Yemen vs South Sudan
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Yemen is 2.1 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.2 times larger than Yemen's 527,968 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 11.7 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
YemenSouth Sudan| Population | +107.0%32.7M | -51.7%15.8M |
| Area | -14.8%527,968 km² | +17.4%619,745 km² |
| GDP | — | — |
| GDP Per Capita | — | — |
| Life Expectancy | +20.3%69.3 yrs | -16.9%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -52.2%34.7 | +109.2%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 17.3% | — |
| Capital | Sana'a | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | English |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | SSP (£) |
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 2.1 times more populous than South Sudan, with 32.7M residents compared to 15.8M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. GDP data is not available for either Yemen or South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 11.7 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while South Sudan (57.6 years) is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 72.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Sudan's infant mortality is 109% higher than Yemen's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Yemen (527,968 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Yemen lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Yemen is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 52% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and South Sudan is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 52% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and South Sudan is in life expectancy: Yemen's 69.3 years compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years represents a 17% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Yemen is 2.4x more densely populated than South Sudan (62 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Sudan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Yemen live an average of 11.7 years longer than those of South Sudan (69.3 vs 57.6 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 South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan 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 South Sudan 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 South Sudan. However, South Sudan 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 South Sudan for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Sudan 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 South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while South Sudan 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 South Sudan by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Yemen is 2.1 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or South Sudan?
GDP data is not available for Yemen or South Sudan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Yemen and South Sudan?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.7 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while South Sudan's is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km². South Sudan is 1.2 times larger than Yemen.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and South Sudan?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or South Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. South Sudan's inflation rate is 91.4%.
Is Yemen or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Yemen or South Sudan 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 South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better...
Is Yemen or South Sudan better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Sudan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Yemen or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...