Vietnam vs Pakistan
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 2.4 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 2.4 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 6.9 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
VietnamPakistan| Population | -58.0%101.3M | +138.3%241.5M |
| Area | -58.4%331,212 km² | +140.4%796,095 km² |
| GDP | +28.2%$476.4B | -22.0%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +219.0%$4,717.29 | -68.7%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +10.3%74.6 yrs | -9.3%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -72.1%14.0 | +257.9%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -71.9%1.5% | +255.9%5.4% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Vietnamese | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | PKR (₨) |
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
Pakistan is 2.4 times more populous than Vietnam, with 241.5M residents compared to 101.3M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 1.3 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 3.2 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 6.9 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 258% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both Vietnam and Pakistan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Pakistan is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Pakistan is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Pakistan'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 3.2x that of Pakistan ($1,478.773). 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 1.0x more densely populated than Pakistan (306 vs 303 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Pakistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 6.9 years longer than those of Pakistan (74.6 vs 67.6 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 Pakistan's 3.0%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan 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 Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan 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 Pakistan for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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 Pakistan Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Pakistan can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan'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 Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Pakistan is 2.4 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Pakistan?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. Vietnam's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Pakistan?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.9 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan's is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Pakistan is 2.4 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Pakistan?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Pakistan?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.
Is Vietnam or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Vietnam or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better val...
Is Vietnam or Pakistan better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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 Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Vietnam or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...