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Economy of Serbia vs Vietnam compared: GDP & Debt

Updated on by Georank

Serbia has a GDP of $100B compared to $515B for Vietnam, ranking 76/197 and 33/197 by economy size, respectively.

Serbia has $42.4B in government debt (42.4% of GDP), compared to $156B (30.3% of GDP) in Vietnam.

Serbia vs Vietnam GDP by year

Serbia
Vietnam
1x
Year GDP, current $
Serbia Vietnam
2025 $99,953,324,473 $514,697,215,165
2024 $90,088,366,320 $476,324,572,784
2023 $81,343,999,280 $433,805,036,898
2022 $66,809,895,701 $413,445,230,669
2021 $66,159,884,073 $366,474,752,771
2020 $55,874,017,669 $346,615,738,538
2019 $53,864,693,665 $334,365,270,497
2018 $52,787,520,249 $310,106,478,395
2017 $45,972,834,714 $281,353,605,987
2016 $42,225,495,910 $257,096,001,178
2015 $41,297,410,635 $239,258,328,382
2014 $49,114,321,280 $233,451,469,643
2013 $50,455,529,604 $213,708,811,665
2012 $45,103,269,969 $195,590,661,129
2011 $51,251,098,408 $172,595,049,184
2010 $43,536,629,233 $147,201,173,197
2009 $46,955,984,410 $106,014,659,565
2008 $54,220,641,202 $99,130,304,099
2007 $44,888,028,946 $77,414,425,532
2006 $33,298,057,362 $66,371,664,817
2005 $28,334,256,181 $57,633,255,738
2004 $26,845,632,342 $45,427,854,693
2003 $23,593,044,418 $39,552,513,232
2002 $17,930,583,571 $35,064,105,501
2001 $13,599,378,662 $32,685,198,809
2000 $7,326,373,882 $31,172,518,403
1999 $20,878,694,851 $28,683,659,007
1998 $21,004,077,441 $27,209,602,050
1997 $27,153,408,995 $26,843,700,442
1996 $23,277,430,168 $24,657,470,575
1995 $17,921,892,655 $20,736,164,459
1994 - $16,286,433,533
1993 - $13,180,953,598
1992 - $9,866,990,236
1991 - $9,613,369,520
1990 - $6,471,740,806
1989 - $6,293,304,975
1988 - $25,423,812,649
1987 - $36,658,108,850
1986 - $26,336,616,250
1985 - $14,094,687,821

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/serbia/vietnam | CC BY

GDP per capita in Serbia vs Vietnam by year

Serbia
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
Vietnam
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
1x
Year Current $
Serbia Vietnam
GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP
2025 $15,262 - $5,066 -
2024 $13,678 $32,832 $4,717 $16,386
2023 $12,282 $29,777 $4,323 $15,034
2022 $10,025 $26,143 $4,148 $13,905
2021 $9,681 $23,406 $3,704 $12,049
2020 $8,099 $21,013 $3,534 $11,609
2019 $7,756 $20,587 $3,441 $11,029
2018 $7,560 $18,469 $3,222 $10,010
2017 $6,548 $17,285 $2,956 $9,170
2016 $5,982 $16,455 $2,735 $8,375
2015 $5,820 $15,546 $2,578 $7,672
2014 $6,887 $15,296 $2,546 $7,297
2013 $7,040 $15,247 $2,360 $6,758
2012 $6,263 $14,506 $2,185 $6,377
2011 $7,082 $14,298 $1,951 $5,786
2010 $5,971 $13,320 $1,683 $5,389
2009 $6,414 $13,038 $1,226 $5,061
2008 $7,377 $13,123 $1,164 $4,844
2007 $6,081 $11,685 $926 $4,581
2006 $4,493 $10,463 $808 $4,237
2005 $3,808 $9,398 $711 $3,894
2004 $3,597 $8,715 $565 $3,543
2003 $3,154 $8,023 $497 $3,240
2002 $2,391 $7,563 $445 $3,002
2001 $1,812 $6,803 $419 $2,809
2000 $975 $6,416 $404 $2,614
1999 $2,769 $5,897 $376 $2,421
1998 $2,775 $6,460 $361 $2,308
1997 $3,574 $6,040 $362 $2,189
1996 $3,054 $5,434 $337 $2,019
1995 $2,349 $5,022 $287.8 $1,841
1994 - - $229.9 $1,674
1993 - - $189.4 $1,534
1992 - - $144.5 $1,413
1991 - - $143.7 $1,298
1990 - - $98.8 $1,210
1989 - - $98.1 -
1988 - - $405 -
1987 - - $595 -
1986 - - $436 -
1985 - - $238.6 -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/serbia/vietnam | CC BY

Serbia's GDP per capita is $15,262, ranking 69/197, compared to $5,066 in Vietnam, ranking 122/197. Adjusted for purchasing power (GDP per capita PPP), Serbia ranks 69th at $32,832, while Vietnam ranks 108th at $16,386.

Economic indicators

Serbia Vietnam
Gross domestic product
$100B
2025
$515B
2025
GDP rank
76/197
2025
33/197
2025
GDP growth
2.03%
2024-2025
8.02%
2024-2025
GDP per capita
$15,262
2025
$5,066
2025
GDP per capita rank
69/197
2025
122/197
2025
GDP per capita, PPP
$32,832
2024
$16,386
2024
GDP per capita PPP rank
69/197
2024
108/197
2024
Government debt
$42.4B
2025
$156B
2025
Debt-to-GDP ratio
42.4%
2025
30.3%
2025
Government debt per person
$6,478
2025
$1,537
2025
Government debt per person rank
75/185
2025
130/185
2025
Average annual personal income after taxes
$12,492
2026
$5,133
2026
Market capitalization of domestic companies
$4.06B
2011
$316B
2025
Number of billionaires n/a
5
2026
Income share by richest 10%
24.7%
2023
28.1%
2022
Income share by poorest 10%
2.5%
2023
2.6%
2022
Government expenditure, % of GDP
43.2%
2025
22.1%
2025
Consumer prices inflation
3.89%
2024-2025
3.3%
2024-2025
Central bank interest rate
5.75%
2024
4.5%
2023
Unemployment rate
7.3%
2025
1.53%
2024
Population
6500256
102486146

Spending and national debt comparison by year

Serbia
Spending

Debt
Vietnam
Spending

Debt
1x
Year % of GDP
Serbia Vietnam
Government spending Government debt Government spending Government debt
2025 43.2% 42.4% 22.1% 30.3%
2024 42.2% 44.1% 19.1% 31.2%
2023 40.6% 45.7% 18.8% 34.3%
2022 41.4% 50.9% 18.2% 34.9%
2021 44.4% 53.6% 20.1% 39.2%
2020 46% 54.3% 21.3% 41.3%
2019 40.2% 49.5% 19.8% 41%
2018 39% 51.1% 20.5% 43.8%
2017 38.5% 55.3% 21.5% 46.6%
2016 40.3% 65% 22.2% 47.9%
2015 41% 67.1% 24.2% 46.1%
2014 42.9% 63.5% 22.8% 43.6%
2013 40.6% 61.2% 24.5% 41.4%
2012 43.3% 58% 23.5% 38.3%
2011 40% 46% 21.2% 36.2%
2010 41.2% 42.4% 23.7% 37.3%
2009 41.1% 35.3% 25% 36.2%
2008 43.7% 29.4% 21.4% 31%
2007 40.6% 30% 22.3% 32.2%
2006 41.3% 37% 20.5% 30.2%
2005 38.9% 50.1% 20.6% 28.7%
2004 37.8% 57.6% 19.4% 29.4%
2003 37.6% 64.4% 22.2% 29.8%
2002 38.6% 68.4% 19.7% 27.7%
2001 30.5% 95.9% 19.2% 25.4%
2000 28% 200.6% 17.8% 24.8%
1999 - - 16.7% -
1998 - - 16% -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1998–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/serbia/vietnam | CC BY

In 2025, Serbia's government spending was $43.2B, accounting for 43.2% of its GDP, while Vietnam spent $114B, or 22.1% of GDP.

Debt-to-GDP ratio is 42.4% in Serbia and 30.3% in Vietnam, ranking 123/185 and 153/185, respectively.

Government deficit by year

Deficit/surplus
Serbia

Vietnam
1x
Year Deficit/surplus, % of GDP
Serbia Vietnam
2025 -2.21% -2.2%
2024 -1.73% -1.54%
2023 -1.21% -1.72%
2022 -0.14% 0.67%
2021 -3.16% -1.43%
2020 -6.91% -2.86%
2019 -0.004% -0.4%
2018 0.78% -1.02%
2017 1.32% -1.96%
2016 -1.08% -3.16%
2015 -3.25% -4.98%
2014 -5.61% -5.02%
2013 -4.79% -5.96%
2012 -6.11% -5.46%
2011 -3.75% -0.9%
2010 -3.35% -2.25%
2009 -3.3% -4.82%
2008 -4.25% -0.45%
2007 -0.8% -1.74%
2006 -0.9% 0.2%
2005 1.02% -0.95%
2004 0.06% -0.15%
2003 -2.39% -2.56%
2002 -2.33% -1.85%
2001 0.32% -2.19%
2000 -0.15% -1.61%
1999 - -1.25%
1998 - -0.1%

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1998–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/serbia/vietnam | CC BY

In 2025, Serbia's government deficit, the difference between spending and revenue, was $2.21B, equivalent to 2.21% of GDP. This compares to Vietnam's deficit of $11.3B, or 2.2% of GDP.

Over the past 26 years, Serbia recorded a fiscal deficit in 21 of those years, while Vietnam ran a deficit in 24 years. On average, Serbia posted an annual deficit equal to 2.07% of GDP, compared to deficit of 2.17% of GDP for Vietnam.

Inflation comparison by year

Inflation
Serbia

Vietnam
1x
Year Consumer prices inflation
Serbia Vietnam
2025 3.89% 3.3%
2024 4.67% 3.6%
2023 12.4% 3.3%
2022 12% 3.2%
2021 4.09% 1.8%
2020 1.58% 3.2%
2019 1.85% 2.8%
2018 1.96% 3.5%
2017 3.13% 3.5%
2016 1.12% 2.7%
2015 1.39% 0.6%
2014 2.08% 4.1%
2013 7.69% 6.6%
2012 7.33% 9.1%
2011 11.1% 18.7%
2010 6.14% 10.5%
2009 8.12% 6.7%
2008 12.4% 23.1%
2007 6.39% 8.3%
2006 11.7% 7.5%
2005 16.1% 8.4%
2004 11% 7.9%
2003 9.88% 3.3%
2002 19.5% 4.1%
2001 95% -0.3%
2000 71.1% -1.8%
1999 42.5% 4.1%
1998 30.2% 7.2%
1997 23.3% 3.1%

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | World Economic Outlook (1997–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08); World Bank | Economy & Growth (1997–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/serbia/vietnam | CC BY

Over the past 29 years, Serbia has recorded an average annual inflation rate of 15.2%, compared with 5.59% in Vietnam. In 2025, inflation was 3.89% in Serbia and 3.3% in Vietnam.

Top exports between countries

Serbia
Export category Export value
Processed food, beverages & tobacco $2.37M
Textiles & consumer goods $1.53M
Chemicals & pharma $1.46M
Weapons & explosives $1.33M
Wood & paper products $1.19M
Raw materials & minerals $591K
Metals $453K
Raw agricultural goods $331K
Miscellaneous $316K
Machinery & equipment $297K
Vietnam
Export category Export value

Balance of trade

Serbia Vietnam
Current account balance
-$4.9B
2025
$30.2B
2024
Current account balance ranking
164/190
2025
18/190
2024
Current account balance, % of GDP
-4.9%
2025
+6.33%
2024
Goods imports
$44B
2025
$363B
2024
Goods exports
$36.7B
2025
$407B
2024
Service imports
$14.6B
2025
$35.6B
2024
Service exports
$17.2B
2025
$25B
2024
Imports of goods and services, % of GDP
58.6%
2025
92.1%
2025
Exports of goods and services, % of GDP
54.3%
2025
98.2%
2025

Economic freedom indices

The indices of economic freedom below are issued by the Heritage Foundation. Higher scores indicate stronger economic health.

Serbia Vietnam
Economic freedom 65 64.4
Economic freedom ranking 68/197 73/197
Property rights 57.2 47.3
Government integrity 37.2 39.2
Judicial effectiveness 50.1 31.3
Tax burden 88 80.9
Government spending 48.2 89.5
Fiscal health 94.3 96.9
Business freedom 73.6 70
Labor freedom 61.8 54.7
Monetary freedom 73 73.2
Trade freedom 76.6 79.8
Investment freedom 70 60
Financial freedom 50 50

Economic freedom comparison by year

Serbia
Vietnam
1x
Year Economic freedom index
Serbia Vietnam
2026 65 64.4
2025 64.4 65.2
2024 62.7 62.8
2023 63.5 61.8
2022 65.2 60.6
2021 67.2 61.7
2020 66 58.8
2019 63.9 55.3
2018 62.5 53.1
2017 58.9 52.4
2016 62.1 54
2015 60 51.7
2014 59.4 50.8
2013 58.6 51
2012 58 51.3
2011 58 51.6
2010 56.9 49.8
2009 56.6 51
2008 - 50.4
2007 - 49.8
2006 - 50.5
2005 - 48.1
2004 - 46.1
2003 43.5 46.2
2002 46.6 45.6
2001 - 44.3
2000 - 43.7
1999 - 42.7
1998 - 40.4
1997 - 38.6
1996 - 40.2
1995 - 41.7

Data sources: The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (1995–2026, retrieved 2026-07-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/serbia/vietnam | CC BY

The Economic Freedom Index for Serbia is 65, ranking 68/197, compared to 64.4 for Vietnam, ranking 73/197. The chart above displays a comparison of annual changes in economic freedom indexes.

Other economic metrics

Serbia Vietnam
Services, % of GDP
59.7%
2025
42.7%
2025
Industry, % of GDP
22.3%
2025
37.6%
2025
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, % of GDP
3.29%
2025
11.6%
2025
GNI, Atlas method
$88.3B
2025
$505B
2025
GNI per capita, PPP
$31,780
2025
$17,580
2025
Total reserves including gold
$34.2B
2025
$85.6B
2025
Total reserves ranking
55/177
2025
33/177
2025
Net foreign direct investment
-$2.6B
2025
-$19.6B
2024
Net inflows of foreign direct investment
$5.59B
2024
$20.2B
2024
Net outflows of foreign direct investment
$661M
2024
$600M
2024
Servicing debt to the IMF, % of GNI
12.2%
2024
7.29%
2024
Poverty at national poverty lines
19.7%
2023
4.2%
2022
Gross capital formation, % of GDP
23.4%
2025
30.8%
2025

GDP per capita map

1x

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08); U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/serbia/vietnam | CC BY

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Data sources:

  1. World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1998–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  3. The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (1995–2026, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  4. U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  5. TradeMap (2025, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  6. United Nations | World Population Prospects (2026, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  7. LivingCost (2026, retrieved 2026-07-08)

Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) — you’re free to copy, share, remix, adapt, and use even commercially as long as you give appropriate credit and clearly indicate if you made changes. Other sources may be subject to different license terms.

The current account balance is the sum of net trade in goods and services, net earnings from cross-border investments, and net transfer payments. It reflects a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world and is a fundamental component of the balance of payments. A surplus indicates that a country exports more than it imports, while a deficit shows the opposite.

Gross National Income (GNI) measures a country's total income. It encompasses income earned by residents, businesses, and foreign sources, defined as employee compensation and investment profits. GNI adds product taxes not included elsewhere and subtracts subsidies. It accounts for income from residents working abroad but excludes earnings from foreigners within the country.

A negative value for Net Foreign Direct Investment indicates a country is a net receiver of investments, as foreign inflows exceed outflows after Balance of Payments adjustments. A positive value indicates a net provider, with outflows exceeding inflows. Inflows are credits (increasing foreign claims on domestic assets), while outflows are debits (increasing domestic assets abroad).

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net inflows) shows how much capital foreign investors bring into a country after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of overseas companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in the reporting country. A positive number means more capital entered the country than was withdrawn, while a negative number means foreign investors pulled out more than they invested.

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net outflows) shows how much capital residents of a country invest abroad after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of domestic companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in other countries. A positive number means more capital was invested abroad than withdrawn, while a negative number means residents pulled back more than they invested.

Principal and interest payments to the IMF in currency, goods, or services on long-term debt expressed as a share of GNI.

Formerly gross domestic investment, gross capital formation measures the share of a country’s economic output invested in fixed assets, including buildings, machinery, and infrastructure. It indicates how much of the economy is devoted to building productive capacity.