Yemen vs Mali
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Mali's 22.4M. Yemen is 1.5 times more populous than Mali. Mali covers 1,240,192 km², 2.3 times larger than Yemen's 527,968 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 8.9 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
YemenMali| Population | +45.9%32.7M | -31.5%22.4M |
| Area | -57.4%527,968 km² | +134.9%1,240,192 km² |
| GDP | — | $26.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $1,094.619 |
| Life Expectancy | +14.7%69.3 yrs | -12.8%60.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -39.8%34.7 | +66.0%57.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +511.9%17.3% | -83.7%2.8% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Bamako |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | French |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | XOF (Fr) |
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 1.5 times more populous than Mali, with 32.7M residents compared to 22.4M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Mali is a nation of 22.4M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse). Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Mali.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Mali is classified as a low-income economy. Mali's GDP stands at $26.8B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 60.4 years in Mali, a gap of 8.9 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 66% higher than Yemen's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Mali (1,240,192 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Yemen (527,968 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Mali borders 7 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Mali's 1 timezone. Yemen lies in Asia, while Mali is located in Africa. Yemen is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Mali belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and Mali is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Mali's 1,240,192 km² represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Mali is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Mali's 57.6 per 1,000 represents a 40% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Mali is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Mali's 22.4M represents a 31% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Mali's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Yemen is 3.4x more densely populated than Mali (62 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Yemen live an average of 8.9 years longer than those of Mali (69.3 vs 60.4 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 Mali for Families
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali 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.
Yemen vs Mali 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 Mali. However, Mali 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 Mali for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Mali for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Mali 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 Mali by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Yemen is 1.5 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Mali?
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 Mali?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.9 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali's is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Mali?
Mali is larger by land area, covering 1,240,192 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km². Mali is 2.3 times larger than Yemen.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Mali?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Mali recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Mali?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Mali's inflation rate is 3.2%.
Is Yemen or Mali better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Yemen or Mali 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 Mali. However, Mali may offer better value in spec...
Is Yemen or Mali better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Yemen or Mali better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...