Vietnam vs Zambia
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Vietnam is 5.1 times more populous than Zambia. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 18.8 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Zambia covers 752,612 km², 2.3 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 8.2 years higher than Zambia's 66.3 years.
VietnamZambia| Population | +414.6%101.3M | -80.6%19.7M |
| Area | -56.0%331,212 km² | +127.2%752,612 km² |
| GDP | +1782.7%$476.4B | -94.7%$25.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +297.4%$4,717.29 | -74.8%$1,187.109 |
| Life Expectancy | +12.4%74.6 yrs | -11.0%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -54.7%14.0 | +120.7%30.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -74.3%1.5% | +288.6%5.9% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Lusaka |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | English |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | ZMW (ZK) |
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
Vietnam is 5.1 times more populous than Zambia, with 101.3M residents compared to 19.7M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Zambia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Zambia averages 26 people per km² (sparse). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Zambia.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Zambia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 18.8 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Zambia's GDP per capita of $1,187.109 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 4.0 times wealthier than those in Zambia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 66.3 years in Zambia, a gap of 8.2 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Zambia (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 30.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Zambia's infant mortality is 121% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Zambia (752,612 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Zambia borders 8 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Zambia's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Zambia is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Zambia belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Zambia is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Zambia's $25.3B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Zambia is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Zambia's 19.7M represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Zambia is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Zambia's $1,187.109 represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Zambia'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 4.0x that of Zambia ($1,187.109). 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 11.7x more densely populated than Zambia (306 vs 26 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zambia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 8.2 years longer than those of Zambia (74.6 vs 66.3 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 Zambia's 3.8%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Zambia for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 30.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zambia 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 Zambia for Budget Travelers
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia 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 Zambia for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia 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 Zambia Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 4.0x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Zambia can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Zambia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Zambia covers 1. Zambia'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 Zambia by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Vietnam is 5.1 times more populous than Zambia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Zambia?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Zambia's $25.3B. Vietnam's economy is 18.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Zambia?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Zambia's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.2 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Zambia's is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Zambia?
Zambia is larger by land area, covering 752,612 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Zambia is 2.3 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Zambia?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Zambia recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Zambia?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Zambia's 15.0%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Zambia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 4.3 times the global median.
Is Vietnam or Zambia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 30.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zambia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Vietnam or Zambia cheaper to visit?
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value i...
Is Vietnam or Zambia better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Vietnam or Zambia more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 4.0x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Vietnam or Zambia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Zambia covers 1. Zambia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....