Yemen vs Rwanda
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Rwanda's 14.1M. Yemen is 2.3 times more populous than Rwanda. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 20.0 times larger than Rwanda's 26,338 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 1.5 years higher than Rwanda's 67.8 years.
YemenRwanda| Population | +131.7%32.7M | -56.8%14.1M |
| Area | +1904.6%527,968 km² | -95.0%26,338 km² |
| GDP | — | $14.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $999.655 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.2%69.3 yrs | -2.2%67.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +13.8%34.7 | -12.1%30.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +52.4%17.3% | -34.4%11.4% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Kigali |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | English, French, Kinyarwanda |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | RWF (Fr) |
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 2.3 times more populous than Rwanda, with 32.7M residents compared to 14.1M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Rwanda is a nation of 14.1M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Rwanda averages 536 people per km² (dense). Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Rwanda.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Rwanda is classified as a low-income economy. Rwanda's GDP stands at $14.3B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Rwanda's GDP per capita of $999.655 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 67.8 years in Rwanda, a gap of 1.5 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Rwanda (67.8 years) is 4.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Yemen's infant mortality is 14% higher than Rwanda's 30.5.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 20.0 times larger by land area than Rwanda (26,338 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Rwanda borders 4 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Rwanda's 1 timezone. Yemen lies in Asia, while Rwanda is located in Africa. Yemen is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Rwanda belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and Rwanda is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Rwanda is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Rwanda's 14.1M represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Rwanda is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Rwanda's 30.5 per 1,000 represents a 12% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Rwanda's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Rwanda is 8.7x more densely populated than Yemen (536 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 1.5 years longer than those of Rwanda (69.3 vs 67.8 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 Rwanda for Families
For family travel, Rwanda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.5 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 Rwanda's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Yemen vs Rwanda 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 Rwanda. However, Rwanda 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 Rwanda for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Rwanda 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 Rwanda for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Rwanda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Rwanda 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 Rwanda by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Rwanda's 14.1M. Yemen is 2.3 times more populous than Rwanda.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Rwanda?
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 Rwanda?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Rwanda's 67.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.5 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Rwanda's is 4.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Yemen or Rwanda?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km². Yemen is 20.0 times larger than Rwanda.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Rwanda?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Rwanda recognizes: English, French, Kinyarwanda. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Rwanda?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Rwanda's inflation rate is 1.8%.
Is Yemen or Rwanda better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Rwanda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.5 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 att...
Is Yemen or Rwanda 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 Rwanda. However, Rwanda may offer better value in ...
Is Yemen or Rwanda better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Rwanda 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 Rwanda better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Rwanda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Rwanda covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digita...