Skip to content

Yemen vs Japan

Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 3.8 times more populous than Yemen. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 1.4 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 14.7 years higher than Yemen's 69.3 years.

Metric
Flag of YemenYemen
Flag of JapanJapan
Population
-73.5%32.7M
+277.0%123.2M
Area
+39.7%527,968 km²
-28.4%377,930 km²
GDP
$4.03T
GDP Per Capita
$32,487.078
Life Expectancy
-17.5%69.3 yrs
+21.3%84.0 yrs
Infant Mortality
+1827.8%34.7
-94.8%1.8
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+606.7%17.3%
-85.9%2.5%
Capital
Sana'a
Tokyo
Region
Asia
Asia
Languages
Arabic
Japanese
Currencies
YER (﷼)
JPY (¥)

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

Japan is 3.8 times more populous than Yemen, with 123.2M residents compared to 32.7M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.

Economy Comparison

Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. Japan's GDP stands at $4.03T. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 14.7 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 1828% higher than Japan's 1.8.

Geographic Comparison

Yemen (527,968 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Both Yemen and Japan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Eastern Asia.

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Yemen and Japan is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Japan is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Japan's 123.2M represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Japan is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km² represents a 28% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Japan's high-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Population Density

Japan is 5.3x more densely populated than Yemen (326 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 Japan live an average of 14.7 years longer than those of Yemen (84.0 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 Japan for Families

For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Yemen vs Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan 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 Japan for Retirees

Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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 Japan for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Japan 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 Japan by population?

Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Japan is 3.8 times more populous than Yemen.

Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Japan?

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 Japan?

Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Yemen's 69.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.7 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Japan's is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Japan?

Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Yemen is 1.4 times larger than Japan.

What languages are spoken in Yemen and Japan?

Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Japan?

Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Japan's inflation rate is 2.7%.

Is Yemen or Japan better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 attra...

Is Yemen or Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in sp...

Is Yemen or Japan better for retirement?

Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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 p...

Is Yemen or Japan better for digital nomads?

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