Iran vs Yemen
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Iran is 2.6 times more populous than Yemen. Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 3.1 times larger than Yemen's 527,968 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 8.4 years higher than Yemen's 69.3 years.
IranYemen| Population | +163.0%86.0M | -62.0%32.7M |
| Area | +212.2%1,648,195 km² | -68.0%527,968 km² |
| GDP | $475.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $5,190.17 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +12.1%77.7 yrs | -10.8%69.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -69.2%10.7 | +224.3%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -52.1%8.3% | +108.7%17.3% |
| Capital | Tehran | Sana'a |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Arabic |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | 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
Iran is 2.6 times more populous than Yemen, with 86.0M residents compared to 32.7M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate). Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Yemen is classified as a low-income economy. Iran's GDP stands at $475.3B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 69.3 years in Yemen, a gap of 8.4 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 224% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 3.1 times larger by land area than Yemen (527,968 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Yemen borders 2 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Yemen's 1 timezone. Both Iran and Yemen are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Yemen is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Yemen is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km² represents a 68% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Yemen is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Yemen's 32.7M represents a 62% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Yemen's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Yemen is 1.2x more densely populated than Iran (62 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 8.4 years longer than those of Yemen (77.7 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
Iran vs Yemen for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Yemen offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Yemen for Budget Travelers
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran 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.
Iran vs Yemen for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Iran vs Yemen for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran 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, Iran or Yemen by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Iran is 2.6 times more populous than Yemen.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran 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 Iran and Yemen?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Yemen's 69.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.4 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above 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, Iran or Yemen?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km². Iran is 3.1 times larger than Yemen.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Yemen?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Yemen recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Yemen?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Iran's inflation rate is 32.5%.
Is Iran or Yemen better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Yemen offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Iran or Yemen cheaper to visit?
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Yemen. However, Yemen may offer better value in specifi...
Is Iran or Yemen better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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 Iran or Yemen better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Yemen covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...