Yemen vs Nigeria
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 6.8 times more populous than Yemen. Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 1.7 times larger than Yemen's 527,968 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 14.8 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
YemenNigeria| Population | -85.4%32.7M | +584.7%223.8M |
| Area | -42.8%527,968 km² | +75.0%923,768 km² |
| GDP | — | $252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | +27.2%69.3 yrs | -21.4%54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -42.3%34.7 | +73.2%60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +465.3%17.3% | -82.3%3.1% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Abuja |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | English |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | NGN (₦) |
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
Nigeria is 6.8 times more populous than Yemen, with 223.8M residents compared to 32.7M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). While Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade, Nigeria has grown at 2.33% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. Nigeria's GDP stands at $252.3B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 14.8 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 73% higher than Yemen's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Yemen (527,968 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Yemen lies in Asia, while Nigeria is located in Africa. Yemen is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Nigeria belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and Nigeria is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Nigeria is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 43% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Nigeria is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 represents a 42% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Nigeria is 3.9x more densely populated than Yemen (242 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 Yemen live an average of 14.8 years longer than those of Nigeria (69.3 vs 54.5 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 Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria 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 Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria 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 Nigeria for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Nigeria 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 Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Nigeria is 6.8 times more populous than Yemen.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Nigeria?
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 Nigeria?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.8 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km². Nigeria is 1.7 times larger than Yemen.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Nigeria?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Nigeria?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Nigeria's inflation rate is 33.2%.
Is Yemen or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Yemen or Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria may offer better value i...
Is Yemen or Nigeria better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digi...