Vietnam vs United States
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 3.4 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 60.4 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 28.8 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 3.8 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamUnited States| Population | -70.2%101.3M | +235.6%340.1M |
| Area | -96.5%331,212 km² | +2775.8%9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | -98.3%$476.4B | +5935.2%$28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | -94.4%$4,717.29 | +1692.0%$84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.8%74.6 yrs | +5.1%78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +154.5%14.0 | -60.7%5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -63.7%1.5% | +175.6%4.2% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Vietnamese | English |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | USD ($) |
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
United States is 3.4 times more populous than Vietnam, with 340.1M residents compared to 101.3M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, United States has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 60.4 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. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United States are on average 17.9 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 3.8 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 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 155% higher than United States's 5.5.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 28.8 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Vietnam lies in Asia, while United States is located in North America. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas United States belongs to Americas (North America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and United States is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and United States is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and United States is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to United States's $84,534.041 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 17.9x 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 United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 8.6x more densely populated than United States (306 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of United States live an average of 3.8 years longer than those of Vietnam (78.4 vs 74.6 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 United States's 2.8%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Vietnam or United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. United States is 3.4 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or United States?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. United States's economy is 60.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and United States?
United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.8 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². United States is 28.8 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and United States?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or United States?
United States has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. United States'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%.