Yemen vs Cuba
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Yemen is 3.4 times more populous than Cuba. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 4.8 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 8.8 years higher than Yemen's 69.3 years.
YemenCuba| Population | +235.3%32.7M | -70.2%9.7M |
| Area | +380.5%527,968 km² | -79.2%109,884 km² |
| GDP | — | — |
| GDP Per Capita | — | — |
| Life Expectancy | -11.3%69.3 yrs | +12.7%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +425.8%34.7 | -81.0%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +892.1%17.3% | -89.9%1.7% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Havana |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic | Spanish |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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 3.4 times more populous than Cuba, with 32.7M residents compared to 9.7M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. GDP data is not available for either Yemen or Cuba. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 8.8 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 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 426% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 4.8 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Yemen lies in Asia, while Cuba is located in North America. Yemen is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and Cuba is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Cuba is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Cuba is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 1.4x more densely populated than Yemen (89 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 Cuba live an average of 8.8 years longer than those of Yemen (78.1 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 Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Yemen vs Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba 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 Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Cuba 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 Cuba by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Yemen is 3.4 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Yemen or Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Yemen and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Yemen's 69.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.8 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Cuba?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Yemen is 4.8 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Cuba?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen or Cuba.
Is Yemen or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 attrac...
Is Yemen or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in spec...
Is Yemen or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 pr...
Is Yemen or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...