Yemen vs Zambia
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Yemen is 1.7 times more populous than Zambia. Zambia covers 752,612 km², 1.4 times larger than Yemen's 527,968 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 2.9 years higher than Zambia's 66.3 years.
YemenZambia| Population | +66.0%32.7M | -39.7%19.7M |
| Area | -29.8%527,968 km² | +42.5%752,612 km² |
| GDP | — | $25.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $1,187.109 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.4%69.3 yrs | -4.3%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +12.3%34.7 | -11.0%30.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +192.7%17.3% | -65.8%5.9% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Lusaka |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | English |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | ZMW (ZK) |
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 1.7 times more populous than Zambia, with 32.7M residents compared to 19.7M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Zambia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Zambia averages 26 people per km² (sparse). Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Zambia.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Zambia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Zambia's GDP stands at $25.3B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Zambia's GDP per capita of $1,187.109 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 66.3 years in Zambia, a gap of 2.9 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zambia (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Yemen's infant mortality is 12% higher than Zambia's 30.9.
Geographic Comparison
Zambia (752,612 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Yemen (527,968 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Zambia borders 8 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Zambia's 1 timezone. Yemen lies in Asia, while Zambia is located in Africa. Yemen is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Zambia belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and Zambia is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Zambia's 19.7M represents a 40% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Zambia is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Zambia's 752,612 km² represents a 30% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Zambia is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Zambia's 30.9 per 1,000 represents a 11% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Zambia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Yemen is 2.4x more densely populated than Zambia (62 vs 26 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zambia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Yemen live an average of 2.9 years longer than those of Zambia (69.3 vs 66.3 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Travel Comparison
Yemen vs Zambia for Families
For family travel, Zambia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.9 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Yemen offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Zambia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Yemen vs Zambia 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 Zambia. However, Zambia 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 Zambia for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia 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 Zambia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Zambia 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 Zambia by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Yemen is 1.7 times more populous than Zambia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Zambia?
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 Zambia?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Zambia's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.9 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zambia's is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Zambia?
Zambia is larger by land area, covering 752,612 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km². Zambia is 1.4 times larger than Yemen.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Zambia?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Zambia recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Zambia?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Zambia's inflation rate is 15.0%.
Is Yemen or Zambia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Zambia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.9 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Yemen offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Yemen or Zambia 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 Zambia. However, Zambia may offer better value in ...
Is Yemen or Zambia better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia 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 Zambia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Zambia covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digita...