Yemen vs Papua New Guinea
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Yemen is 2.8 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 1.1 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 3.2 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
YemenPapua New Guinea| Population | +177.4%32.7M | -64.0%11.8M |
| Area | +14.1%527,968 km² | -12.3%462,840 km² |
| GDP | — | $31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.8%69.3 yrs | -4.6%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +8.4%34.7 | -7.8%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +573.7%17.3% | -85.2%2.6% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Port Moresby |
| Region | Asia | Oceania |
| Languages | Arabic | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | PGK (K) |
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 2.8 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 32.7M residents compared to 11.8M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade, Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Papua New Guinea's GDP stands at $31.8B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 3.2 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Yemen's infant mortality is 8% higher than Papua New Guinea's 32.0.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Yemen lies in Asia, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Yemen is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and Papua New Guinea is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 64% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Papua New Guinea is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² represents a 12% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Papua New Guinea is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 represents a 8% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Yemen is 2.4x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (62 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Yemen live an average of 3.2 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (69.3 vs 66.1 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 Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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 Papua New Guinea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Yemen vs Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Yemen is 2.8 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Papua New Guinea?
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 Papua New Guinea?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.2 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Papua New Guinea?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Yemen is 1.1 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Papua New Guinea?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Papua New Guinea?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Papua New Guinea's inflation rate is 0.6%.
Is Yemen or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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-fr...
Is Yemen or Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea may of...
Is Yemen or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access...
Is Yemen or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries...