Vietnam: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Vietnam — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
95,540,395
#15 of 197 countries
Area
331,210 km²
#67 of 248 countries
Density
288.5 / km²
#49 of 245 countries

Vietnam has a population of 95,540,395 spread across 331,210 km², giving it an average density of 288.5 people per km². It ranks among the 20 most populous countries in the world. This moderate density means a mix of bustling cities and quieter rural areas to explore.

Demographics

Median Age
33.5
Life Expectancy
76.1 yrs
Literacy Rate
96.1%
Government
communist party-led state
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Vietnam is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 29% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Lower middle income
GDP per Capita
$4,323
Cost of Living
29% of US
Inflation
3.3%
Inequality
36.1
Moderate