South Africa vs Yemen
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Yemen's 32.7M. South Africa is 1.9 times more populous than Yemen. South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 2.3 times larger than Yemen's 527,968 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 3.2 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
South AfricaYemen| Population | +93.1%63.1M | -48.2%32.7M |
| Area | +131.3%1,221,037 km² | -56.8%527,968 km² |
| GDP | $401.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,267.187 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -4.6%66.1 yrs | +4.8%69.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -29.7%24.4 | +42.2%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +87.0%32.4% | -46.5%17.3% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Sana'a |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | Arabic |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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
South Africa is 1.9 times more populous than Yemen, with 63.1M residents compared to 32.7M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 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 South Africa.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Yemen is classified as a low-income economy. South Africa's GDP stands at $401.1B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 69.3 years in Yemen, a gap of 3.2 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Yemen's infant mortality is 42% higher than South Africa's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Yemen (527,968 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Yemen borders 2 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Yemen's 1 timezone. South Africa lies in Africa, while Yemen is located in Asia. South Africa is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Yemen belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Yemen is in land area: South Africa's 1,221,037 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km² represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Yemen is in population: South Africa's 63.1M compared to Yemen's 32.7M represents a 48% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Yemen is in infant mortality: South Africa's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 represents a 30% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and Yemen's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Yemen is 1.2x more densely populated than South Africa (62 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Yemen live an average of 3.2 years longer than those of South Africa (69.3 vs 66.1 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
South Africa vs Yemen for Families
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 South Africa's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Africa vs Yemen for Budget Travelers
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Yemen for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Yemen for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or Yemen by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to Yemen's 32.7M. South Africa is 1.9 times more populous than Yemen.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa 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 South Africa and Yemen?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.2 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 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, South Africa or Yemen?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km². South Africa is 2.3 times larger than Yemen.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Yemen?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Yemen recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Yemen?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. South Africa's inflation rate is 4.4%.
Is South Africa or Yemen better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 cou...
Is South Africa or Yemen cheaper to visit?
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Yemen. However, Yemen may offer better...
Is South Africa or Yemen better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is South Africa or Yemen better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Yemen covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have gr...