Yemen vs Zimbabwe
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Yemen is 1.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 1.4 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 6.5 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
YemenZimbabwe| Population | +91.4%32.7M | -47.8%17.1M |
| Area | +35.1%527,968 km² | -26.0%390,757 km² |
| GDP | — | $41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +10.4%69.3 yrs | -9.4%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -14.5%34.7 | +17.0%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +86.4%17.3% | -46.4%9.3% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Harare |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | ZWL ($) |
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 1.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 32.7M residents compared to 17.1M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). While Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade, Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Zimbabwe's GDP stands at $41.5B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 6.5 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 40.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Zimbabwe's infant mortality is 17% higher than Yemen's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Yemen lies in Asia, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Yemen is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and Zimbabwe is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M represents a 48% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Zimbabwe is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² represents a 26% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Zimbabwe is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 represents a 15% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Yemen is 1.4x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (62 vs 44 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zimbabwe's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Yemen live an average of 6.5 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (69.3 vs 62.8 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 Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Yemen is 1.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Zimbabwe?
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 Zimbabwe?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.5 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe's is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Zimbabwe?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Yemen is 1.4 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Zimbabwe?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Zimbabwe recognizes: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen or Zimbabwe.
Is Yemen or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Yemen or Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe may offer better value...
Is Yemen or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Yemen or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing di...