Kenya vs Yemen
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Kenya is 1.6 times more populous than Yemen. Kenya covers 580,367 km², 1.1 times larger than Yemen's 527,968 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 5.6 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
KenyaYemen| Population | +63.2%53.3M | -38.7%32.7M |
| Area | +9.9%580,367 km² | -9.0%527,968 km² |
| GDP | $120.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,132.435 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -8.2%63.6 yrs | +8.9%69.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 0.0%34.7 | 0.0%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -68.5%5.4% | +217.9%17.3% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Sana'a |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Arabic |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | YER (﷼) |
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
Kenya is 1.6 times more populous than Yemen, with 53.3M residents compared to 32.7M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), while Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate). Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Kenya.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Yemen is classified as a low-income economy. Kenya's GDP stands at $120.3B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 69.3 years in Yemen, a gap of 5.6 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Kenya's infant mortality is 0% higher than Yemen's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Kenya (580,367 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Yemen (527,968 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Yemen borders 2 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Yemen's 1 timezone. Kenya lies in Africa, while Yemen is located in Asia. Kenya is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Yemen belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Kenya and Yemen is in population: Kenya's 53.3M compared to Yemen's 32.7M represents a 39% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Yemen is in land area: Kenya's 580,367 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km² represents a 9% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Yemen is in life expectancy: Kenya's 63.6 years compared to Yemen's 69.3 years represents a 8% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Yemen's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Kenya is 1.5x more densely populated than Yemen (92 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 Yemen live an average of 5.6 years longer than those of Kenya (69.3 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.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Yemen for Families
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Yemen's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya vs Yemen for Budget Travelers
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Yemen. However, Yemen may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Kenya vs Yemen for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Yemen for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Yemen 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, Kenya or Yemen by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Kenya is 1.6 times more populous than Yemen.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Yemen?
GDP data is not available for Yemen. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Yemen?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.6 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Yemen's is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Kenya or Yemen?
Kenya is larger by land area, covering 580,367 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km². Kenya is 1.1 times larger than Yemen.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Yemen?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Yemen recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Yemen?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Kenya's inflation rate is 4.5%.
Is Kenya or Yemen better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Kenya or Yemen cheaper to visit?
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Yemen. However, Yemen may offer better value in spec...
Is Kenya or Yemen better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Kenya or Yemen better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Yemen covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital ...