YemenNorth Korea
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Yemen is 1.3 times more populous than North Korea. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 4.4 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years, 4.3 years higher than Yemen's 69.3 years.
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Yemen wins
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North Korea wins
Metric
YemenNorth Korea| Population | 32.7M | 25.9M |
| Area | 527,968 km² | 120,538 km² |
| GDP | — | — |
| GDP Per Capita | — | — |
| Life Expectancy | 69.3 yrs | 73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 34.7 | 14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 17.3% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Pyongyang |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Korean |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | KPW (₩) |
Last updated: April 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 1.3 times more populous than North Korea, with 32.7M residents compared to 25.9M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). While Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade, North Korea has grown at 0.42% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. GDP data is not available for either Yemen or North Korea. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 4.3 years. North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 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 139% higher than North Korea's 14.5.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 4.4 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Both Yemen and North Korea are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and North Korea is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and North Korea is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 58% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and North Korea is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 21% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 3.5x more densely populated than Yemen (215 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 North Korea live an average of 4.3 years longer than those of Yemen (73.6 vs 69.3 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
Yemen vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 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 North Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Yemen vs North Korea 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 North Korea. However, North Korea 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 North Korea for Retirees
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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.
Yemen vs North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while North Korea 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 North Korea by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Yemen is 1.3 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or North Korea?
GDP data is not available for Yemen or North Korea. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Yemen and North Korea?
North Korea has a higher life expectancy at 73.6 years, compared to Yemen's 69.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.3 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while North Korea's is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or North Korea?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Yemen is 4.4 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and North Korea?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen or North Korea.
Is Yemen or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 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-friendl...
Is Yemen or North Korea 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 North Korea. However, North Korea may offer better...
Is Yemen or North Korea better for retirement?
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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, cli...
Is Yemen or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...
Population Growth
Yemen, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
North Korea, 1994 to 2023