Vietnam vs Italy
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Italy's 58.9M. Vietnam is 1.7 times more populous than Italy. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 5.0 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 1.1 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 9.1 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamItaly| Population | +72.0%101.3M | -41.9%58.9M |
| Area | +9.9%331,212 km² | -9.0%301,336 km² |
| GDP | -80.0%$476.4B | +399.8%$2.38T |
| GDP Per Capita | -88.3%$4,717.29 | +756.1%$40,385.341 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.9%74.6 yrs | +12.2%83.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +508.7%14.0 | -83.6%2.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -76.2%1.5% | +319.6%6.4% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Rome |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Italian, Catalan |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | EUR (€) |
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 1.7 times more populous than Italy, with 101.3M residents compared to 58.9M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Italy has grown at -0.22% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Italy is classified as a high-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 5.0 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. Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 8.6 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 83.7 years in Italy, a gap of 9.1 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 509% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Italy borders 6 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Italy's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Italy is located in Europe. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Italy belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Italy is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Italy's $40,385.341 represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Italy is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Italy is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Italy's $2.38T represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Italy's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 8.6x 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 Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 1.6x more densely populated than Italy (306 vs 196 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Italy's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 9.1 years longer than those of Vietnam (83.7 vs 74.6 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 Italy's 0.7%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Italy for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy 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 Italy for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Vietnam vs Italy Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 8.6x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, 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 Italy's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Italy for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Italy, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Italy 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, Vietnam or Italy by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Italy's 58.9M. Vietnam is 1.7 times more populous than Italy.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Italy?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. Italy's economy is 5.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Italy?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.1 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Italy's is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Italy?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Vietnam is 1.1 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Italy?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Italy recognizes: Italian, Catalan. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Italy?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Italy'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%.
Is Vietnam or Italy better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Vietnam or Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in s...
Is Vietnam or Italy better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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...
Is Vietnam or Italy more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 8.6x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Vietnam or Italy better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Italy, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Italy covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...