Vietnam vs Mozambique
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Mozambique's 34.1M. Vietnam is 3.0 times more populous than Mozambique. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 20.9 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Mozambique covers 801,590 km², 2.4 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 11.0 years higher than Mozambique's 63.6 years.
VietnamMozambique| Population | +197.3%101.3M | -66.4%34.1M |
| Area | -58.7%331,212 km² | +142.0%801,590 km² |
| GDP | +1994.4%$476.4B | -95.2%$22.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +618.2%$4,717.29 | -86.1%$656.777 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.3%74.6 yrs | -14.7%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -69.2%14.0 | +224.3%45.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -77.0%1.5% | +335.2%6.6% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Maputo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Portuguese |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | MZN (MT) |
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 3.0 times more populous than Mozambique, with 101.3M residents compared to 34.1M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Mozambique is a nation of 34.1M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Mozambique averages 43 people per km² (sparse). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Mozambique has grown at 2.99% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Mozambique is classified as a low-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 20.9 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Mozambique's GDP per capita of $656.777 is 70% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 7.2 times wealthier than those in Mozambique.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 63.6 years in Mozambique, a gap of 11.0 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mozambique (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 45.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mozambique's infant mortality is 224% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Mozambique (801,590 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Mozambique borders 6 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Mozambique's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Mozambique is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Mozambique belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Mozambique is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Mozambique's $22.7B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Mozambique is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Mozambique's $656.777 represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Mozambique is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Mozambique's 45.4 per 1,000 represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Mozambique's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vietnam has a GDP per capita of $4,717.29, which is 7.2x that of Mozambique ($656.777). 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 7.2x more densely populated than Mozambique (306 vs 43 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mozambique's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 11.0 years longer than those of Mozambique (74.6 vs 63.6 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 Mozambique's 2.1%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Mozambique for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 45.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mozambique 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 Mozambique for Budget Travelers
Mozambique is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $656.777 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mozambique 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 Mozambique for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mozambique 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 Mozambique Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 7.2x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Mozambique offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mozambique can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Mozambique for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Mozambique, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Mozambique covers 1. Mozambique'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 Mozambique by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Mozambique's 34.1M. Vietnam is 3.0 times more populous than Mozambique.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Mozambique?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Mozambique's $22.7B. Vietnam's economy is 20.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Mozambique?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Mozambique's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.0 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mozambique's is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Mozambique?
Mozambique is larger by land area, covering 801,590 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Mozambique is 2.4 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Mozambique?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Mozambique recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Mozambique?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Mozambique's 4.1%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Mozambique's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Mozambique better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 45.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mozambique offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Vietnam or Mozambique cheaper to visit?
Mozambique is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $656.777 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mozambique can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better v...
Is Vietnam or Mozambique better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mozambique may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Vietnam or Mozambique more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 7.2x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Mozambique offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Vietnam or Mozambique better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Mozambique, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Mozambique covers 1. Mozambique's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...