YemenIsrael
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Yemen is 3.2 times more populous than Israel. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 24.1 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 13.9 years higher than Yemen's 69.3 years.
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Yemen wins
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Metric
YemenIsrael| Population | 32.7M | 10.1M |
| Area | 527,968 km² | 21,937 km² |
| GDP | — | $540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | 69.3 yrs | 83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 34.7 | 2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 17.3% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Jerusalem |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | ILS (₪) |
Last updated: April 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 3.2 times more populous than Israel, with 32.7M residents compared to 10.1M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. Israel's GDP stands at $540.4B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 13.9 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 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 1185% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 24.1 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Both Yemen and Israel 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 Israel is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Israel is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Israel is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Israel's 10.1M represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Israel is 7.5x more densely populated than Yemen (462 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 Israel live an average of 13.9 years longer than those of Yemen (83.2 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 Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 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 Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Yemen vs Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel 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 Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Israel 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 Israel by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Yemen is 3.2 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Israel?
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 Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Yemen's 69.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.9 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Israel?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Yemen is 24.1 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Israel?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Israel?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Israel's inflation rate is 3.1%.
Is Yemen or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 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 attr...
Is Yemen or Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in ...
Is Yemen or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digita...
Population Growth
Yemen, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Israel, 1994 to 2023