Vietnam vs Russia
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Russia's 146.0M. 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.
| Population | -30.6%101.3M | +44.1%146.0M |
| Area | -98.1%331,212 km² | +5062.3%17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | -78.1%$476.4B | +356.3%$2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | -68.3%$4,717.29 | +215.6%$14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.8%74.6 yrs | -1.8%73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +278.4%14.0 | -73.6%3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -28.6%1.5% | +40.1%2.1% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Moscow |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Russian |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | RUB (₽) |
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. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Russia has grown at 0.00% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Russia is classified as a high-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 4.6 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. Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, 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). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Russia borders 14 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. Both Vietnam and Russia are located in Asia. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Russia belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Russia is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Russia is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Russia's $2.17T represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Russia is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 represents a 74% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Russia's high-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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Vietnam or Russia 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, Vietnam or Russia?
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 Vietnam and Russia?
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. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Russia's is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Russia?
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 Vietnam and Russia?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Russia recognizes: Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Russia?
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.