Vietnam vs Ivory Coast
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Vietnam is 3.2 times more populous than Ivory Coast. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 5.5 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 1.0 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 12.6 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
VietnamIvory Coast| Population | +219.5%101.3M | -68.7%31.7M |
| Area | +2.7%331,212 km² | -2.6%322,463 km² |
| GDP | +446.9%$476.4B | -81.7%$87.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +72.9%$4,717.29 | -42.2%$2,727.894 |
| Life Expectancy | +20.4%74.6 yrs | -17.0%61.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -70.0%14.0 | +232.9%46.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -34.4%1.5% | +52.5%2.3% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Yamoussoukro |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | French |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | XOF (Fr) |
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 3.2 times more populous than Ivory Coast, with 101.3M residents compared to 31.7M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 5.5 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Ivory Coast.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 61.9 years in Ivory Coast, a gap of 12.6 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 233% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Ivory Coast borders 5 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Ivory Coast's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Ivory Coast is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Ivory Coast belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Ivory Coast is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Ivory Coast is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Ivory Coast is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Ivory Coast'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 1.7x that of Ivory Coast ($2,727.894). 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 3.1x more densely populated than Ivory Coast (306 vs 98 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ivory Coast's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 12.6 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (74.6 vs 61.9 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 Ivory Coast's 6.0%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Ivory Coast for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Ivory Coast for Budget Travelers
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ivory Coast can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Ivory Coast for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ivory Coast'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 Ivory Coast by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Vietnam is 3.2 times more populous than Ivory Coast.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Ivory Coast?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B. Vietnam's economy is 5.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Ivory Coast?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.6 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast's is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Ivory Coast?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Vietnam is 1.0 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Ivory Coast?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Ivory Coast recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast has lower inflation at 3.5%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Ivory Coast's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Vietnam's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Ivory Coast better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both co...
Is Vietnam or Ivory Coast cheaper to visit?
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer bett...
Is Vietnam or Ivory Coast better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, c...
Is Vietnam or Ivory Coast more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Vietnam or Ivory Coast better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ivory Coast's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching...