Brazil vs Vietnam
Brazil has a population of 213.4M, compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Brazil is 2.1 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 4.6 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 25.7 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 1.3 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
BrazilVietnam| Population | +110.6%213.4M | -52.5%101.3M |
| Area | +2471.1%8,515,767 km² | -96.1%331,212 km² |
| GDP | +358.8%$2.19T | -78.2%$476.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +118.6%$10,310.549 | -54.2%$4,717.29 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.7%75.8 yrs | -1.7%74.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -10.7%12.5 | +12.0%14.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +292.0%6.0% | -74.5%1.5% |
| Capital | Brasília | Hanoi |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Portuguese | Vietnamese |
| Currencies | BRL (R$) | VND (₫) |
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
Brazil is 2.1 times more populous than Vietnam, with 213.4M residents compared to 101.3M. Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense). While Brazil has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade, Vietnam has grown at 1.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 4.6 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Brazil is 75.8 years, compared to 74.6 years in Vietnam, a gap of 1.3 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 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 12% higher than Brazil's 12.5.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 25.7 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Brazil shares borders with 10 countries, while Vietnam borders 3 countries. Brazil spans 4 timezones, compared to Vietnam's 1 timezone. Brazil lies in South America, while Vietnam is located in Asia. Brazil is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Vietnam belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Brazil and Vietnam is in land area: Brazil's 8,515,767 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km² represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Brazil and Vietnam is in GDP: Brazil's $2.19T compared to Vietnam's $476.4B represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Brazil and Vietnam is in GDP per capita: Brazil's $10,310.549 compared to Vietnam's $4,717.29 represents a 54% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Brazil's upper-middle-income economy and Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 2.2x 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 Brazil is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 12.2x more densely populated than Brazil (306 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Brazil live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Vietnam (75.8 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 Brazil's 3.4%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Brazil vs Vietnam for Families
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Brazil's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Brazil vs Vietnam 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 Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Brazil vs Vietnam for Retirees
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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.
Brazil vs Vietnam Cost of Living
Brazil's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, 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 Brazil's smaller cities.
Brazil vs Vietnam for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Brazil and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brazil spans 4 timezones while Vietnam 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, Brazil or Vietnam by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Brazil is 2.1 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Brazil or Vietnam?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. Brazil's economy is 4.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Brazil and Vietnam?
Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Brazil's life expectancy is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Vietnam's is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Brazil or Vietnam?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Brazil is 25.7 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Brazil and Vietnam?
Brazil recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Vietnam recognizes: Vietnamese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Brazil or Vietnam?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Brazil or Vietnam better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Brazil or Vietnam 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 Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value in...
Is Brazil or Vietnam better for retirement?
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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, climat...
Is Brazil or Vietnam more expensive to live in?
Brazil's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Brazil or Vietnam better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Brazil and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brazil spans 4 timezones while Vietnam covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...