Yemen vs Malawi
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Yemen is 1.6 times more populous than Malawi. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 4.5 times larger than Malawi's 118,484 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 1.9 years higher than Malawi's 67.4 years.
YemenMalawi| Population | +57.6%32.7M | -36.6%20.7M |
| Area | +345.6%527,968 km² | -77.6%118,484 km² |
| GDP | — | $11.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $522.57 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.9%69.3 yrs | -2.8%67.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +18.0%34.7 | -15.3%29.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +241.5%17.3% | -70.7%5.1% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Lilongwe |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | English, Chewa |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | MWK (MK) |
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 1.6 times more populous than Malawi, with 32.7M residents compared to 20.7M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Malawi is a nation of 20.7M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Malawi averages 175 people per km² (moderate). Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Malawi.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Malawi is classified as a low-income economy. Malawi's GDP stands at $11.3B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Malawi's GDP per capita of $522.57 is 76% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 67.4 years in Malawi, a gap of 1.9 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Malawi (67.4 years) is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Yemen's infant mortality is 18% higher than Malawi's 29.4.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 4.5 times larger by land area than Malawi (118,484 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Malawi borders 3 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Malawi's 1 timezone. Yemen lies in Asia, while Malawi is located in Africa. Yemen is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Malawi belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and Malawi is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km² represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Malawi is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Malawi's 20.7M represents a 37% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Malawi is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Malawi's 29.4 per 1,000 represents a 15% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Malawi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Malawi is 2.8x more densely populated than Yemen (175 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 1.9 years longer than those of Malawi (69.3 vs 67.4 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
Yemen vs Malawi for Families
For family travel, Malawi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.4 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 Malawi's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Yemen vs Malawi 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 Malawi. However, Malawi 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 Malawi for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi 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 Malawi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Malawi 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 Malawi by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Yemen is 1.6 times more populous than Malawi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Malawi?
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 Malawi?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Malawi's 67.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.9 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Malawi's is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Malawi?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km². Yemen is 4.5 times larger than Malawi.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Malawi?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Malawi recognizes: English, Chewa. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Malawi?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Malawi's inflation rate is 32.2%.
Is Yemen or Malawi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malawi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.4 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 att...
Is Yemen or Malawi 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 Malawi. However, Malawi may offer better value in ...
Is Yemen or Malawi better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi 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 Malawi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Malawi covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digita...