Ethiopia vs Yemen
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Ethiopia is 3.4 times more populous than Yemen. Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 2.1 times larger than Yemen's 527,968 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 2.0 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
EthiopiaYemen| Population | +241.6%111.7M | -70.7%32.7M |
| Area | +109.2%1,104,300 km² | -52.2%527,968 km² |
| GDP | $149.7B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,133.883 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -2.9%67.3 yrs | +2.9%69.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2.9%35.7 | -2.8%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -80.8%3.3% | +421.3%17.3% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Sana'a |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Amharic | Arabic |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | YER (﷼) |
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
Ethiopia is 3.4 times more populous than Yemen, with 111.7M residents compared to 32.7M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate). While Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade, Yemen has grown at 3.00% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Yemen is classified as a low-income economy. Ethiopia's GDP stands at $149.7B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 69.3 years in Yemen, a gap of 2.0 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ethiopia's infant mortality is 3% higher than Yemen's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Yemen (527,968 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Yemen borders 2 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Yemen's 1 timezone. Ethiopia lies in Africa, while Yemen is located in Asia. Ethiopia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Yemen belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Yemen is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Yemen's 32.7M represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Yemen is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km² represents a 52% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Yemen is in life expectancy: Ethiopia's 67.3 years compared to Yemen's 69.3 years represents a 3% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Yemen's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Ethiopia is 1.6x more densely populated than Yemen (101 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 2.0 years longer than those of Ethiopia (69.3 vs 67.3 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Yemen for Families
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Yemen for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Yemen. However, Yemen may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ethiopia vs Yemen for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Yemen for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Yemen 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, Ethiopia or Yemen by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Ethiopia is 3.4 times more populous than Yemen.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Yemen?
GDP data is not available for Yemen. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Yemen?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.0 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Yemen's is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ethiopia or Yemen?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km². Ethiopia is 2.1 times larger than Yemen.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Yemen?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Yemen recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Yemen?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Ethiopia's inflation rate is 21.0%.
Is Ethiopia or Yemen better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Ethiopia or Yemen cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Yemen. However, Yemen may offer better value i...
Is Ethiopia or Yemen better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia or Yemen better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Yemen covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing di...