Malaysia vs Yemen
Malaysia has a population of 34.2M, compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Malaysia is 1.0 times more populous than Yemen. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 1.6 times larger than Malaysia's 330,803 km². Life expectancy in Malaysia stands at 76.7 years, 7.4 years higher than Yemen's 69.3 years.
MalaysiaYemen| Population | +4.7%34.2M | -4.5%32.7M |
| Area | -37.3%330,803 km² | +59.6%527,968 km² |
| GDP | $422.2B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $11,874.427 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +10.6%76.7 yrs | -9.6%69.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -80.4%6.8 | +410.3%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -78.3%3.8% | +360.2%17.3% |
| Capital | Kuala Lumpur | Sana'a |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Malay | Arabic |
| Currencies | MYR (RM) | 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
Malaysia is 1.0 times more populous than Yemen, with 34.2M residents compared to 32.7M. Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people, while Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people. In terms of population density, Malaysia averages 103 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 Malaysia.
Economy Comparison
Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Yemen is classified as a low-income economy. Malaysia's GDP stands at $422.2B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malaysia is 76.7 years, compared to 69.3 years in Yemen, a gap of 7.4 years. Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 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 410% higher than Malaysia's 6.8.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Malaysia (330,803 km²). Malaysia shares borders with 3 countries, while Yemen borders 2 countries. Malaysia spans 1 timezone, compared to Yemen's 1 timezone. Both Malaysia and Yemen are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Malaysia and Yemen is in infant mortality: Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 compared to Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Yemen is in land area: Malaysia's 330,803 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km² represents a 37% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Yemen is in life expectancy: Malaysia's 76.7 years compared to Yemen's 69.3 years represents a 10% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy and Yemen's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Malaysia is 1.7x more densely populated than Yemen (103 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 Malaysia live an average of 7.4 years longer than those of Yemen (76.7 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
Malaysia vs Yemen for Families
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 Malaysia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malaysia vs Yemen for Budget Travelers
Malaysia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $11,874.427 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malaysia 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.
Malaysia vs Yemen for Retirees
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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.
Malaysia vs Yemen for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia 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, Malaysia or Yemen by population?
Malaysia is larger by population, with 34.2M residents compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Malaysia is 1.0 times more populous than Yemen.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malaysia 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 Malaysia and Yemen?
Malaysia has a higher life expectancy at 76.7 years, compared to Yemen's 69.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.4 years. Malaysia's life expectancy is 4.7 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, Malaysia or Yemen?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Malaysia's 330,803 km². Yemen is 1.6 times larger than Malaysia.
What languages are spoken in Malaysia and Yemen?
Malaysia recognizes the following languages: English, Malay. Yemen recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malaysia or Yemen?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Malaysia's inflation rate is 1.8%.
Is Malaysia or Yemen better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 at...
Is Malaysia or Yemen cheaper to visit?
Malaysia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $11,874.427 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malaysia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Yemen. However, Yemen may offer better value ...
Is Malaysia or Yemen better for retirement?
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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, climat...
Is Malaysia or Yemen better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while Yemen covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing di...