Yemen vs Somalia
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Yemen is 1.7 times more populous than Somalia. Somalia covers 637,657 km², 1.2 times larger than Yemen's 527,968 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 10.5 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
YemenSomalia| Population | +66.3%32.7M | -39.9%19.7M |
| Area | -17.2%527,968 km² | +20.8%637,657 km² |
| GDP | — | $12.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $629.539 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.8%69.3 yrs | -15.1%58.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -48.8%34.7 | +95.4%67.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -8.6%17.3% | +9.4%18.9% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Mogadishu |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic, Somali |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | SOS (Sh) |
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 Somalia, with 32.7M residents compared to 19.7M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Somalia averages 31 people per km² (sparse). Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Somalia.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Somalia is classified as a low-income economy. Somalia's GDP stands at $12.0B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 58.8 years in Somalia, a gap of 10.5 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 95% higher than Yemen's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Somalia (637,657 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Yemen (527,968 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Somalia borders 3 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Somalia's 1 timezone. Yemen lies in Asia, while Somalia is located in Africa. Yemen is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Somalia belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and Somalia is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Somalia's 67.8 per 1,000 represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Somalia is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Somalia's 19.7M represents a 40% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Somalia is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Somalia's 637,657 km² represents a 17% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Somalia's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Yemen is 2.0x more densely populated than Somalia (62 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Somalia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Yemen live an average of 10.5 years longer than those of Somalia (69.3 vs 58.8 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 Somalia for Families
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia 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 Somalia 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 Somalia. However, Somalia 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 Somalia for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Somalia 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 Somalia by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Yemen is 1.7 times more populous than Somalia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Somalia?
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 Somalia?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.5 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia's is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Somalia?
Somalia is larger by land area, covering 637,657 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km². Somalia is 1.2 times larger than Yemen.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Somalia?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Somalia recognizes: Arabic, Somali. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Somalia?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen or Somalia.
Is Yemen or Somalia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Yemen or Somalia 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 Somalia. However, Somalia may offer better value i...
Is Yemen or Somalia better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digi...