Yemen vs Sri Lanka
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Yemen is 1.5 times more populous than Sri Lanka. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 8.0 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Sri Lanka stands at 77.5 years, 8.2 years higher than Yemen's 69.3 years.
YemenSri Lanka| Population | +50.2%32.7M | -33.4%21.8M |
| Area | +704.7%527,968 km² | -87.6%65,610 km² |
| GDP | — | $99.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $4,515.568 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.6%69.3 yrs | +11.8%77.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +554.7%34.7 | -84.7%5.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +332.5%17.3% | -76.9%4.0% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Sinhala, Tamil |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | LKR (Rs රු) |
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 Sri Lanka, with 32.7M residents compared to 21.8M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Sri Lanka averages 332 people per km² (dense). Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sri Lanka.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. Sri Lanka's GDP stands at $99.0B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 77.5 years in Sri Lanka, a gap of 8.2 years. Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 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 555% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 8.0 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Sri Lanka borders 0 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Sri Lanka's 1 timezone. Both Yemen and Sri Lanka are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and Sri Lanka is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km² represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Sri Lanka is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Sri Lanka's 5.3 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Sri Lanka is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M represents a 33% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Sri Lanka is 5.4x more densely populated than Yemen (332 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 Sri Lanka live an average of 8.2 years longer than those of Yemen (77.5 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 Sri Lanka for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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 Sri Lanka's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Yemen vs Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka for Retirees
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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 Sri Lanka for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Yemen is 1.5 times more populous than Sri Lanka.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Sri Lanka?
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 Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a higher life expectancy at 77.5 years, compared to Yemen's 69.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.2 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sri Lanka's is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Sri Lanka?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Yemen is 8.0 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Sri Lanka?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Sri Lanka recognizes: Sinhala, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Sri Lanka?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Sri Lanka's inflation rate is -0.4%.
Is Yemen or Sri Lanka better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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 a...
Is Yemen or Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka may offer better val...
Is Yemen or Sri Lanka better for retirement?
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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, clima...
Is Yemen or Sri Lanka better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing ...