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Yemen vs Jordan

Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Yemen is 2.8 times more populous than Jordan. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 5.9 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 8.5 years higher than Yemen's 69.3 years.

Metric
Flag of YemenYemen
Flag of JordanJordan
Population
+178.5%32.7M
-64.1%11.7M
Area
+491.0%527,968 km²
-83.1%89,342 km²
GDP
$53.4B
GDP Per Capita
$4,618.096
Life Expectancy
-10.9%69.3 yrs
+12.3%77.8 yrs
Infant Mortality
+184.4%34.7
-64.8%12.2
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+4.8%17.3%
-4.5%16.5%
Capital
Sana'a
Amman
Region
Asia
Asia
Languages
Arabic
Arabic
Currencies
YER (﷼)
JOD (د.ا)

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

Yemen is 2.8 times more populous than Jordan, with 32.7M residents compared to 11.7M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). While Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade, Jordan has grown at 3.65% per year over the same period.

Economy Comparison

Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. Jordan's GDP stands at $53.4B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 8.5 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Yemen's infant mortality is 184% higher than Jordan's 12.2.

Geographic Comparison

Yemen (527,968 km²) is 5.9 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Jordan borders 5 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. Both Yemen and Jordan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Western Asia.

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Yemen and Jordan is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km² represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Jordan is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Jordan's 12.2 per 1,000 represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Jordan is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Jordan's 11.7M represents a 64% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Jordan's upper-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Population Density

Jordan is 2.1x more densely populated than Yemen (131 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Yemen's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of Jordan live an average of 8.5 years longer than those of Yemen (77.8 vs 69.3 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.

Travel Comparison

Yemen vs Jordan for Families

For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Yemen offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Jordan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Yemen vs Jordan for Budget Travelers

Yemen is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Yemen can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Jordan. However, Jordan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.

Yemen vs Jordan for Retirees

Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Yemen 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.

Yemen vs Jordan for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Yemen or Jordan by population?

Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Yemen is 2.8 times more populous than Jordan.

Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Jordan?

GDP data is not available for Yemen. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.

How does life expectancy compare between Yemen and Jordan?

Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to Yemen's 69.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.5 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Jordan?

Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². Yemen is 5.9 times larger than Jordan.

What languages are spoken in Yemen and Jordan?

Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.

Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Jordan?

Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Jordan's inflation rate is 1.6%.

Is Yemen or Jordan better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Yemen offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...

Is Yemen or Jordan cheaper to visit?

Yemen is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Yemen can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Jordan. However, Jordan may offer better value in ...

Is Yemen or Jordan better for retirement?

Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Yemen 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 Yemen or Jordan better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digita...

Population Growth — Yemen

Population Growth — Jordan