...
Is Vietnam or Netherlands better for retirement?
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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, c...
Is Vietnam or Netherlands more expensive to live in?
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 14.3x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Vietnam or Netherlands better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Netherlands, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Netherlands covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching rem...
Population Growth
Vietnam, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Netherlands, 1994 to 2023